Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

jrb15's ATC/YBA/LINN/CHORD System
IP Address: 71.156.36.227	Last Update: November 03, 2008 at 20:38:39
Amplifier:	YBA Passion Integrated for upstairs system
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	1. YBA Passion 400 2. Electrocompaniet 4.6
Speakers:	ATC Active Anniversary 50s downstairs (ATC passive 20s and 10s, and Heybrook Classic HB2s for upstairs and possible future surround downstairs.)
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Chord Blu/DAC64
Turntable/Phono Stage:	LINN LP-12: EAR 834P
Other Source(s):	LINN Classik in bedroom
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	LINN Silver; YBA Diamond; and Apogee Electronics pro balanced WYDE EYE cable from preamps/processors to balanced active speakers
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Sound Anchor stands for all smaller speakers
Tweaks:	Custom steel/wood/plexi/granite stand for LP-12; custom plexi/granite/silicone isolation for electronics
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 14 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	Well, none really
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All over the map
System Goals/Comments:	Musically convincing and satisfying (as opposed to sonically impressive), rhythmically vivid, agile, midrange body and soundstage depth
System Strengths:	Downstairs: Natural colors, effortless presentation with lifelike dynamics, clean in the room all the way to 25hz, rhythmically alive, and depth without exaggeration. Upstairs: YBA/ATC 10s and 20s musically convincing, rhythmically vivid, tonally neutral.
System Weaknesses:	Downstairs: None, musically, from the equipment to my taste--though those who prefer wall to wall sound will find the stage width narrow; the Active Anniversary 50s do limit the input to balanced preamps with low output impedance; and the sound could be improved some at higher volumes by more attention to room treatment than I'm willing to give. Upstairs: just missing low bass--very satisfying sound for me.
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	Samsung pro PPM50M5H (50'' plasma)
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Bryston SP-2 processor/preamp Bryston PowerPac 60 monoblocs for rears
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	front: three active ATC 10s; rear: passive ATC 7s; sub: 2 Velodyne DD-12s
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Denon (temporary: waiting for a bit to see if next gen--BluRay, etc.--arrives soon)
Comments on HT System:	All a pleasant surprise: Samsung pro screen a huge surprise. Excellent definition and natural color without saturation. Sound is as clear, natural and dynamic as I could have imagined in a small room (15'x14'x8'.)