Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Kiwi Brian's Main System
IP Address: 118.92.208.81	Last Update: July 02, 2009 at 03:50:06
Amplifier:	DIY. Ken power's 5842 - IT - 45, TJ Mesh 45's and NOS TungSol 45's to choose from. Amperex gold pin 5842's. Article here
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	DIY HiFi Django - TVC - very sweet!
Speakers:	Open Baffle Phillips AD 5200M + Coral 8A-40. Yeah - two full rangers in one OB. Tried it as an experiment, and haven't had any reason to change it yet.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	1. Tweaked Sony CDP-590. Dual PCM56P DAC's, converted to passive I/V (Vishay) and tubed output stage (http://www.lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/Lampizator.html). All electrolytics changed to Blackgates. Awaiting a Tentlabs XO clock. Sounds very un-fatiguing, but not quite anlog yet. 2. Cambridge D500SE - now relegated to second string
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Garrard 301 (used to be my Dad's) in an Oak butchers' block plinth; diy Schroeder clone arm - 12", kwila (wood) wand; Nude DL103; Nude Soundsmith retipped DL103, Shelter 501 (fully clothed), DL102 1. DIY phono by inmate Naz. All tube, 65dB, quiet, detailed, dynamic, stunning. 2. Thorsten Valve El Cheapo with +/- head amp or SUT's 3.DIY HiFi Cole phono stage Cinemag SUT's; single FET head amp (DIY) available - I like it better than the SUT's
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	cat 5
Tweaks:	Always.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, a little classical, pop, rock
System Goals/Comments:	Aiming for "presence" even at lowish volumes - necessary with a young family! Satisfaction of DIY has been a significant part of the enjoyment, and got me back into audio after 10 years in the wilderness...
System Strengths:	Female vocals; small group jazz. Bob Dylan sounds really good at the moment (except for his harmonica..)
System Weaknesses:	Large scale orchestral - gets a bit confused sounding
Video/HT System: Integrated