Inmate Systems - Audio Asylum

andyr's 'SkeletaLinn' / 12" Univector / AKSA / 'zero baffle' spkrs System
IP Address: 124.182.46.30	Last Update: April 13, 2023 at 18:31:28
Amplifier:	AKSA Class A power amps for 2-way active bi-amping. Plus 2 x 800w Class D plate amps for my subs.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	No 'preamp', as such. Phono stage feeds an A2D converter; the output from this plus 3 other digital sources feed into a 4-way digital source selector. The output from the digital source selector goes into a miniDSP 'nanoDIGI 2x8' ... from there into 6 amplifier channels via 3x Topping E30 DACs.
Speakers:	After having 3-way active Maggies for over 25 years, I moved to some 2-way active 'zero baffle' spkrs using SB Acoustics 'Satori' drivers - plus 2x 15" Dayton 'Ultimax' subs.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	H-K CDR-20 (bought initially for recording my LPs).
Turntable/Phono Stage:	'SkeletaLinn' with 12" GoldenAge Audio Univector arm plus a 9" Magnepan Unitrac recently replaced a Linn LP12 with Khan top-plate/Lingo 2/Graham 2.2/Cetech CF-composite subchassis & armboard/custom Tasmanian Myrtle plinth. ZYX 'Ultimate Airy' cartridge on the 12" Univector & Stanton 'WOS CS100' on the Unitrac. The SkeletaLinn uses the core LP12 components: * 3 springs & grommets * Karousel bearing, * inner/outer platters ... but has no top-plate or plinth. A triangular 'chassis' made from Panzerholtz sits on the springs (which are under the corners of the triangle) and supports the bearing and the arms. Power supply is from the new Oz TT mfr "Number9" - which can supply a variable AC voltage to 2 separate 24v Premotec AC motor (as used by Rega). The #9 TT PSU offers sophisticated power delivery capabilities: * adjustment of mains HZ for 33 and 45rpm (to 3 decimal places). * phase adjustment between the motor wire pairs - to minimise motor vibration (to 3 dp). * voltage adjustment - both start-up and ongoing. Interestingly enough, raising the ongoing voltage to 27v (for a nominally 24v motor) substantially increased the SQ. The motor gets slightly warm at this voltage - but certainly not hot (the problem when supplying a higher voltage). * individual control of 2 separate motors & belts - with a variable phase difference between the 2 motors. My own 'Muse' battery powered, JFET-based, MC phono stage recently replaced a Bill Beard BBP100 discrete ss phono stage (with upgraded power supply).
Other Source(s):	Sangean DAB+ digital/internet radio tuner.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Currently nothing special. Some ICs from Allen Wright's (Vacuum State Electronics) "The Super Cable Cookbook". Each channel consist of 2 strands of XLO Teflon-insulated, solid-core Cu wrapped around a 4mm teflon tube ... kinda like a 'lightweight racing' XLO.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Nitty Gritty RCM. DIY isolation platforms for phonostage and preamp. These consist of a 15kg slab of slate resting on 8 squash balls (see www.enjoythemusic.com for the basic idea).
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 ft x 19 ft x 9 ft
Room Comments/Treatments:	A large cork painting on one of the long walls, to stop "slap echo".
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Baroque to Pink Floyd, Bob Marley and Jean Michel Jarre, opera and some jazz.
System Goals/Comments:	IMO, superb vinyl reproduction ... going flat to 20Hz, with the recently-added subs.
System Strengths:	Very coherent reproduction for small forces.
System Weaknesses:	Soundstage depth - being worked on!
Video/HT System: None
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	I make a great-sounding phono stage (the 'Muse') and some power treatment devices.