Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Karma16's Mother (named for my ARC D-250) System
IP Address: 65.19.26.161	Last Update: April 24, 2011 at 06:50:43
Amplifier:	* Audio Research D-250 MK II Servo (250W/channel, all tube); the Mother of All Amps; * Mark Levinson No. 23 amp (400w/channel into the subs 4 ohm load) for subwoofers
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	* Audio Research SP-11 Mk II (full set of Amperex 6922 Bugle Boy tubes)
Speakers:	* Martin Logan CLSIIA electrostatics biamped with * Dual Kinnergetics SW-800 subwoofers
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	* Sony X7ESD used as deck * Anodyne Adapt tube DAC
Turntable/Phono Stage:	* Sota Nova vacuum turntable with Eminent Technology ET-2 air bearing linear tracking arm and low output (.2 mV) Monster Sigma 2000 MC cartridge * Oracle Delphi V/Granite base/Turbo Power Supply with Eminent Technology ET-2.5 air bearing linear tracking arm with medium output (.4 mV) Lyra Skala MC cartridge. * Thorens TD 125 with a Graham 2.2 unipivot arm and a Audio Technica AT-OC9ML/II medium output (.4 mV) MC This is my "Blue Collar" table used to audition new/used records. * Aesthetix Rhea all tube phono stage. * Custom air bearing air supply. I run the arms at 27 PSI.
Other Source(s):	* Nakamich Dragon (a prized item!) * Nakamichi ZX-7 * Revox B 160 FM tuner
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	* Self designed and made interconnects and speaker cables
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	* Home made equipment rack * Lead Balloon turntable stands completely lead filled (250 lbs each) for both turntables. * High Power Isolation Transformers (use 3) * D250 on dedicated power line * Home made passive high pass crossover, * Kinnergetics low pass crossover * VPI 17 Record Washer
Tweaks:	Too many to mention. Everything is spiked.
Room Size (LxWxH):	28 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Heavy carpet. All first reflection surfaces treated; wide band diffusers behind speakers, room is slightly on the dark side of neutral-works well with the CLS's. Bass traps in all corners.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Eclectic tastes: Classical of all periods, Acid Rock; all types of Jazz; Pipe Organ; Northern Indian Classical; Electronic Music; Folk; Female Vocals
System Goals/Comments:	Very satisfied; not planning any major changes (gasp!!)
System Strengths:	Extraordinary image focus; great dynamics, resolution and detail; wonderful soundstage ;Integration between the CLSIIA's and the subs is seamless; Thundering bass to sub 20Hz
System Weaknesses:	Tubes are expensive, wish room was bigger 14 X 28 X 8), wish Mother put out less heat
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	* Hitachi 42HDT52 42' plasma (this is a bedroom system)
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	* Denon 3805 AV receiver used for 5.1 processing and powering the rear channels. * Krell KAV-280P stereo preamp for the 2 channel path * Krell 3250 amp for the front 3 channels
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	* B&W 805S front left & right * B&W HTM4S center * B&W SCMS rears * Dual B&W ASW800 subs
Sources (DVD/VCR):	* Denon 3910 player * California Audio Labs Sigma II tube DAC for stereo use * Nakamichi CR-4A cassette deck
Other HT Gear:	* Custom subwoofer switching with home made remote control volume for subs in stereo mode
Comments on HT System:	Does well both for HT or stereo use, the B&W 805S speakers are outstanding. Used on the dedicated 805S stands.
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Music, computers, 4 wheeling, reading, photography, movies, Pro football (Go Cowboys!)