Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Cincy_bob's Living Room SET System
IP Address: 216.196.142.4	Last Update: February 02, 2009 at 08:50:04
Amplifier:	Morrow Audio 300B1S split chassis 300B SET monoblocks, 10wpc, 6SN7 input/driver tube transformer-coupled to a 300B output tube, custom Electra-Print output transformers
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Promitheus Audio Signature TVC, two chassis dual-mono transformer volume control passive preamp based on double C-core transformers featuring 0.05 mm core laminations and custom Elma volume controls and selector switches
Speakers:	Living Voice Auditorium Avatar IBX-R2, 94dB sensitive two-way featuring a first-order crossover, a pair of 7-inch drivers and a ScanSpeak Revelator tweeter in a MTM configuration
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) CD-77, CD player with tube output stage
Turntable/Phono Stage:	VPI TNT 6 turntable with rim-drive mechanism, SME IV tonearm and Benz L2 cartridge, feeds a Benx Micro Lukaschek PP-1 T9 solid state phono stage
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Morrow Audio Reference MA3 interconnects, Analysis Plus Silver Oval phono cable, Morrow Audio Reference SP3 speaker cables, Jena Labs Fundamental Power One AC power cord (used on AMR CD-77 CD player), Morrow Audio MAP3 AC power cords (used on 300B monoblocks)
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Devoted AC power system that starts with a separate meter tap and includes a 7.5kVA MGE Topaz ultra-isolation transformer, a devoted panel in the basement under the living room, and eight separate home-run branch circuits wired with 10AWG twisted-pair solid copper wiring. DIY high-mass rack constructed using a thick welded steel frame and SRA proprietary stone shelves.
Tweaks:	Eight Porter Port AC receptacles, three pairs of 300B output tubes to suit the music and the mood: Western Electric 300Bs, Sophia Princess Carbon Plate 300Bs and TJ Mesh Plate 300Bs
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 15 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	The speakers are set up on the long wall about 11.5 feet apart forming an equilateral triangle with the listening seat. Room treatments consist of a large media storage shelf on the front wall between the speakers to provide diffusion, a large heavy curtain covering most of rear wall behind the listening seat to provide absorption, and a wool area rug with a thick pad to treat floor reflections.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	On this system: small group jazz, classical chamber music, vocals
System Goals/Comments:	The goal of this system is to play small scale acoustic music with all the intimacy and presence made possible by SOTA 300B SET amplification when paired with synergistic two-way speakers. Another objective of this system is to be small and unobtrusive so as not to impinge on the aesthetics and function of the living room.
System Strengths:	Outstanding presence and transparency with a wide soundstage and very solid color-saturated images. Excellent frequency extension, speed and dynamics that defy what conventional wisdom regards as possible with SET amplification.
System Weaknesses:	This system was built to do small scale acoustic music exceedingly well. Large scale music, like orchestral works, is pleasant enough, but the sound does not hold a candle to what can be achieved with this sort of music on a larger, more powerful system.
Video/HT System: None
URL Link: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vscnd&1187064942
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Wine, food, running