This is really my first venture into the world of hi-fi.

The Denon DVD-2200 serves as my primary source. It plays CDs, DVD-Audio discs, and SACDs.

From the Denon, I go S/PDIF into the Grace Design Model 901. The 901 is my DAC and pre-amp. Because it was originally intended as a headphone amp, I have a custom, silver-clad cable to go from the 1/4" outputs to the RCA inputs of my amp. (So many people were using the 901's as a pre-amp, that Grace added RCA outputs to the m902.)

So, via my custom silver-clad cable, the signal goes into the CI Audio VMB-1 monoblocks. These were the pre-curser to Dusty's D100 monoblocks. These are relatively new to me, and replace my old B&K ST-120 amp.

From the VMB-1's, I then use a custom speaker cable. They are 12 gauge silver-clad copper cables. These go into my Von Schweikert VR-1 monitors.

(also shown in the complete system photo is a Sony PCM-R500 DAT deck to the left of the TV, a Monster Power HTS3500II line condintioner/surge protector and a VCR just below the monoblocks, and my old B&K st-120 amp sitting on the floor to the right)

Now that that is out of the way, here's what I think. I'm happy with the system for now. My interconnect cable from the Grace > VMB-1, is only about 3-feet, and the two cables are tied together. That's why the monoblocks are sitting right next to each other. I'm thinking of getting a longer interconnect cable custom made, seperate the monblocks, and then I can use shorter speaker cables. Right now, my speaker cables are 8-feet long.

What do you think? I don't think I'm losing any of the benefits of having monoblocks by putting them right next to each other? or am I? would I be better off with a longer IC and shorter speaker wires?