Control Room M

by mashif on Done 4 foreseeable future
Room 07-11-2025
Rack 7-11-2025
Back wall
Bay Window has non parallel surfaces plus windows. There's a 24x48x4 movable panel in the middle.4
JBL 4311wxa control monitors with my DIY grill fabric.
4311wxa without grill. Still sounding and looking good after 46 years.

Description

I have been building this system for 3 years. The first year I had basic electronics and spent that time on room acoustics. Once I could hear clearly, I began upgrading components and the system is finished (for now). I will probably experiment with cable changes over time and am always open to finding better speakers.
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Components Toggle details

    • Innuos Pulse
    • Panasonic DVD-S52
    99% of my listening is streaming and I only play CDs of the few recordings not available on my service. It extracts the digital files well enough.
    • Bryston BDA3n
    The BDA3n is a special version of the BDA3 DAC without HDMI inputs. I don't anticipate ever needing them.
    • Linear Tube Audio MICROZOTL MZ2 Preamp/Headphone amp
    RCA 12AU7 input tubes
    GE 6SN7GTA output tubes
    • Schiit Kara
    Another recent addition, it is a very neutral SS preamp. It's quiet and versatile, with balanced I/O, a passive mode, and two stages of gain. It sounds fine on its own but I primarily use it in passive mode for connection purposes. I can have multiple preamps passing through and switch between them instantly.
    • White Instruments Model 4856 Active Equalizer
    I use this to surgically reduce sibilance. I'm really sensitive to it and it distracts from my listening pleasure. It also replaced my Marchand HPF to reduce bass frequencies to my mains.
    • Bryston 3b Cubed
    I recently (11/24) replaced my Parasound A23+ with the new Bryston. They're similar in many ways but the Bryston outperforms at everything. Dead quiet, stunning transparency, that rare combination of warm and crystal clear. Everything sounds exactly right.
    And as an added bonus, it's 35lbs. That's important at my age. 
    • JBL 4311wxa
    These unique speakers have been with me since 1978. The incredible dynamics and rich acoustic and harmonic interaction between the drivers due to a simple first order crossover, the concentric driver layout, and the midrange wired in reverse polarity, is unique to this model.
    I built new crossovers in April 2024 with Solen FastCaps and DH Labs hookup wire. New L-Pads means no cleaning for many years. The transient response is remarkable. 
    • SVS SB2000 Pro
    Single subwoofer. I tried two but decided one sounded better in my room. It blends beautifully with my mains.
    • Romeo Cables RCA interconnect
    Neotech LECT-20 OCC with KLEI Copper Harmony connectors. For Subwoofer.
    • Transparent Audio Premier 75ohm Digital Cable
    • Cardas Audio Clear Sky x4 Speaker Cables
    • Morrow Audio Level 4 XLR interconnects
    • Transparent Audio MusicWave Plus RCA Interconnects
    from DAC to Preamp and out to amp.
    • Schiit Audio Valhalla 2 Tube headphone/preamp. Not pictured
    Headphone amp in another room. I rarely listen on headphones and this is more than adequate.
    • DH Labs USB cable

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