Description

Not the highest end system, but can definitely rock out - as well as present pretty convincing soundstage, vocals, imaging and instruments. Configuration subject to change as whims and budget allow.
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Components Toggle details

    • Cary Audio DAC-200ts
    Upscaling DAC with optional tube output
    • Bottlehead Tube Repro
    Direct-head outboard amplifier
    • McIntosh MC2300
    SS amp
    • Cary Audio CAD 120S MKII
    Tube amplifier
    • JBL L100 Classic 75s
    bi-amped:
    MC2300 for bass
    CAD 120S MKII for mids / highs
    • McIntosh C41
    SS preamp
    • Cocktail Audio X50D
    Streamer / CD ripper
    • Denon DVD2900
    CD/DVD player
    • Otari MX-5050 BII-2
    2-channel, 2-track 1/4" reel to reel
    Modified for direct-head output
    • Nakamichi Dragon
    Cassette deck, fully restored
    • Teac X-1000r
    2-channel, 4-track 1/4 reel to reel
    • AC Infinty rack mount exhaust fan
    Keeps the Bottlehead cool
    • Nakamichi CR-7A
    cassette deck, fully restored
    • Tascam LA-40 MKIII
    4-channel bi-rection line level converter. For the balanced ins and outs on the Otari R2R.
    • dbx 228
    Dynamic range expander / noise reduction
    • Tascam DA-20 MKII
    DAT deck
    • dbx 200 XG
    Program route selector
    • Furman Elite 15 PFi
    • Pyle PDU power strip surge protector (x2)
    rack mounted power strip

Comments 11

Showing all comments by islandmandan.

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rjssully,

I enjoyed seeing your system, but it made me want to mention the fine amplifier I purchased from Paul Birkeland, the designer and builder for Bottlehead. I bought an SET 3C24 amp from him, and while I liked it a great deal, I was having problems dealing with the combination of tubes that were in it. 

That was most likely my own fault, having  been a fairly recent recruit into using tube equipment (that being mostly the fault of the great Art Dudley). Paul then had me bring the amp back to him (he lives just a hundred miles or so from me), and he converted the amp into using SET 812 output tubes, which have been a Godsend to me and my system.

The amp drives my 150 liter Tannoy HPD 315's with aplomb, and  now with over 50 years in this great hobby, my system sounds the best it ever has. Paul has been great to deal with, and the amp hasn't given me a single problem since I got it back from him over a year ago now. 

I just love that!

Regards,
Dan, Whidbey Island, WA

islandmandan