Decent system, tiny apartment

by dizzyizzid on Opinions Please

Description

My journey to audio nirvana in a small apartment. I appreciate comments. Thanks for looking

-D

updated 02/08/09

several new gears have arrived.

Slimdevices Transporter didn't make the cut is its out. Bel Canto DAC3 is in, so are Aesthetix Calypso, Kimber 8TC speaker cables, Nordost blue heaven XLR balanced, and Kimber Hero XLR.

My system sounds different but I'm liking the sound.

I'll be busy listening and comparing the next few months and deciding which to sell.

Updated 12/26/08

New picture; added slim devices transporter. So far not very satisfied. The web interface is not as intuitive as iTunes (hard to see all music catalog). The sound itself is not as good as my ikemi. Not sure if i want to keep or return yet.

Updated 11/10/08

Some changes have been made. For music, I added a subwoofer (ACI Force XL). I'm using a high pass filter between pre and amp. The biggest advantages are that the bloated sound in the upper bass and is gone and it sounds less polite. This comes with the expense of thinner and slighly more analytical sound. So far I like the change but can't really say for sure if it is an upgrade in sound or just horizontal change.

I also added 4.1 sound for video. The system is so so for home theater purposes but my main priority is music, so for now it will do.

updated 12/01/06

**deleted since system strength/weaknesses doesn't apply anymore
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Components Toggle details

    • Linn Ikemi
    smooth, very good frequency extension, but sound a bit lean or dry
    • Bel Canto Design DAC-3
    early impression sounds very good
    • Rega Planar 3
    The original version with stock arm
    • Grado Sonata
    This is the 5 mV version (MM). Very liquid midrange but frequency extension could be better.
    • Sony DVP-S9000es
    Mostly used for DVD and SACD.
    • Aesthetix Calypso
    Sound better than my VTL but haven't thoroughly compared yet.
    • VTL TL-2.5
    My first tube component. Slighly on the brighter side of tubes, but very musical and dynamic. Mates very well with my plinius
    • Plinius SA-100 mkIII
    My favorite component. Compliments the slightly lean presentation of ikemi and bright sound of VTL.
    • JM lab Micro Utopia Be
    Surprisingly good bass for the size. Really grain free and depth is just amazing. Imaging is OK (probably because of my room)
    • ACI Force XL
    Great sub for the price. specifically made for music (sealed enclosure, class AB, versatile filter adjustments)
    • Shunyata Hydra 8
    Latest addition. To be honest, not as good as I thought but havent made a decision yet
    • Pionner PDP-5070HD
    Upgraded from my panasonic plasma. much more user friendly (with HD tuner) and nicer looking as well
    • Atlantis Reference A/V
    great look and my system sounds better (especially my rega).
    • Sony PS3
    for games, Blu-ray, and streaming media
    • JM Labs Chorus 705
    Used as surround speakers
    • Nordost Blue Heaven XLR
    XLR
    • Kimber Hero XLR
    on loan to try
    • Monster Cable M1000
    0.5 meter - From Ikemi to VTL and Sony SCD9000ES to VTL
    • PS Audio Xstream Plus
    4 M - The sound is on the warm side
    • Linn interconnect from Ikemi
    1 m, used from VTL to Plinius
    • Kimber Kable 8TC
    speaker wire 8 feet
    • Audioquest Entry level model
    Can't tell the difference between this one and stock version.
    • PS audio Statement Power Cord
    Only bought this due to the deep discount. I don't think it is a good fit for my system.
    • PS audio Plus Power cord
    Hydra to Plinius
    • ASC half tube traps
    3 half traps - I think it made the biggest difference in the sound
    • Auralex Elite B22 Flat Panel
    first reflection absorption (total of 4)
    • Audiosource Amp
    Amp for surround speakers

Comments 47

Showing all comments by mceljo.

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I'm far from a true audiphile, but when the Diablo's were hooked to Krell amplifiers (300 or 400 watts each) they were simply amazing to me. When the store sold the Krell amps and replaced them with with the Asthetix, I've been disappointed with the sound ever time I've been in since. Don't get me wrong, it all still sounds great, just not what it was. I've heard both amps hooked to Focal speakers ranging from 706v, Diablo & Grande EM and the Asthetics just made everything a bit more harsh to my ears...sort of the analog vs. digital difference.

I've talked to several other customers that have the mini monitors and love them.

mceljo

If your speakers sound anything like the newer Utopia Diablo's they should sound wonderful. In my opinion, the Diablo's sound significantly better when hooked to a Krell amplifier than they do to the Asthetix. I'm not sure the specific models I've heard, but if you ever consider changing out your amplifier, make sure to consider a Krell product.

I'd love you have your speakers!

mceljo

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