I’ve been in this hobby for more than 50 years and gone through more equipment over the years than I care to remember. Up until a few years ago, I played records almost exclusively. Once I began streaming music, I found that I was playing records less and less. Finally, I sold all of my analog source components, packed up all my CD’s and began streaming exclusively. I also moved my system to a much smaller space. Up until recently I also always had big everything; amps, speakers, etc. in rooms with home theaters combined at times. My room now is 10 x 14, a much more intimate listening experience than I’ve typically had over the years. I liken it to a small jazz club that I spend countless hours in now that I’m retired and living the good life 😙.
When it gets too hot during the summer for a tube amp, the Class D mono blocks are the next best thing.
Cardas Clear and Clear Beyond
I’ve been a Cardas guy for many, many years. Moving up their line to my present cables. Power cables are Clear Beyond, and speaker and interconnect cables are Clear except for my Atma-Sphere connection where I use Mogami.
QLN Premier One
A wonderful, well rounded monitor, with smoothness and fullness you don’t find in too many speakers. I can listen fatigue free for hours.
Core Audio Speaker stands
Stands make a difference and these stands from Core Audio are not only beautiful imo but add a solidity and fullness to the music that I’ve never obtained with metal stands.
Atma-Sphere MP3 line stage
I’ve always been a “tube guy” and this preamp remains the core of my system despite currently using only one (digital) source.
Furutech FPX Cu AC Outlets
Two dedicated 20amp circuits are used, one for digital and the other for amps.
Atma-Sphere S30 OTL Amplifier
Perfect mate to my MP3. Wonderfully transparent and musical.
Denafrips Terminator Plus 12-1 DAC
One of my first DAC’s was the Denafrips Ares II. Since then along with trying other DAC’s I’ve moved up the Denafrips line three times to my current T+. The Terminator with tube electronics are a wonderful match.
Audioquest Niagara 3000 Power Conditioner
Connected to 20 amp dedicated circuit.
Innuos Pulsar
My most recent addition along with a Stealth Audio USB cable from the streamer to DAC. Streamers, DAC’s and digital cables have come such a long way in the last few years I can honestly say I no longer miss getting up every 15 minutes to flip records 🥴
Latest addition to my system is the Innuos PheonixNet switch. Probably one of the more controversial components in today’s world of digital audio, I have had very positive results. The music seems to “soften” up a bit after adding the switch and kind of float around in front of you. A lower noise floor which you really don’t hear, brings out the details of the music much more. At least in my system, it has been a very worthwhile addition.
Now that the weather is warming up, the S30 takes the sideline and Class D take over. So far the Class D are sounding a little bit better than they did during the switch over last year. Maybe it’s because of some other changes I’ve made since the last time they were in the system. When asked, I think the biggest difference I hear between the Atma-Sphere S30 OTL and their Class D is the bass. Something about OTL bass and the soft more natural timbre when compared to Class A, AB, or D is what stands out to me. It makes the music sound more natural and easier to listen to. Mid range and highs do sound very similar. BTW in case you notice something is a little off in the photos, they are taken in panoramic mode with my iPad. Now that the weather is nice no paws in the photos either. She must be out chasing squirrels 🙃.
@gryphongryph thanks for the complement. I’ve always wanted to try the smaller Graham Audio speakers now that I’m in a small room. I think they’re around 15ohm which would be a nice match for my Atma-Sphere OTL’s. I think I’d miss the fullness and bass that the QLN’s provide though. And like you say, the disappearing act the QLN’s also provide is a tough act to follow. Still have time though so who knows Graham may still be in the cards. I recently pick-up an ampsandsound SET amp primarily for headphone listening but for speakers the Graham are something that might also go nicely with this amp too for low-level near field listening.
I’m glad you reminded me that the Belles run hot. It was in the running for Merlin speakers in a second system at my beach house in lieu of tubes. But I’m looking to cool things down, not heat them up particularly during the summer when I spend my time at the beach😎.
Regarding Class D and soul, when comparing A/S Class D to the A/S OTL’s it’s the one thing imo they’re missing. But I still enjoy them very much, and in many other regards they’re as good (or even better) than OTL’s. Who know’s maybe one day Class D will progress to that point. If you’re looking to cool things down a bit I’d take a hard look at both Atma-Sphere and AGD. They’re probably others too. I just haven’t heard them.
Beautiful system, I love QLN, had the QLN Signature in the 90’s, still hear them at my brothers place.
I ended up buying a pair of Graham Audio LS 5/9 a few years ago when upgrading to my current system, I was in correspondence for a few weeks with Mads when he bought his company back and started designing the speaker line they have now, I love my speakers, but sometimes wished I had taken him up on a fully finished pre production pair for a forth of the price they go for now🙈😂 Mads Andersen is a very gifted designer and a great person.
Truth is I really wanted to hear the BBC sound and it has suited me well, so well that if I was to upgrade it would probably be to the LS 5/5 from Graham.
One thing the QLN do unbelievable well is disappearing, it is impossible to place the speakers if one closes one’s eyes, at least that is how I remembered them.
I see you have AtmaSphere class D mono amps, can I ask your opinion on them ? Do they have soul so to speak?
I have been thinking going to a cooler amp, I run Belles class A power amp, that sound great, but heat my room up considerably, been looking at AtmaSphere, Mola Mola, and the current number one in the running, the Gato PWR 222 mono blocks, but am a bit afraid they will make less perfect recordings unlistenable as all these amps are very clean sounding.
Also wished that the AtmaSphere had variable input gain.
@jond thank you. I hadn’t noticed the paws in my photo before David pointed it out earlier. It’s not surprising though as Honey, my Pit Bull, is always under foot, particularly when the music is playing and heat from the tubes makes things nice and cozy.
@jazzman7 thanks for the complement. I’m still thinking about a network switch and filter. Right now I’m leaning towards an Aurender PhoenixNet to complement my Pulsar and the Stealth Audio network cable. I failed to mention in my initial write-up that I use a Stealth Audio USB cable, which is the best USB cable I’ve tried to date. I think I’ll wait on any additional filtering for now and until I see what changes a switch brings.
Thanks very much David. You’re too quick to the draw. I must have still been adding components when you responded. I use an Innuos Pulsar. And your sense is correct. You can barely see the Paws of Honey my pit bull and listening companion.
I like the room and the light. I sense a dog near the listening chair - very important. Those are nice looking speakers. I am also a tube person, at least I have been over the last few years. Changed my thinking about music and sound.
I know I'm missing something, but I don't see a source component. Does your DAC also function as a streamer?
