This is a system I put together because I'm currently living in an apartment and am limited on space. So, active speakers were essential to eliminate the need for big amps. I also specifically chose a power conditioner that is a strip and not a component that must be on a rack. I am now using a furman strip for the HT stuff and the Quintet for the audio stuff. Having only two components (the CD player and the Preamp, the latter of which is only a half-sized chassis) allows me to stack them on a single amp stand that fits neatly underneath the stand that my TV sits on. I move the ATS Acoustics panels in-front of the TV when listening.
Entry level player from Simaudio. Sounds very much like the Simaudio Equinox that I also auditioned.
PS Audio P-200
Simple pre-amp. Uses gain-cell. Has great detail and tranparency.
Martin Logan Purity
Active speakers with 200W amp in each speaker. Electrostat sound at a nice price.
JPS Labs Ultraconductor 2
I now have JPS for both connections in my systems. I haven't had them long enough to comment on how they sound.
PS Audio Quintet
A nice improvement over the Furman power strip (which is also a pretty good value).
Target VF1
Small enough to fit into the space I need it to.
Vibrapod Support Cone
Pretty good, cheap isolation. Put three of them under the CD player, which is on the bottom of the stack.
Power Cables Acoustic Research
I am using these power cables for the speakers. They are far less expensive than most name-brand power cable, but still pretty good. 12-gauge, ferrite core, hospital grade connectors.
Tributaries Series 9 Power Cables
Upgraded to these from my DIY power cables for the pre and cd player. Also got one for the connection between the wall outlet and Quintet. These are also way cheaper than any other brand of power cable with similar specs (i.e. 10-gauge wire).
System edited: I have made a few minor upgrades. I replaced the Furman power strip with a PS Audio Quintet (well worth the price). Also, got three runs of Tributaries Series 9 power cables for the pre-amp, cd player, and wall outlet-to-power conditioner connections. I also have all of my cables lifted off the carpet with foam tubing, this actually surprised me by making a subtle all-around improvement in sound quality. Lastly, I am considering getting a CD mat. I have auditioned the Statmat and Herbies Audio Lab Grungebuster. Any other suggestions or comments would be appreciated. I will be uploading new pics soon.
Hey Tkheem, thanks for the post. I used to have an Arcam Alpha 8 CD player (oldie but goodie) and the Sim is quite a bit better. When auditioning the CD-1, I tried out the Rega Apollo and found it seriously lacking detail and tightness in the bass by comparison. The Apollo is good for the price, but a few hundred more, I feel, is well worth it. That being said, the CD-1 may be a bit on the dry side for some...meaning, it is not quite as musical as others in the price range. I did also listen to the Simaudio Equinox, which is currently almost double the price if your buying brand-new. And, I literally heard no difference whatsoever between the CD-1 and the Equinox.
Hey, nice system, I've never heard or heard of the Purity...seems like and interesting speaker. I also have the same situation, having a small living space in which to put a music system. Could you give some feedback on the Sim Audio CD-1 compared to other players you've experienced... I'm in the market for a player in this price range. Two Comments: I think the JPS Ultracontuctor 2 is more than adequate for your system, try to avoid the habit of upgrading cables. I'm a little concerned the power strip you're using (although a good one) is choking the speaker/amp. I believe each speaker would have the amp as well as a transformer to develop the electrostatic voltage, right? Ask you dealer or try plugging them straight into the wall to see how they sound. Thanks for posting the system and enjoy, Kevin Heemstra
