I just finished reworking this system (again). Let me know if you have any suggestions or comments.
System edited: Haven't updated in a while, I've changed almost the whole system in the last few months. New denon AH-D7000 and Lorelei speakers most importantly. Also got a new headphone amp, tube preamp, and Audiophilleo converter
System edited: Haven't updated in a while, I've changed almost the whole system in the last few months. New denon AH-D7000 and Lorelei speakers most importantly. Also got a new headphone amp, tube preamp, and Audiophilleo converter
I have had the Hawthorne speakers for a few months now. I've never quite been satisfied with the sound though. I let them break in at high volumes for hundreds of hours and still felt like they were missing something. The were too bright and seemed to not have a cohesive sound. I was starting to get the itch to replace them with another speaker, possibly a vandersteen 2ce, or gallo ref. This all changed after I put the PS audio DAC in my system. It turns out I didn't need new speakers after all. I guess these are just very revealing speakers and they really bring out the weakest link in your chain, in this case the DAC. I highly recommend both the DAC and the Hawthorne speakers.
We do have similar approaches. In fact, I was inspired a while back by looking at your virtual system. I ended up loving the granite slab idea, and got some of my own. I see you you have a few systems listed, is "twin killing" your present one? As far as the Mac/Dac combination goes, I am loving it so far. In fact tomorrow I am getting a PS audio Dac in the mail. I will keep you updated to how it sounds.
In fact it is an isolation device. Apparently it can be used as an acoustic conditioner, but have personally never had luck with it in that application.
I was thinking the same thing about the speakers in the corners. Unfortunately I am a little pressed for space. I kindof have to keep them against the side walls like that in order to get the 8 ft between them to acheive stereo sound. Do you think it would be worth moving them away from the back wall a foot or two?
Update: I just sold all of my headphone equiptment since I almost never use it. Also I sold my AMP-1 and minimax pre, and replaced the two with the Onix SP3. I will never look back, this integrated is just as good as the amp-1/minimax combo and it costs 1/4 of the price. Also added a velodyne sub for much needed low frequency supplementation.
I have the stealth plugged into the CDP and amp. It (to my ears at least) makes a bigger difference when used on the CDP though. Its effect of the amp is very subtle.
Jays, what are you looking for in a cdp and dvd player, maybe I can help you out. What do you have now?
Go to pitstool.com and search for "surface plate", and several matches will come up for granite surface plates. Mine is the 9x12 version which weighs in at about 35 pounds and only costs around $25. Its an incredibly good deal, and in my opionion the best isolation available at any price
I did compare the A.Z. to the gaincard and they are very very similar. The gaincard is slightly more airy, while the AMP-1 has more authority in the bass department. Also the build quality on the A.Z. is amazing (far beyond the 47 labs). After these sonic difference, combined with the A.Z. price and the fact that it uses components that are superior to those used in the gaincard, I went with the amp-1. check out the review on 6moons
System edited: My system has been going through some major changes in the last couple of months. The components in the pictures just weren't doing it for me. Firstly, I had to sell my REL subwoofer due to complaining downstairs neighbors. I can live without the bass for now, but plan on buying a sub from TBI after I move. I also added the HD-600s and JMT amp to power them. In an effort to gain a little more bass to my monitors I added some power conditioning from Audio Magic, and an Audio Zone AMP-1. The AMP-1 made such an impact, it completely transformed the sound (for the better), in almost every way. Last but not least I've been experimenting with different wires, and plan on trying the 47 labs wire kit sometime in the near future. I will be adding some updated pictures in early January after I make some final changes.
I live in about a 150 year old place in Boston, so I can imagine the wiring is not up to par. I did recently get an Audio magic stealth mini power conditioner (I've been meaning to update my online system for a while). I do notice some difference in dynamics and soundstage, and I found it used for $300 so it was definately worth the price. I don't beleive a new one would be though. I also just got an Audio Zone AMP-1.
As far as the Jolida, it is my first "true" high end player. Before this I used a Denon DVD player. Its 20 times better than that, but I don't really have any other means for camparison. I can tell you this, I have no desire to upgrade it. Incredible clarity and very smooth.
I would definately look into the Tylers, they are a great bargain especially if you buy a used pair directly from Ty. I picked this pair up for $1700 with stands and lots of options.
The SETs were just way to bright for my taste, almost shrill. I had a Decware Zen Select and a pair of Hornshoppe Horns. The lack of bass wasn't really an issue though since I was using the Horns in conjunction with the REL sub.
