Goal: natural and holographic sound to offset the relative small size (esp. height) of the room.
Application: 80% movies, 20% music (mostly Classical -lots of strings and vocals - and Jazz, some classic rock)
Sources: dedicated HTPC, dedicated NAS server for FLAC streamed through Logitech Touch for audio and another dedicated NAS for movies.
I have kept the old analogue rig (Denon DP52F, CJ PV7,..) for nostalgic reasons, putting on a record once in a blue moon.
This system is the amalgam of my old HT setup (was with Martin Logan speakers) and part of the 2 channel system before the many upgrades (see my current main 2 channel setup which has also Dunlavy designed speakers, hence the title Pas de Deux.)
Before settling on the Duntech Black Knights, I have gone through many, many full range speakers. I am normally manufacturer agnostic but John Dunlavy's superior design prompted me to put his brand in the title. The mid range is colorful, textured and rich. Highs are airy enough, no glare (soft dome tweeters) but a bit rolled off and the bass is tight, thanks to the setup and concrete direct under the wooden floor. The Purist Audio Design cabling enables a smooth flow with dark background and most importantly, a musical and non fatiguing representation.
I started out with the Krell HTS/KAV1500 combo and replaced that with NAD M15/M25, a brand of which I had fond memories when I was in college. The M15 died and was replaced with the modern T187.
Any suggestion for room treatment (I intend to add panels on the ceiling, above the listening spot) and isolation is more than welcome. Fortunately, the concrete floor alleviate some of the need for direct coupled vibration control. The last year or so I went far beyond the average ratio in power conditioning and power cables for my main 2 ch rig, the result being that this HT system benefits from, IMO, pretty clean power (2 dedicated lines, power regen + relatively uncolored passive filtering)
During the last couple of years, constant upgrade to the cabling raised the system to another level. Out went the Audience powerChords, in came NordOst Valhalla for the processor, HiDiamond P4 for the M25. HFC CT1U from Logitech to the T187 in stead of the NordOst Valhalla digital.
Power conditioning was improved (dedicated line) into an Audience adept Response 6-T. Ancillary devices such as NAS and bridges are fed through an el cheapo Belkin PF60.
I may consider going all in wall as the room is not very big and more real estate is appreciated.
