I am a recovering Audiophile just getting back into music after a few years off. This time around I want to focus on just enjoying the music instead of chasing every last ounce of decay, detail, air, etc of the music and spending more time analyzing the shortcomings of my system instead of just enjoying it. I also put myself on a strict budget to keep myself from going crazy like I did before (see my previous system) chasing the elusive dream of a perfect system.
I listen mainly to singer/songwriters, acoustic, and jazz so I wanted to put together a system that was above all else musical and able to capture the natural timbres of voices and instruments. Soundstage depth and focus is also important to me as this creates more of a sense of realism. With this system, I am able to literally listen for hours without any fatigue.
My room is rather small, 9x10x9 so setup is a bit challenging. I found that moving the speakers away from the front wall helped tremendously to increase soundstage depth and helped to bring everything into focus. There are large openings on the wall directly behind the listening position which is a great help in such a small room.
Future additions:
Sonus Faber Guarneri or Olympica I - I have really fallen in love with the SF house sound. This next speaker upgrade will be my last for a while.
Misc cables - I want to start experimenting with cables to see if I can get more minor improvements.
Thank you for reading! I look forward to any advice that will help me achieve my goal of creating a musical and emotional system (on a budget of course!).
UPDATE 05 April 2016
Added a REL T/5i sub. WOW! What a difference. I am kicking myself for waiting so long to add a sub into my system. Now I am thinking about adding a second one. Maybe that would be overkill in my little room??
UPDATE 30 March 2016
Added the Mutec MC-3+USB converter to replace my old Musical Fidelity V-link. The Mutec also acts as a signal reclocker too which has helped to smooth out the sound.
UPDATE 16 October 2014
Added GIK 244 panels along the midpoint of my sidewalls to deal with some bass issues and the first reflection points. Improved mid bass and clarity.
UPDATE 15 Aug 2014
Added RealTraps Mondo Corner bass traps. The overall improvement has been astonishing! I should have added these a long time ago!
UPDATE 12 Aug 2014
Added the Light Harmonic Light Speed split USB cable. This cable separates the data and power signals resulting in an incredibly lifelike and clear sound.
UPDATE 04 Aug 2014
Added Vicoustic Cinema Round panels at the 1st reflection points. One of the best upgrades I have ever done.
UPDATE 25 March 2014
Replaced my Acoustic Zen Silver Ref II interconnects with Tara Labs The 2 + HFX Ground Station. The sound is just as clear as the AZ but with more air and sense of organicness.
UPDATE 31 Jan 2014
Replaced by beloved Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor monitors with the Guarneri Evolutions.
UPDATE 15 Nov 2013
Added the Vicoustic Flexiwood 75 absorption panels for the front wall behind my speakers.
UPDATE 16 Oct 2013
Added the Synergistic Research Element Tungsten AC cable for my Luxman D-06 CDP/DAC.
UPDATE 27 Sept 2013
Added a Keces DC-116 19V, 6A linear power supply for the music server PC.
UPDATE 09 Sept 2013
Added a PC based music server to replace a Sonos ZP90. Also added a Synergistic Research USB Active SE cable, Musical Fidelity V-link USB Converter.
UPDATE 27 Aug 2013
Added modded Synergistic Research MPC by Michael Spallone
UPDATE 16 Aug 2013
Added Stillpoints Ultra Minis under my PS Audio P3.
UPDATE 26 July 2013
Added the Synergistic Research Element Tungsten AC cable for my PS Audio P3.
UPDATE 07 June 2013
Replaced by Musical Fidelity M6i with Accustic Arts Power 1 Mk2.
UPDATE 26 June 2013
Replaced my Musical Fidelity M1 DAC with a Luxman D-06 CDP with digital inputs.
To me, great monitors that give me what I look for; musicality with lifelike reproduction of vocals and instruments.
REL Acoustics T/5i
8" subwoofer. Amazingly in my small room this little sub is able to go down to 20hz without any boominess. I may just another one!
Accustic Arts Power 1 MK2
Very transparent integrated amp. It almost sounds as good as it looks
Luxman D-06
I use this mainly for its DAC but the CDP is great for times when I want to listen to a new CD without having to wait to rip it. The sound is relaxed and liquid, typical Luxman.
Tara Labs The 2 + HFX Ground Station
Typical Tara Labs sound..very clear and airy.
CAPS Zuma
Purpose built, silent pc based music server.
PS Audio Powerplant P-3
AC regeneration device. This has brought my system to a new level. I am sorry I waited so long to add this.
HD Plex 300W ATX Linear Power Supply
300W, 18A linear power supply for my music server. It definitely made the sound more clear, the highs linger longer, and the midbass more tight.
Tara Labs The One
Very neutral speaker cable with a clear, clear, fast sound.
Acoustic Zen Silver Bytes Digital Cable
Another very good cable from Acoustic Zen. Detailed and clear.
Light Harmonic Light Speed SPlit USB
Split USB cable that separates the power and data. The sound is incredibly lifelike and clear.
Musical Fidelity V-Link USB Converter
Very good entry level USB converter.
Synergistic Research Element Tungsten AC Cable
Added for my PS Audio P3 AC Regenerator and CDP/DAC. I noticed a substantial improvement in clarity and reduction in noise.
Virtual Dynamics PC The Nite II
I have tried all kinds of PCs but only Virtual Dynamics gave me more dynamics and body. I use this for my amp.
Oyaide Cryo'd Outlet R1
Palladium plated outlet. Adds another level of clarity and resolution to the system. I use this for my DAC and transport.
Oyaide Cryo'd Outlet SWO-GX
24K gold plated outlet. It gives some additional bass and body to the music. I use this for my amp.
Vicoustic Room treatments
Absorption panel for the front wall behind my speakers and 1st reflections points. They look really nice and as well as also working good to tame reflections.
RealTraps Mondo Corner Bass Traps X 2
These made a huge difference to the soundstage and bass in my system. Room treatments are key to making any system sound better. I ended up covering these in acoustic fabric to make them look a little better. Hopefully I succeeded.
GIK Acoustics 244 (Extended Range) Panels
Added the 244 panels at the mid point of my side walls to deal with bass issues and first reflections.
HiFi Tuning Supreme Fuse
I have found these fuses can sometimes make a nice little difference. In my Accustic Arts Power 1 int amp I heard more clarity and dynamics but in my PS Audio P3 AC regenerator I heard no difference. I have paid a lot more to get less (and sometimes worse) improvement.
Stillpoints Ultra Mini Footers
Used beneath my PS Audio P3 the Minis added more clarity, focus, and sharpness to notes.
Michael Spallone Synergistic Research MPC Mod
GREAT upgrade to diodes and caps which resulted in blacker background, better distinction between instruments, and highs which seem to linger just a bit longer. Very recommened
Minimserver Server
Digital media server software
Mutec MC 3+USB
USB converter + reclocker. I think the reclocker really helped to smooth out the sound.
I want to save you a trip to Stereo Unlimited for the purpose to listen to the Accuerdos. Talked to Bruce and stated he sent them back to the distributor. He stated he could not move them. To much a specialty item. Truly a shame since I believe they are one of the best monitors out there. I'm in in the market for an amp, so I will be heading that way this weekend. Of course there may be other retailers that may have them in stock.
When I had the Cremona M in the system, I was not happy with the soundstage depth. The mid and hi were clear and precise, but felt the sound was being pushed at me. It was not fixed until I went with the Ktemas which the design gave me the depth I was looking for. Of course for 40,000 speakers I would expect the soundstage to have more depth. Now, I would like a greater bass response at a lower volume. The front end has made an incredible difference. I went with transparent for my ac conditioner and cables. On the analog side, I am very happy with the sound, but digital not so much. Needless to say I listen to mostly vinyl. In the end, I would need to listen to the separates to really determine to make the expensive upgrade. I just need to hear more systems.
Room treatments look great. I went bass traps from GK acoustics. Heard a definite difference. Thinking about purchasing traps for the corners. I still have issues in the back of the room, but not really sure what to do about it. I'm at the point spending money to make subtle if any differences are not worth it. I'm at the point separates may be the big difference I need, but upgrading to simaudio seps from my 600i would set me back 17,000. When to say when, huh? Looking good.
I hear ya. With the VPI, simaudio phono and records I am 10,000 deep. Would I spend it again, hell ya. Vinyl is all I listen to. Opened me to whole new era of music from 60's and 70's. I try to stick to original recordings since I like the sound better. This is a great stretch for this metal head, but the FST sure bring the classics out.
I would go with pre retirement Franco SOnus Faber. Perhaps it's hocus pocus, but SF just don't sound the same post Franco. I had the Cremona Ms and I just was not digging it. You hear the Accuerdos and I have no doubt you will choose them. Yes, let me know what you think.
Tboooe, get down to Stereo Unlimited and listen to those Franco Serblins before I buy them, hmmm. No worries, I am not buying them. Loving my Ktemas. Where you located, can always come listen to mine.
As far as digital, I go with a Mac mini using decibel (I like simple) audio player. USB out to Music fidelity SPDIF converter to simaudio 300D DAC. Works for me, but I listen to mostly vinyl. I did upgrade Mac mini memory and utilize separate stand alone FireWire external HD. I enjoy listening to the RMAF lectures to get my digital ideas, good info.
Franco serblin Accuerdos. Go listen at stereo unlimited in San Diego. Went from Cremonas M to FS Ktemas and will never buy another speaker. Let me know what you think.
