Trying Not To Be An Audiophile...

by tboooe on Opinions Pleasesmall roomsubRELSonus Faber GuarneriMutec
System
View from the chair!
SF Guarneri Evolution in Graphite
Evolutions!
The Rack!

Description

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.

Added the PS Audio Powerplant P-3 AC regenerator.
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 10’ × 9’  Small
Ceiling: 9’

Components Toggle details

    • Sonus Faber Gauneri Evolution
    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.

Comments 252

Showing all comments by jmcgrogan2.

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Tboooe, I saw your question on the other thread regarding Tara Labs The One interconnect. I thought I'd reply here instead, as there are no shills here ....yet. Yes, many have claimed for years that the outboard ground station is better than the onboard ground station, which is why Tara Labs is now "re-introducing" the outboard ground station, with a new name of course. This is not the first time that an audio company has realized they have made a mistake and re-introduced the new, upgraded older version again. Cary did it with the V-12 amp, screwed it up with the V-12i and came out with the V-12r fairly soon afterward which basically changed the circuit back to the V-12. Audio Research has done this many times over the years as well. Not to single out Cary, ARC or Tara Labs, most companies that have been in this business for a while have done this at least once.

Obviously, you cannot constantly "upgrade" the sound. Companies need to change the sound and call it better to stimulate sales. Sometimes though, others figure out that newer isn't always better. Funny how many are still drawn to tubes and vinyl, but that's for another thread.

I own a 2 meter run of Tara Labs The One with the outboard grounding station, and I wouldn't trade it even up for one with the onboard grounding station. While someone may spew some BS as to why the new HFX outboard grounding station is all of that and a bag of chips, it's basically just another marketing ploy to correct a mistake. So yes, you would be better off to look for an older, used pair of The One's with the outboard grounding station. You'll get the better model at a better price.

Cheers,
John

jmcgrogan2

Look, I am not trying to upset anyone here. I was just remarking to Charles that he had flipped sides of the fence from the amp debate of last month between whether a SET amp was worth trying or not. It just struck me as ironic that he went from the adventurous side of the fence (just try it) to the conservative side of the fence (I don't think it will work) on the same subject.

Don't everybody get all sensitive....I was just noting what seemed to me to be irony. Do folks recognize irony?

And yes Charles, I get it, not all SET amps are created equal, just as all 200 wpc SS amps are not created equal. There is a lot to be said for a beefy power supply. Sheesh.

jmcgrogan2

I understand Charles, I was just joking, really. It's just that when you were cautioning Tboooe that Dennis' Inspire amp may not be good enough to drive his speakers, I was having flashback's to Daveyf's comments about SET amps in general not being enough to drive his speakers.

I can't say that I would argue one way or the other, each person must find their own path. There is another thread where the OP swears that a 200/400 wpc SS amp is not strong enough to drive his 96 dB 4 ohm speakers. The main goal is personal satisfaction. I don't know if 12 wpc will be enough for me, but at least I found an amp at a price that I'm willing to try. I wouldn't pay $5000 just to find out if 12 wpc will be enough for me, but for $1500, I'll give it a go.

Cheers,
John

jmcgrogan2

Yes Brett, how did you know? Flames and pink flamingos....pretty cool, huh??? ;^)

jmcgrogan2

Charles, now you're starting to sound like Daveyf with all of this amp negativity.
I'm just busting your chops. Hey, I wish I had the cash to throw around on the amps that I'd really like to try, but those days are gone. I'm on a much tighter budget now. I think this amp will work, and it's American made, but only time will tell. I do realize that my speakers are an easier load than Tboooe's.

jmcgrogan2

Charles, my speakers are Soliloquy 6.3i's, a relatively easy load at 91 dB and a stable 8 ohm load.

Here is a link to some of Dennis' amps.

He is doing some custom paint work on my amp so that it will match my SLP-98P preamp

jmcgrogan2

Charles, you wet my whistle to try the SET sound. I just ordered a SET "Fire Bottle" Inspire amp from Dennis Had (formerly of Cary). 12 wpc from a pair of KT-88's, using a 6SL7 (or 6SN7) as a driver, with a 5AR4 as a regulator.

Dennis claims that the KT-88 tubes offer most of the midrange glory of the 300B, 845, and 2A3 tubes when run in SET, but also add more dynamics and bass slam. I haven't received it yet, but it looks like it will be a fun little toy to play with.

Cheers,
John

jmcgrogan2

It's a beautiful thing when such a tremendous upgrade can also be so inexpensive....aside from the hernia surgery. ;^)

Enjoy the music,
John

jmcgrogan2

Dream On Tboooe!! I apologize, I didn't mean to crush your dreams. I hope it works out for you!

jmcgrogan2

02-13-14: Tboooe
I wish I had a bigger room but alas my kids have commandeered every room in the house, leaving my basically my toilet room and my music room. One day I will take back my loft! Just 10 more years!! Yikes!

LOL! That was my illusion for many years! Now the boys are all grown and gone, but the wife has snapped up all of their bedrooms! My dream of setting up my audio only room vanished when she turned one room into her dressing room and the other into her craft room. I guess I never realized that the whole time I was waiting for a room to open up, she had secret designs of her own cooking! LOL!!

The only blessing is that I no longer have to cater to her WAF on any of my gear which sits in the main living room. Since I can now just say that I would have had it hidden, but she snaked all of the extra rooms. LOL!

jmcgrogan2

Here, I'll make it even easier than Googling. ;)

jmcgrogan2

Charles, that Coincident 845 integrated amp (Turbo 845SE) also looks intriguing (though I have to admit not visually attractive).
Is Coincident manufactured in Canada or China?

Cheers,
John

jmcgrogan2

Hello Charles,

No, I don't think my friend will let me try it, as we are not 'local friends'. We've been cyber friends for many years, and have lent each other many cables and power cords, but never equipment. I like your thinking though, LOL.

I haven't even actually heard one yet. I just know that he got one and really likes it. Until he mentioned it, I didn't even know it existed. I have heard a lot of positive buzz around Allnic gear in general, but I have not had an opportunity to hear any of their products. I have done some cyber-searching since he enlightened me to it, and it has certainly piqued my interest. I haven't taken it to the next level yet, and actually sought out an audition though.

Cheers,
John

jmcgrogan2

I'll be very interested to see what tube integrated amp you choose and how well it mates. I'm also thinking about simplifying to a tube integrated amp. I think my speakers (91 dB, 8 ohm) are a better match for SET than yours are, though my room looks bigger too (25 X 15 X 9), so it may well be a wash.

A friend of mine has one of these Allnic T-1500 that has peaked my interest, but at only 12.5 wpc, it may not be enough for you (or me). LOL!!

Cheers,
John

jmcgrogan2

I know exactly what you are talking about when you speak of the law of diminishing returns in this hobby Tboooe. It hits hard and early.
I have scaled back my system greatly in the last few years due to the economy. I am now using $3,200 speakers in place of $21,000 speakers which I owned for 5-6 years, and to be very honest, my current speakers are not as good. However, how small the difference in sound is compared to the difference in price was a real eye-opener for me. A lesson that surprised me, and one that I will not soon forget.

I'm glad that you are enjoying your new speakers. If they sound 1/10th as good as they look, you are living large. I've always been a fan of SF speakers, even though I've never owned any myself. I've certainly flirted with buying them a few times, but the right deal just never materialized for me.

Enjoy the music,
John

jmcgrogan2

Tboooe, thanks for the invite, maybe one day I will be able to take you up on it.

If you are looking for a tube integrated amp with some balls, perhaps it's time to try and find a dealer for a VAC Sigma 160i. 86 wpc should be plenty of tube power to allow those SF's to breathe.

jmcgrogan2

Tboooe, very nice looking system! I'd love to have a chance to hear those Evolution speakers.

Now, as for the title of your system thread, it appears as if you are failing miserably by looking at all of those system updates. LOL!!

Cheers,
John

jmcgrogan2

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