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.
System edited: Just added the Vicoustic Flexiwood 75 absorption panels for the front wall behind my speakers. The cost was higher than average but I really like the look of these panels. Right away I noticed the following improvements: Focus - placement of instruments and vocals became much more consistent. I could easily "see" where each musician was on the soundstage. Clarity - the music is definitely more clear, I can now hear more details and nuance to the music. On some tracks its like hearing a whole new mix. Sharpness - notes became more defined. It was as if before the treatments there was smearing of the music. Guitar strings have more bite for example. Soundstage height - prior to treatments, the music was pretty much confined to the space between my speakers. Now the music is floating about 1.5-2ft above my speakers which gives it a more realistic presentation as if the musicians are on a stage. Soundstage width also improved a bit as well. Bass - this is the one I dont get but I "think" I sense more bass. I have monitors after all so I am not talking about deep, gut rattling bass but it seems I am hearing fuller bass. Volume - I normally listen at fairly low levels (<70db) so I am sensitive to when the volume increases. After the room treatments, I find that I have to turn the volume down a bit to match what I was hearing previously. Overall, I am very happy with this upgrade. It has allowed to me hear more accurately what the speakers are producing and thus get closer to the music. I will continue to slowly add room treatments in the near future.
System edited: Added the Synergistic Research Tungsten AC cord to my Luxman D-06 CDP/DAC. Again, as with all my cable and power upgrades the changes are subtle yet gratifying. I feel I am getting more accurate reproduction of whatever it is I am listening to. I am hearing more detail with better separation of instruments. I cant wait to do the Spallone mod on the MPC.
The Stillpoints added more clarity and definition to everything, essentially "tightening" everything up. The strange thing is that I tried the Ultras underneath my cdp and integrated amp but didn't hear any improvement. Are you going to audition through The Cable Co.?
I would use bass traps on the 1/3 wall behind you and see what that brings to the table. What improvements did the stillpoints bring you, thinking of going in that direction myself. Wouldn't hurt to call GIK Acoustics for some advice they are great people to work with. Good Luck and yes it is a good time to be a Bruin at least for now.
Thank you Needfreestuff (I think). I agree about the rug. I plan to get one soon. There is only a 1/3 height wall behind me that only reaches up to ear level. Above that opens up to our large family room and kitchen. Do you still think I need bass traps here? What about the front wall? Btw, it's finally a good time to be a Bruin fan. I wish SC kept Kiffin.
Thank you Ghosthouse. Hit me up anytime if you have questions about PC audio. And yes, the Acer is great. You really don't need a very powerful PC at all to handle audio. This modest Atom based server can handle high res and DSD no problem.
Nice looking system Tboooe. Would love to be able to hear it. Admire your Luxman. Regarding the system name...I'd say you were failing pretty successfully. :-) Just starting to try and understand computer-based audio myself so I noted with special interest your Acer.
System edited: Added the Keces DC-116 linear power supply for the music server pc. The change was immediately noticeable. It felt like the sound became more clear allowing me to hear more nuance and detail. Highs seems to linger a bit more in the air with a more defined leading edge. Midbass became more defined and tight. As most audiophiles know, the importance of clean, consistent power cannot be understated.
Fantastic system, I was there before as we'll, spending endless hours and not to mention money on how to improve the sound. Love the artwork by the way!!!
I have heard that too about post Franco products. I understand the newer models favor a more detailed sound though the reviews on the new Olympicas says they are more like the original Guarneris. So perhaps SF understand they may have lost some of the magic that made them famous in the first place.
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.
Thank you Harris4crna for the generous offer! I definitely intend to listen to those bad boys. Just right now I am trying to optimize my setup and room before I sink some serious cash into new speakers. Actually, with what I have done so far I am rally liking the Auditors! Right now, my choices are SF Memento, Evolutions or Francos. I will let you know when I get around to listening to them and give you my impressions.
Funny I have considered getting into vinyl, more as an intellectual exercise and to satisfy my audiophile nerd side. I think it would be fun to learn more about this format and optimizing the playback, though my wallet is scared that I may just be opening up another new expensive can of worms!
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.
Thanks TJKURITA for the very generous offer. When I was originally going to build a music server from scratch one of the things I wanted to do was compare SPDIF out via soundcard vs USB out to converter. Unfortunately, I am retasking one of my HTPCs which does not have any available pcie slots for me to use a soundcard with SPDIF out. All I have is Toslink out which sounded pretty good actually though going out via USB to a converter then SPDIF RCA to my DAC sounds better. I dont intend to upgrade my DAC anytime soon just to get USB because the DAC I would get is the Luxman DA-06 which as I understand it has the same internals as my D-06 CDP. I am fine with USB out. I will focus on maximizing this setup by getting a linear power supply for the music server then looking into the iUSB device from IFI to further clean up the power. Finally, I will see what a higher end USB converter like the Bel Canto ulink or Berkeley Alpha can do for my system. So far so good though.
Congrats on improving your sound, Tboooe! Are you thinking of sticking with USB to Coax conversion, or were you going to switch to a USB DAC? I have a HRT MusicStreamerII+ that I can lend you if you are interested. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on converting to Coax and sending it to your Luxman vs. using a USB DAC. I am absolutely sure that using the Luxman is far superior to the HRT. But an argument could be made for using a direct USB DAC, if, that is, the "weakest link" argument can be made when it comes to digital (it's just ones and zeros, after all). I was using the optical out on my Macbook to send to the TOS on my Emm Labs DAC. It sounded pretty good. I upgraded to Emm Labs SE components all at once so I never really compared the standard Emm Labs gear with Emm Labs transport to the TOS from my Macbook.
BTW. I just got a new puppy so I don't have much time for listening right now. All the more reason to lend out some gear.
System edited: Finally got around to replacing my beloved Sonos with a dedicated music server PC. I ended up using a low powered dual core ATOM D525 processor running JRiver Media Center. I also tweaked Windows 7 for best sound quality. This system has no issues playing even high res music files from memory. I also use Wireless N and files up to 24/192 has no issues. As for sound quality I am kicking myself for waiting so long (mainly due to laziness) to make the switch over to a PC based system and ditching my Sonos. The sound I am getting is so much better. The most obvious improvement I hear is much better separation of instruments. I can hear each instrument distinctly and in their own space. Songs that I originally thought were simply arranged have so much nuance and complexity because I can hear more into the music. The other big difference I heard was decay of notes. They seem to linger a longer and have more weight. Needless to say I am very pleased! In the near future I am going to fiddle with getting a linear power supply for my PC and comparing other USB converters.
Lapierre, the Raidhos were good. Very clear and cohesive. I think perhaps a little lean for my tastes. I tend to favor a bit more weight in the midrange. Definitely check out the Franco Serblins. As you know Franco was the original speaker designer at Sonus Faber.
I hear ya about spending so much money on a monitor but in my small room I don't have the space or air volume for a floor stander. If I get used then I can these monitors at a price I am more comfortable with.
Lapierre, the only speakers I have auditioned has been the Raidho C-1s. I plan on checking out the Magico and then the Franco Serblin in the near future with the Focals also in the plans. There is no big rush on my part until I finish with room treatments. I imagine I will be ready to make a decision by start of 2014.
System edited: Got my upgraded Synergistic Research MPD mod back from Michael Spallone. This is one of the best mods I have done regardless of price! Thought subtle, the improvements are no less impressive. Immediately I heard blacker backgrounds, better distinction between instruments, and highs which seem to linger in the air just a bit longer. Vocals sound just a bit more organic to me. I feel like I am hearing more into the music.
@Tjkurita, thank you for the kind words. Yes my girls' artwork makes it always a joy to sit in my listening room. And yes I am planning room treatments. The thing that has kept me from doing room treatments in the past as just how ugly most of them look. A big part of this listening experience is also how the room looks and feels. Recently I came across a European company, Vicoustic that makes decently priced products that also look good. I have a company doing an analysis of room right now. Afterwards they will be recommending some things. I am pretty excited but the amount of treatments I can put in the room is limited. I cant treat first reflection points because there is a window and closet door at those locations. I dont have a wall directly behind my head either so it looks like I can only treat the front wall, corners, and ceiling. I see you have recently moved into a dedicated room that is fairly small too. What are your plans for treatment?
@Schubert...I indeed have failed but I am not sure if that is a bad thing! As long as I keep this rig well below the cost of my out of control previous one I should be doing alright!
