Description

It all started with a need to replace my Rotel 855 CD player
The changes started in 2011 and a suggestion to get rid of the CD player and do Computer Audio and iTunes
I’ve, officially changed every component with addition of Revel Studio2 Speakers 

Lastly, Just added a full LP analog playback system
Every incremental change resulted in a noticeable sound improvement...

I’ve “ eaten” a lot of words over the years.
The first eaten words;  “Cables don’t make a difference”

Wow, Speakers make a big difference
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 34’ × 14’  Large
Ceiling: 11’


Components Toggle details

    • Revel Ultima2 Studio
    Full range 3 way
    • Pass Labs XA-30.5
    New Class A from Class D Peachtree 220
    • Conrad Johnson ET3
    Tubed Preamp
    Highly Detailed with great sound-staging
    Freely flowing musicality
    • Pro-Ject Audio Classic Turntable
    With Hana SL MC cartridge
    • Hana SL MC cartridge
    Moving Coil Cartridge
    • Musical Surroundings Phenomena II+
    Solid state Phono Preamplifier
    • Original Live Origin Live Gravity One Record Weight
    Vibration dampening/weight
    • Chord Electronics Ltd. Qutest
    DSD/PCM Dac

    Running Roon DSD 2X upsampling with Long Filter into Chord
    • Matsushita/National 7dj8
    6922 style valve
    • Velodyne F-1500R Subwoofer
    15" sub with remote
    • Dayton Audio DSP-LF Low Frequency DSP Controller DSP-LF Controller
    2 channel DSP for Velodyne subwoofer -active
    • Sony DVP-NS55p
    CD transport only,Digital coax to Peachtree ESS Sabre DAC
    • Onkyo T-25 tuner
    Quartz FM High Resolution Tuner
    • Roon Labs Audio Player Software
    Playback software with upsampling, filters , DSP
    • Mac Mini Mini with optical drive
    80GB hard drive with optical CD
    • Grado SR80i Headphones
    Dynamic Open-Air Headphones
    • Hifi Man HE-400 Headphones
    Planar Magnetic Headphones
    • Mapleshade USB cable Mapleshade Clearlink Plus USB cable
    Upgraded USB cable from Mac mini to Preamp
    • Kimber Kable Interconnect and Speaker Cable
    Upgraded to Kimber Hero IC & Kimber Monocle XL from 4TC speaker cable and Mogami IC
    • Transparent Audio Plus
    Interconnect from DAC to Preamp
    • Cardas Audio Parsec Interconnect-RCA
    • VH Audio Power upgrades
    Upgraded to VH audio "Hot Box" and Furman Outlets in Gold
    • Playback Designs Merlot DSD dac
    Trial at home for DSD dac

Comments 38

I just got a Pass X150.5 again.  Amazing - my Thiels are very happy again.

oblgny

Very cool!

Pass kicks ass!

oblgny

Owner
Added a Pass Labs XA-30.5
Wow, big change from Class D to Class A.
It does " just sounds better"

frozentundra

Owner
I upgraded cables and power after discussions with my audiophile friends.
I thought that cables and power was a non-issue, being and engineer by trade.
Boy, Was I wrong.
The biggest changes in order of magnitude:
A) Kimber Hero WOW,soundstage, depth, treble harshness reduced and detail improved as much as new component
B) Power- everything improved, especially midrange & high smoothness
C) Kimber Monocle XL ebb and flow changed with lots propulsive bass and mids ( tie with power)
D) USB, lots of extra tinkly music detail & again soundstage improved

Jeff

frozentundra

Owner
The Revels were still to forward for my ears. The bass was very nice but the treble was bright

frozentundra

I've said it before and it bears repeating here, Thiels are Maggies with bass!  Nice setup!

oblgny

So how are the Revels living up to your expectations? Please share some thoughts.

milpai

Owner
Trying Revel F208's in home
Very nice, excellent midrange, best I've heard. 
Good bass with 8" woofers
Tweeter is bright, to me, so far

frozentundra

Hi Jeff,
Nice system.
I haven't heard the Theils, but from your comments, I bet they sound wonderful.
I also live in Southeast Wisconsin. I'm always interested in making connections with fellow audiophiles in our area. If you are interested, email me and maybe we might make connection? Dave at [email protected].
All the best!

papermill

Owner
System updated:
Upgraded preamp with a new tube: Amprex 6DJ8
Up to this point I could not tell much of a difference with tube circuit in or out
Now,In less dense music, There is a big difference in the sound. I now know what tubes do!!
More depth,leading edge definition & euphonics; I am a fan.

Also,I have noticed the Peachtree amp gives the cymbals a "crushed leaves/glass" sound to the dense music of Rush,Van Halen,Foo Fighters etc. I Find that all the other styles of music are well delineated and crisp.
I am debating a power amp change. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Jeff : Milwaukee

frozentundra

Hi,
I notice you are using Kimber 4TC speker cables. I started with these and have fond memories of them. I later upgraded to 8TC and the difference is indeed night and day. If you can audition the 8TC in your system at home from say, the Cable Company, I think you won't be disappointed.
Cheers! Jon.

jon2020

Owner
System edited: Added New Headphones

frozentundra

Owner
System edited: Added new headphones

frozentundra

Showing 26 - 38 of 38 posts