Description

Total rebuild of the system, I've settled on the components listed above.

The Classe CP-35 with the Arcam Delta 120.2 produces a warm sound which really suits my musical taste (classical).

The Mark Levinson No.36s DAC was a surprising find on my local used market. An excellent DAC, both my PC and DVD player are hooked up to it. Since all my music is stored on the PC in FLAC lossless format, the Levinson enables my PC to act as a convenient transport.

I'm absolutely loving the Totem Hawks combined with the sealed Energy S12.3, even the most demanding orchestral pieces sounds detailed from top of the frequency range to bottom.

New pictures are coming, as soon as I move into my new place early January.
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Components Toggle details

    • Totem Acoustics Hawk
    Totem Hawks, these sounded absolutely amazing when I auditioned them with a Simaudio I-7
    • Levinson No 36s
    Awesome DAC despite its age.
    • Classe CP-35
    This is an old preamp, but I really do enjoy its sound combined with the Arcam.
    • Arcam Delta 120.2
    The warm sound of this little dual mono amp really won me over. Capable of pushing 150+wpc into 4ohms, more than enough power to make the hawks really sing.
    • Pioneer DV-45A
    A decent DVD player and universal player (plays DVD-A and SACD). I occasionally use it to play some CD's.
    • Energy S12.3
    Surprisingly good cheap 12" powered sub from Energy. I used a pair of foam plugs to seal the 2 bottom ports, really seems to help the quality of the bass.

Comments 32

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YEs it does.

mapman

I suspect your amp is underpowered for the Hawks especially for large scale classical as you indicate.

If this is a problem for you look for something with more power, 100w/ch or more. A second hand Musical Fidelity A3CR amp + pre would not set you back much and get you there. Or, maybe consider Class D amps from reputable vendors.

What ICs do you use? MIT Terminator series IC do not cost much and could make a difference.

mapman