Description

I started putting together the pieces of this system about 8 years ago (pictures will be up very soon) starting with the source components. Bought the Alpha 7se right here on Audiogon in '99 and am still impressed with its performance.

The turntable was a very rare find and for a good price. Recently upgraded the tonearm to the RB-300. Originally had the Profile II tonearm, common on many of the Systemdeks. Still don't have a dust cover for it so if anyone knows where I can get the original cover, please let me know.

As for the speakers, I recently purchased the Energy C-3's since I've heard nothing but good reviews on them and they boast a very good 90db in-room efficiency. I found it relatively difficult finding efficient enough speakers for under $500 that would work well with a 15W tube amp.

The tube amp, phono stage and Sonic Link interconnects were purchased as a package deal at a local hifi shop. The CR Developments Kalypso shines best with acoustic music. However, it struggles with hard-rock/metal resulting in a slightly muddied sound at its peak, but still maintains a very respectable deep to upper bass.

The Temporalis pure-silver interconnects remain a mystery. A fellow audiophile gave them to me and he claims they were made in Canada (around Calgary). However, check out this review by Anthem: http://www.anthemav.com/OldSitev1/review/pw1.html. This is the only mention I've heard of on these cables. I believe I've even asked the author of this article about these cables some years ago and he claimed they were made in France :P I would desperately like to know where these cables were made (and how much they're worth).
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Components Toggle details

    • Arcam Alpha 7SE
    WHAT HI*FI? 2000 Award winning CD Player.
    • Systemdek II
    Made in Troon, Scotland, this is a rare find compared to the more popular IIX. Features adjustable suspended platter and armboard. Great for tweaking.
    • Rega RB-300
    A perfect match for any sub-$1000 turntable.
    • Musical Fidelity X-LPS
    Reasonably priced MM/MC phono preamp.
    • CR Developments Kalypso
    Class AB 15W Integrated Tube Amp.
    • Energy C-3
    Canadian-made, very efficient speaker with a unique look and magnetic snap-on grills.
    • Sonic Link Voices
    British-made interconnects.
    • Temporalis pure-silver
    Given to me by a fellow audiophile. Don't know much about these.
    • MIT Terminator 2
    RCA interconnects from MIT.
    • Wireworld Solstice
    Bi-wirable speakers cables
    • Moth Incognito Rega Rewire Kit
    Incognito rewire kit by Moth for Rega tonearms.
    • Dynavector DV-10X5
    High-Output moving coil cartridge.

Comments 33

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Are the Energy C-3's reaching their limits in terms of resolution for your system? I'm just wonder when these speakers' limits are reached.

soundboy

Nice pics

soundboy

Thanks for the update, Hitman_hifi. How old is the Arcam? Maybe partnering it up with a DAC will be worthwhile.

One of these days, I'll put my system up here.

soundboy

Hitman_hifi,

Any more upgrades for your system?

soundboy

Wow!! Nice!!

Your system is what I'm shooting for.

soundboy

Any impression to the MIT Terminator 2 interconnect in your system?

soundboy

Excellent looking system!! I am sure the new rack will only enhance the system further.

I have the Energy C-3 myself. Can you comment on how they sound with your tube amp?

soundboy