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).
Just received a pair of MIT Terminator 2 rca interconnects that I'm anxious to try out with one of my components. Will soon have 2 pairs of Wireworld Solstice speaker cables to replace my homemade cables. I'm almost certain the speaker cables will make a world of difference :)
I wouldn't sweat the rack myself under your listening habits and scope of the gear, I would pay more attention to tuning the room. I really like your set up. Practical as hell. Look at a used EAR 834p for a phono, adj gain, rave reviews from all camps.
No offense taken. I liked the rack because it looked good but it doesn't function well at all. I have a possible replacement nearby that I may just use instead.
As for the acoustic paneling, I don't think I need any at this point or else, very little. The inexpensive throw rug works well as an absorber plus I don't play my system very loud. My amp is a modest 15W, so I try to keep my volume at a fixed setting (max. 9 O'Clock for CD, 11 O'Clock for vinyl).
No offense but the rack looks like a kitchen piece, sorry. Your equipment, especially the tt, deserve much better. Also, they would sound much better I suspect. Another thing to look into is some treatment behind your speakers. WHen I put some panels behind my speakers the change wasn't subtle. Your equipment looks great.
Aside from the rack that will soon be replaced (it is ridiculously unstable), here is the upgrade path I'm working on:
1. Phono preamp - looking for a better pre with an adjustable gain. Hoping to match the level of the CD-player to the turntable for efficiency. 2. Cables - speaker and tonearm. The speaker cables are homemade and seem to be corroding in places. The RB-300 has the standard garbage cable. 3. iPod Dock - I've heard good things about the Arcam rDock or may go with a tube dock. 4. DAC or better CD-Player - I am satisfied with the sound of my Alpha 7se but may want something better in the near future.
The cables are probably the most priority right now, although I don't believe in paying any more than $200-$300.
Let me be the first to say it, that is one nice looking system. Clean and simple usually makes for a superb listening experience. Curios though, what is your equipment sitting on?
