Last year, I decided to replace my old, worn out system. However, with many financial irons in the fire, I had a need to be very careful to get the best bang for the buck. After all, I must care for the other "hobby" as well - two Mercedes.
This system retails at approximately $8000 but sounds far, far better. Almost all of it was purchased pre-owned and through Audiogon - even while they revamped their site - which was no small feat!
My goal was to purchase all US made gear - and I came close.
The Rogue Cronus Magnum is an outstanding integrated amp, complete with headphone stage - perfect for when I finally break out my 35-year-old QL7 turntable.
The speakers are Merlin TSM's. I've found these to have an interesting following in the audio community. Owners seem to be near rabid about them - and I now understand why.
The CD player is a standby for many people - Rega Apollo.
I research cables and determined that, while I needed high quality cables, I could never convince myself that I had to spend thousands. So I went with River Cables. The seem great to me.
I added a Sonos music player so I can stream Apple lossless of a terabyte drive in my home office. The Sonos is truly a modern miracle as far as I'm concerned.
Sound anchor stands and an Emotiva DAC so I can run DVR sound through the system (thus making it useful to my spouse - good plan) round it all out.
I love to read about super high-end gear, but this is probably where I'm going to be for the foreseeable future. All good and no complaints!
Nice looking system! One of these days I'll swap my friends KT90 amp with my el34 to try out with the merlins! Ever ponder the idea of using a sub with the TSM's?
This is a great looking system! As others have commented, I love the simplicity, and especially the focus (all American-made components). My focus is largely older (sometimes vintage and considered classic) that I can refurbish and/or tweak.
Have you tried using your Emotiva DAC with the Sonos? While the onboard DAC is solid (I think it's a CS, but can't remember), many people have gotten better results using an outboard DAC.
I like the simple set up as well. Its the style I am going for. I'm having a hard time finding an audio cabinet to my liking. Can you share where your audio furniture comes from?
Congrats on not wasting a ton of money on tweaks. Some of the systems I see on audiogon have two dozen components listed. I bet your system sounds just as good. Very nice selection of equipment. Looks great too!
Good looking minimalist system. I too am a minimalist fan: few boxes, clean aesthetic, etc. Nice cabinet also. Hope I can hear a Cronus someday. I like how the TV has no wires showing.
ps remember to add the Merlins to the rig listing.
Thanks for the comments, Celtic66. I agree, the alcove is less than desirable, but my wife is happy that the speakers are tucked back a bit. I guess that's compromise. I'll look into the strips you mention.
I can see how this all works. Suggestion. The alcove presents some problems as far as soundstage. If you were to move the Merlins out they would image better (I own a pair of MME). Also, Eighth Nerve or Room Tunes strips, long and narrow placed to bridge the adjoining walls behind the speakers would clean up the sound and reinforce the bass. Have fun.
