I guess I'm in my third year now working to put together a high end system. I am finally at a point of being extremely happy with the choices I've made and reference quality I've achieved. Changes over time have been numerous but with a lot of diligent reading of various user threads and talking with other audio friends, I believe the trek has been well worth it and definitely a fun one! I'm still tweaking a bit but think I'm at the end of the big changes for awhile. And it sure sounds good! Thanks for all the help! (updated comments 6/21/04)
Battery powered. Reference Audio Mods replaced existing internal battery system with external 12v batteries with cabinet casing
Esoteric P-03
SACD/CD with DSD signal processing
Esoteric D-03
SACD/CD with native DSD and PCM to DSD up-conversion
Esoteric G-0s master clock
With Rubidium Oscillator
Halcro SSP-100 Processor
With upgraded MPCM (LPCM) 7.1
Halcro Amplifiers MC-30
Three channel for center and rear surround speakers
Escient Fireball E-120 Digital Music Mgr.
Used in conjunction with a Sony 400 Disc CD changer plus an internal harddrive which allows 1800 hours of digital recorded music. I run this setup through the Goldmund DAC and get amazingly high end audio output!
Talon Audio Firebirds
full range with diamond tweeters
Talon Audio Hawk Center
w/Talon stand
Talon Audio Hawk Surrounds
Amazing monitors that I'm using for rear surround channels
Talon Audio Thunderbird
With external 1200 watt Crown amp
Harmonic Resolution Systems M-3 Isolation Base
I'm using these under each amp. Nothing short of amazing!
Pioneer Elite Pro FHD-1
50
Tara Labs Omega Gold Speaker Cable
10 ft.
Tara Labs Zero Gold
1.5m between amp and preamp (16k) 1m between DAC and preamp (14.5k)
Tara Labs Cobalt A/C cable
Used on the DAC and the conditioner
6sonsAudio Windigo
Using one on the transport and one on a power condition. Really excellent.
Nordost Thor
One on the audio and one on the video. Amps go straight to the wall.
Wendy, Well, now we have it. A woman is not going to go to the extremes that us guys will. Of course, a woman has more sense. (Also, I suggested the Zoethecus because it looks nicer than the Sistrum). Oh well... At any rate I was glad that you already covered the bases I suggested.
Wendy - Exceptional system - I guess you layed down the gauntlet on the "boys with the most toys wins" contest! I wouldn't try to comment on your electronics as you have obviously done a lot of research and listening to get where you are. However, I didn't see any resonance control in your list, either, equipment stands or anything that you are putting under your equipment. (I do notice that you are using amp stands - Sistrum?) Your entertainment center is great looking but I think Zoethecus equipment stands or something similar for the rest of your system is warranted given your investment. Also, additional resonance control under and on top of each piece of equipment is also a good idea. I use the Walker Audio resonance discs on top of my equipment and Aurios MIBs under my equipment (and my speakers) - all have improved the sound - tighter base, better microdynamics, smoother highs, etc.. One other tweak that I have found very useful is the Stillpoints ERS sheets. They remove a significant amount of grunge. Also, the Herbies Audio Lab Disc Mat is a winner in removing grunge. All provide additional inner detail etc... I imagine even though you seem to have significant financial resources, you probably don't have time to try al the suggestions you are receiving. Just remember to enjoy the music and the system you have. BTW, if you change out the entertainment center, it will make room for a screen for a projector!!!
