Description

This is most of my system in my parents basement but I have a lot of my gear in storage (Analog rig, subwoofer, audio rack). I'm a law school student living at home for the summer, so bringing the whole bag of tricks wasn't really an option.

My system is very dynamic and highly musical. Top and bottom ends are rolled off a bit (typical of single driver speakers) but everything gels when the subwoofer is in place.

I guess my systems strengths are dynamics, imaging, awesome midrange, soundstaging, immediacy and the ability to really convey emotion.

Some of its weaknesses might be that its not the last word in detail, top end extension and not much air between notes.

I'll post new pictures when I get around to cleaning my listening room.

P.S. The picture on my temporary audio rack is a joke card ;)
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Components Toggle details

    • Berendsen CDP-1
    This is the awesome CDP-1 from Berendsen. Terrific value and smokes the Meridian G08 I just sold off.
    • VPI Industries Scout
    Highly Acclaimed Stereophile
    • VPI Industries JMW-9
    JMW-9 tonearm with dropped counterweight.
    • Denon DL-103
    Classic MC Cart.
    • Sony 36XS955
    Gorgous looking HD CRT from Sony featuring the same picture tube as the XBR600
    • Eastern Electric Minimax SE
    Linestage
    • Fi 2a3 SE
    Don Gerber's S.O.T.A. 2a3 monoblocks with special edition upgrades including Tamaura 7001 output transformers.
    • Cain & Cain Co. Abby
    High efficiency, single driver (fostex) speakers from Cain & Cain.
    • Grover UR MK II
    Quite possibly the best bang for your buck in interconnects made by Grover Hoffman. (Connects preamp to monoblocks)
    • Acoustic Zen WOW!
    Robert Lee's entry cable in the Acoustic Zen line. Another great bang for you buck. (Connects CD player to preamp)
    • Eastern Electric Minimax Phonostage
    Giant Killer
    • Grover/Wolff Empress Phono
    The best phonocable I have had in my system.
    • Acoustic Zen Hologram II
    Amazing speaker cable from Robert Lee.
    • M&K MX-90
    Killer subwoofer from M&K. Unfortunately its discontinued.
    • Michael Wolf Source
    Amazing carbon shielded PC. Very expensive, but absolutely worth it. (Connected to my Berendsen CD player)
    • K-Works Empowered
    A great bang for your buck power cable by Igor. (Connected to my Line 1 preamp)
    • PS Audio P-300 w/ Multiwave option
    Awesome power line regenerator by PS Audio. A Sterophile Recommended Component.
    • VPI Stainless Steel clamp
    Don't ask me how it works, but it made for a significant upgrade over the stock derlin clamp that came with my scout.
    • DIY Sandbox
    Two sandboxes for my monoblock
    (finished to match speakers)
    • TNT-Audio Flexi
    Self-build TNT audio flexi rack.

Comments 18

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Great to hear you like the Minimax and that it is so much better than the Sonic Frontier. I guess you even had to give up the comfort of a volume control for the better sound?

I am also starting to tackle the amp problem with the Abby's. My Bottlehead S.E.X. amp should be built in a week, and I am planning to get a preamp (probably the Fi Y: soo much nicer looks than the Minimax) as soon as possible. I would love to try and keep different amps around for different sounds: On my list are a solid state Firstwatt F1 and on the SET side a Fi X. I just would love to keep some different amps around for different moods.

Anyway, curois to hear how you like the Minimax after some longer time....

Best wishes,

Rene

restock

Did you consider the Fi Y to go with your Fi monos? Did you have a chance to listen to the EE Minimax or any other preamps yet? I would be very interested in any comparisons.

Good luck with your new room. I had a similar one (11 x 11 ft) long ago with monitor speakers in it. The corner placement you have should work fine in there. Did you consider exchanging the driver in the Abby's to the nearfield version, now that you are sitting somewhat closer?

All the best,

Rene

restock

Gopher, nice choice of speakers and nice choice of amps. I would love to hear what you have to say about the Wright amps vs. the Fi amp.

I also just received my Abby's yesterday. I am right now continously running them in with a Sonic Impact amp. Hopefully they will be ready for serious listening in about two weeks. I was thinking of the Fi amp or the Wright mono's as well to drive the Abby's but I am a little worried about the low power.

Enjoy your new amps!

Rene

restock