As my first significant foray into audio, my goal with this set-up was to create a synergistic, high-value system well suited for critical listening as well as good off-axis performance. Aesthetics and ease of use were also important factors with respect to my wife's ability to enjoy the music. The digital and analog sources were purchased through Audiogon. The amps and speakers were acquired gradually through Odyssey Audio as a "system package." All opinions and comments are welcome and appreciated.
Solid State Mono Blocks. Output: 205 Watts per channel (8 Ohms); Capacitance: 360,000 uF; Damping Factor: >800.
Odyssey Audio Tempest - Extreme Edition
Solid State Preamplifier with selectable MM/MC phono section.
Odyssey Audio Lorelei
Full-Range, 2-way ported, Floorstanding speakers. Impedance: 6 Ohms; Sensitivity: 89 dB; Frequency Response: 32 22,000 Hz. Finished in a walnut stained cherry.
VPI Scoutmaster
Scoutmaster table with JMW-9 Memorial Tonearm.
Sumiko Blackbird
High Output Moving-Coil design (2.5 mV).
Marantz SA-11S1
Reference Series SACD/CD player.
Groneberg Quattro Reference Interconnect
1 meter interconnect terminated with gold-plated, WBT RCA plugs. Connects preamp with each amplifier. Groneberg Quattro Reference cable is also used for the internal wiring of the power amps and preamp.
Groneberg Quattro Reference Speaker Cable
8 foot speaker cables terminated with banana plugs.
Groneberg Quattro Reference Power Cords
5 foot power cords terminated with Wattgate plugs. Used for amplifiers, preamp and digital source.
PS Audio Power Director 3.5
Non-current limiting power conditioner with 3 High-Current Ultimate Outlets and 5 Power Port receptacles.
Oz, I'm in complete agreement. Unfortunately, I'm also greatly constrained with my room. My speakers are pinned-in by doors on both sides and my room doubles as a home office. As a result, aesthetics and functionality had to be considered along with performance (my wife uses the room as much as I do). Fortunately, I'm in the process of building a dedicated audio room where I can properly set-up my system. Ill post new photos and early results once things are up in running in the new space.
Teck5, thanks for your comments. I purchased the Salamander audio rack through a local dealer. Salamander's website is: http://www.salamanderdesigns.com/index.htm
Nice, clean looking system. But you REALLY need to spread those speakers further apart and get them off the wall. You don't even know yet how good they might sound if set up properly.
gtylee, thanks for your comments. I don't think there's anything that I would do differently although I have been curious about the Modwright SWL 9.0SE that's had so much positive feedback mostly because Id like to hear the Odyssey Amps paired with a decent tubed linestage. With that said, I cannot disparage the Tempest in any regard especially given the convenience of a high quality built-in phonostage.
The Loreleis are gorgeous sounding speakers but my room is a limiting factor in terms of setup. The system is located in my home office, with three doorways and lots of windows. As a result, I can only get the speakers about 2ft from the back wall and 4ft apart. The room itself is 11 x 13 x 8 (W x L x H). Thankfully, it looks like I may have the opportunity to build a dedicated listening room in the next year which would give me considerably more space and allow me to integrate my 2 channel rig with a home theater setup.
I cant say enough about the sources. I think both the Marantz and the Scoutmaster sound great with Odyssey components. Very smooth and non-fatiguing. Unfortunately, I may have to part with the Marantz if I go to an integrated 2CH/HT setup in exchange for a multi-channel universal player that will handle video duties and multi-channel SACD (the Marantz is only capable of 2 channel playback).
Bottom line: I don't think you can go wrong with the Odyssey combo - especially considering the package pricing that Klaus offers. Good luck, Bill.
Thanks for the comments. The stain was done custom from a sample that I sent Klaus. He really liked how it turned out on the Loreleis so I believe he is planning to offer it as an option for future orders. The appearance is similar to the Red Cherry/Mahogany stain that is already offered but with more brown in it.
Wow, I love what you have done with the place. I hope that some day my system will be similar to the one one my computer screen. Very nice look and sounds better I am sure.
