After experiencing the beautiful sound of tubes I took the plunge into audio heaven. Before all I had was solid state but now I wont even go back, FO EVER, EVER! This system was design and put together by me after careful reviews, homework, research and auditioning & trial and error with "other" name brand tube gear, lastly my budget. My system is not yet completed however, I do believe I have a good starting point. I dont consider myself an "Audiophile" nor do I have the "audiophile" wallet I'm just a Military Soldier (82nd Airborne) and a Chicago Firefighter.
Quantum Product Electro Clear (Parrallel Power Line Filter)
Acme Audio Cryogenically treated outlet
Von Schweikert Audio VR2's speakers
DH Labs Q10 Speaker Cable
DH Labs Revelation IC
Stealth Power Cord for the JD 100
1000RC Stock PC (upgrading soon)
Tube coolers and dampers
Just my basic install still have to do some tweaks/isolation and get the appropriate A/V rack and room treatments and finally a TT. Unfortunately, my house is under major reconstrution remodeling once I get all of my house construction done I will focus more on my audio needs.
Nice system. 82nd / State side— 101st / Nam. Thanks for your Service. Finish the construction first Think about a rug and some room treatments. Best isolation is all but speakers and amps out of direct line of fire of speakers
Robert, this is not a judgment of your rig, but an assessment of the benefits available to you. If the rig you speak of is approximately of the level shown in your virtual system, then I believe you would be far better served, with the exception of the TT, to forget isolation devices now and focus on component upgrades over time. I believe you would get far more advancement in sound that way for the money expended.
Unless you are done with any upgrades for quite a long time (i.e. several years) then spending on the isolation devices would limit your improvements to the rig, as the money could be spent for something more profound in terms of performance.
It is very likely that aside from TT the componentry now used would not benefit greatly from isolation devices. They likely would not pass my Law of Efficacy; that is, they would not make a noticeable, or satisfactory improvement. If you are planning on spending several hundred on isolation devices, it is quite possible that putting that money along with the sale of a component toward a new piece would put you much farther ahead sonically. :)
If you're fixed with your gear for the long run, then go ahead and futz with it. If you're not, then don't futz, do serious upgrades. Looks like you have at least one stock power cord left in your rig. Go after a good aftermarket pc first, before isolation devices. You will experience a nice improvement there, probably far more efficacious than adding isolation devices. In my experience cabling has been more impactful than isolation devices or most other tweaks, with the exception of certain CD cleaning/treatment solutions.
Robert, Very nice and clean looking. I'm looking to get back into a tube amp but want higher power than the Jolida 302 I once had. What are your thoughts on the 1000RC? It looks really nice and how does it perform?
Robert,let me salute you first being in the military service.Your system is so well thought,enjoy it.The JD100 is very good,.I heard it from Van L speaakerworks in Chicago,you like 840 Cambridge now.Iam also thinking of buying it.Email me your impression...thanks
Well, I havent decided as to what I need and what I need to buy for room treatments. I know that my room is kinda bright sounding, also, I need a good audio rack and remove all old clunker of tv out of the way. I have a lot of work to do to be honest. Want to isolate all of my components from the nasty vibrations. Also, I just purchase a new TT.
It looks like you have a very well thought out system there. I was actually considering the VR2s myself for awhile but never got a chance to hear them - their specs are quite impressive and I'm sure the rear firing tweeter must be very interesting once you get it set up properly.
In any case, I'd assume they sound great with 100 watts of EL34 tube power behind them. I recently moved to tubes myself and completely agree with your sentiments regarding them. No looking back over here either.
