Ear Candy & Occasional Eye Candy Too

by audiofankj on Ever Evolving
System as of 7/21/07
System as of 7/21/07
Rear of room 7/21/07
Seating 7/21/07
Old Setup - Prior to HT
Setup as of 1/29/06

Description

In process of revising virtual system thread... information below needs to be updated...

After selling my system several years ago, I have been rebuilding and finally assembled a very satisfying system. Upgrades have been more frequent than recommended however, improvement with system synergy in mind is always welcome.

The system goals are to accurately portray lifelike music reproduction - vocals, harmonics, timbre, tonal textures, decay, etc. first and foremost... With that in mind, I want a full range, musical presentation with lifelike dynamic impact, both micro and macro.

We have recently moved into a new home, in which my loving wife allowed me to dedicate the 2nd floor bonus room (16'W x 22'L x 9'H) into a listening room. We had the rear wall configured with built in bookshelves for the vinyl albums, as well as pull out drawers for cd storage. Exposed beam coffered ceiling to help break up standing waves, as well as a double stagger stud wall behind the speakers (shared wall with master bedroom). There is also info in this thread about the "rebuild" of that entire wall...

With the excitement and joy of a dedicated listening room, came the room anomalies that plagued the music reproduction. A great pair of speakers (Meadowlark Audio Blue Heron 2's) were displaced in an attempt to move to a speaker with adjustable bass (Martin Logan Summit). As the Martin Logan's were on order - I became aware that adjustable bass will help, yet not fix the problem... thus started the "wall renovation project." As luck would have it, the room response was improved, however I had been struggling with placement of the Martin Logan Summits. Once finally "dialed in" when you would listen at moderate volumes, you would over excite the room a bit... I tried (for months) to get "permission" to hang drapes behind the Summits - the same ones on the side wall... but no green light. Alas, it was a festering concern that the room wasn't treated properly for the Summits to perform optimally. If they couldn't be allowed to perform their best, the search began for their replacements, and the Summits went up for sale.

As of a couple of weeks ago, I received delivery of the Salk Sound HT3's. They are currently breaking in, and I will be working on room placement and positioning in the upcoming weeks. I am looking forward to getting the system back to a "stable" point!

This is the system "snapshot" as of early September 2006.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Porter Port Porter Port
    1 20A Porter Port utilized on each of the five dedicated 20A lines
    • Fusion Audio Enchanter 20A
    20A IEC used on the RSA D'mitri
    • Running Springs Audio D'Mitri
    Line conditioner
    • Fusion Audio Enchanter Power Cord
    Fusion Audio Enchanter power cord utilized on AMR CD-77
    • Abbingdon Music Research - AMR CD-77
    review here: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/abbingdon/abbingdon.html
    • JPS Labs Aluminata - 1m Interconnect
    1 meter - from CD-77 to preamp
    • First Sound Audio Paramount Mk II Special Edition
    Top of the line 3 chassis unit offered by Emmanuel.
    • JPS Labs Aluminata - 1.5m Interconnect
    1.5 meter from preamp to mono blocks
    • Fusion Audio Enchanter Power Cord
    One on each H2o Audio M250 SE monoblock
    • H2o Audio M250SE (Special Edition Monoblocks)
    The absolute latest from the mind of Henry Ho. This takes the former top of the line M250 Signature and improves upon it. Details to follow. This is the latest top of the line set of monoblocks from H2o Audio... the M 250 Special Edition.
    • JPS Labs Aluminata 10 ft. Speaker Cable
    10 foot pair, used with Aluminata Jumpers
    • Meadowlark Audio Blue Heron 2
    Pommele Sapele sides and rear, Honduran Mahogany front baffle with dual offset Red Heart stringers.
    A phenominal 1st order, time & phase aligned, transmission line speaker. Have tried many other speakers that fail to produce music they way these speakers do.
    • Sistrum SP-101
    One under each Meadowlark Audio Blue Heron 2 speaker
    • Sony STR-DA5200ES
    http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=STRDA5200ES&INT=sstyle-homeaudiocomponents-tophero-7channel_receiver Used in Home Theater for center channel, and rear surrounds. Upconverts analog video to 1080p
    • Sony VPL-VW50
    http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/%3Cwbr%3EINTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=VPLVW50&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_FrontProjectionTVs

    1080p projector
    • Stewart Filmscreen Firehawk SST 100
    http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/ Firehawk SST - optimized for Sony VPL-VW50 1080p projector - Luxus Deluxe
    • JL Audio Fathom 113's (x 2)
    http://home.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?prod_id=371 Pair of these 130 lb. each monsters... Used in HT
    • Onix Rocket - RSC200
    http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=100.1 Center channel speaker - used in HT
    • Onix Rocket - RSS300's
    http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=7.1 Rear surround speakers. Used in HT
    • StudioTech U-22T RW/B
    Component Stand - 67" W x 22" H
    • Eighth Nerve Room Pack
    Accoustic room treatment
    • --- Room Renovation --- (listed below)
    pics attached
    • Room Reno - Room Prep - Rear Wall
    Pic of the rear wall. Everything was removed and the shelving for the vinyl was tarped and taped. Furniture that was not moved out of the room was also tarped over.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Before
    Pic of the front wall before renovation commenced.
    • Room Reno - Drywall Removal
    Pic of the start... drywall cut above and below metal furring strips in horizontal rows to allow for removal of drywall
    • Room Reno - Drywall Removal continues
    Pic taken after 8 solid hours of work. The metal furring strips were spaced 12" apart. Screws had to be removed from the strips as well as all of the blown insulation.
    • Room Reno - Furring Strips
    This pic shows how poorly the furring strips were installed in some of the areas.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - drywall mostly down
    Pic of the front wall with most of the drywall removed. There are still some metal furring strips up to be removed.
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Drywall Removal
    Pic of front corner, most of the drywall removed, metal furring strips yet to be removed.
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Progress
    Pic of the drywall removed, metal furring strips removed, and insullation removed. Some original studs are removed and laying on the floor.
    • Room Reno - Studs
    stack of studs ready to be installed...
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - New Stud Installation
    Pic of the new studs being installed
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - New Stud CloseUp
    pic close up... studs were glued with Liquid Nails, and screwed together with 3" drywall screws. Spacing was roughly on 9" centers.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - New Studs Complete
    Pic of the front wall... studs are complete, and insulation installed.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Plywood Begins
    Pic of the front wall... 3/4" tongue & groove plywood being installed. Liquid Nails and 3" drywall screws.
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Plywood Continues
    Pic of the front corner, plywood installation continues
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Plywood Complete
    Pic of all the plywood up. All Liquid Nailed and screwed with 3" drywall screws. The white lines in seams and around outlets is acoustical sealant caulk.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - First Layer Drywall
    Pic of the first layer of drywall going up.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - First Layer Drywall Up
    Pic of the first layer of drywall up. Audio Alloy's "Green Glue" was used between drywall and plywood. First layer was mudded prior to second layer going up. Yes, one piece of drywall is backwards, as the Green Glue was applied before it was realized...
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Layer Two Drywall Up
    Pic of the front wall, second layer of drywall up and initial mudding
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Second Layer Drywall
    Pic of the second layer of drywall up and initial mudding
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Semi Final Mudding
    Pic of the front wall - semi final mudding
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Semi Final Mudding
    Pic of the front corner - semi final mudding
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Primer Application
    Pic of the coat of primer being apllied - before final mudding and sanding then final paint
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Final Paint
    Pic of the front corner, final coat of paint
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Finished
    Pic of front wall - finished and ready for system to be put back together.
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Finished
    Pic of the front corner, finished and ready to have system moved back into the room and set up.

Comments 316

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*Blurb* ;-)

Hey Kirk.. Your attracting way too much attention on your system post. LOL!

Seriously..just a short blurb to confirm that what I heard in your system was nothing short of astounding! Ive heard just about all the iterations of your system over the years, and this current system's sound is easily the best you've ever had. I like to think I know the sound of your system fairly well, especially the Meadowlark BH2's sonic signature ( if I may call it that ) . I think you have them singing beautifully now. Complete coherence and balance from top to bottom. Easily the best bass you have derived from the BH2's..and that I know has been somewhat of an issue over the years. That Rev. Ring Tweeter has always been a jewel, and I think the Aluminata's allow the tweeter ( and the speaker in general) the opportunity to sound as good as they are indeed capable of.

Anyway..Guys..Kirks system is the real deal IMO. The JPS Aluminata really sealed the deal sonically. I know Kirk and he's a hard man to please..always not quite comfortable with some area of the systems performance. It was nice to see him smiling ear to ear after I just shook my head in amazement of what I heard. Yes, the JPS Labs Aluminata is expensive stuff, but I have to agree that this is one time I felt a cable was worth every penny paid! I only wish I could have a pair (or 2) of my own to play with!

Congratulations Kirk, and best wishes with the system.

Ken

kehut

Hey Kirk,

Cant wait to see ( and hear) the new gear! Congrats on putting together this latest endeavor..I know its been a long, frustrating wait for the new speaks..I have a feeling its gonna be good!

Best,
Ken

kehut

Kirk,
Congrats on the HT now in place! But..Your not getting off that easy!! :-)

Im gonna' have to get you back for a brief listen at some point.

Seriously, Glad to hear the career move is going well. I know this move make perfect sense for you at this time, thus I wish you blessings with it.

Those of us who are 2 channel guys, and have never heard a truly great HT set up,or HT/Music combo... can only guess at what this experience is about. Very glad your liking it.

Do give us an update when the new speak's arrive( I think we talked about what they were??)

Again, Congrats!

Ken

kehut

Kirk,

Nice look! I see you have a tree growing next to my easy chair!

When we spoke the other day, I had to chuckle to myself after you were talking about the various PC's you were trying. When I think of all the pc's we've tried on the back end of our gear...it makes me laugh at myself as I now have only the tiny captive "Zip" cord that comes as standard on the Mac gear! ;-)...Real hi-end eh? LOL!!

Oh, well.. I can still live vicariously through your cool system!...Let me know when the Latte's are ready buddy! ;-)

Ken

kehut

Kirk,

I would like to thank you for your gracious hospitality this morning during my visit to you new home and being able to sit front'n center to your awesome set up! and the 3 Cafe' Latte's that kept you running down to the kitchen!! Very nice.

First of all, you have an excellent listening room both asthetically and sonically! I knew from my previous listening at your old place, that your system would benefit from a larger space that would enable the speakers to bloom. I gotta tell ya..I was very impressed with halographic and spacious presentation in the sweet spot. The BH2's just completely dissapeared and threw an enormous stage both in depth and width, without exaggerating the scale of the music IMO. Although that was a wonderful quality in your system, I think that it ranks second to the excellent tonal balance and sheer musicality that the system so deftly portrays!In my mind...that is paramount, and your system is first rate at that!

Like you, I too was amazed at how coherent and seamless the sound was in the near field, concidering the 1st order time alignment of the Meadowlarks...but, It works great!

Im glad that I was able to hear it after the painfully long break in, Im sure it was no fun in the process. I can say at least that from what we heard today, it seems that it was worth the time and wait, as well as putting so much thought into the room design, that has paid off nicely now.

The Vinyl spun on the Nott. was especially sweet.I think we were both in agreement with that :-)

Thanks again for the invite, and again, congratulations on the system and beautiful new home. You should be very pleased and proud!! I must reciprocate the offer for you to spend some time at my humble and modest place to hear the poor guys set up! I gotta get me one of them Krupps Latte machines! Until then, is French roast okay?
///Ken

kehut

Hey Kirk,

Really nice! I see that other chair just waiting fo me to join you in some nice listening!

Soon, as Im somewhat healed and on the move again..we'll definately have to get together again..That Nottingham is not too far from making an appearance Im sure, but I know your trying to find the best placement and tweeking the set up at the moment.

Congratulations on the new home and your dream of a dedicated listening area for the rig. Nice Job!--Ken

kehut

Kirk,

Thanks for stopping by the other day Neighbor. You are always welcome to catch some tunes here till your home is finished. You know... I may be spending some self invited time listening to your set up once your in! I know you cant wait for this to be done. Glad your doing well and hang in there! :-).

Ken

kehut

Hey Neighbor! Your always welcome to stop over for a music fix should you get too far in withdrawl. Your alot closer now at least temporarily, Im sure you probably wish you just had more time to catch your breath with all thats going on. I need your input soon on the CCa tubes in the PH3SE too! Just give a shout! :) Ken

kehut

Kirk,

Man, it was so nice of you to get that 2nd seat(for me!)Cant wait to get back over and check it all out. Keep up the nice work, and give a shout when your new toy arrives! Best-Ken

kehut

Hey Kirk,

Hows them Amperex tubes working out in the FSP MkII? I just received an email from the former owner of my 801's who has taken the plunge and bought that same pre amp. I think he also is going to be using the Amperex tubes.Let you know. I did mention to him to plug it in directly to the wall in his system as per Emmanual Go's recommendation.

Its hard to imagine after hearing your system last week that you could possibly get a better sound out of those Sweet Blue Heron 2's! The upper mids were perhaps the best Iv'e heard in any system and were IMO superior to mine even with the tubes.You have to credit the Meadowlarks use of the Revalator tweeter, and I think also that the new Epiphany cords are at work here too, providing a transparency and sweetness on a much grander scale than the MK+ or even the UK2 S/RR cord could. That said...I will be soon replacing my MK+ cords with the UK2/S RR's. Once I heard the one cord in my system...there is no going back! Keep us posted on the LP front soon as your able! :) Ken

kehut

Kirk- Nice to get together once again this evening and swap listening sessions on the systems. I have to say I left grinning and I think you've made an excellent choice with the H20 Signatures with the Blue Heron2's. What a sound! Not a hint of strain, just real music.Even with the "new" cables it sounded excellent and Im sure will flesh out even more as the cables ripen. Loved the eclectic cd's( Dead can dance,,very cool) and the more familiar Patricia Barber. As we discussed, the former system of your Meadowlark Nighthawks and V4 Monos was smooth, but this new set up adds the refinement, dynamics, and bass authority you didn't have previously. Very well done. Keep me posted on the planned analog rig down the road-Ken

kehut

Hey, glad to hear your having a great "Epiphany" over there! Man,very nice.Your old Mini Khan Plus cords are right at home in my system!..Good to know that the new Epiphany is such a nice upgrade, that I am hopefull that these too will find their way into my house when your ready to move on! :)( please not too soon though! )

I have to get a listen soon to those nice Blue Heron 2's and H2O monos, and will hopefully have you over too for some Vinyl madness soon as I get the Analog all tweeked!

All in All, Excellent Job Kirk!

kehut

Great job Kirk! Love the looks of the H20's with the ice technology! Very cool. Will definately make time to get together again after some breaking in and familiarity. Your room should be a lot cooler now! :) Enjoy.-Ken

kehut

Hey Kirk-
Thanks for the audition of your system. I was truly impressed with the sound. Even more impressive when you get to see and hear it up in person!. Like you said, the pics can't do the system justice. Awesome tight bass and very smooth mids and highs/excellent imaging through the Meadowlarks. Good luck with your next venture( I wont divulge that info!) I know your eagerly awaiting it!..Of course you must return the favor and stop on over for an evening of spinning Analog on my rig!!..Great job!-:) Ken

kehut

Kirk-

Nice going. I think you'll like these tubes. I have found them to be the best for my tastes and have tried many, many other types including the Amperex PQ's and Telefunkens. I seem to prefer the Siemens 7308/1E88CC for their smoothness, yet excellent detail and resolution, and imaging qualities, and very nice tight bass. Enjoy!-Ken :)

kehut

Okay, hurry up and break all that mondo expensivo stuff in so I can get a listen!..Great additions in PC's! you can bring one over to my place for a thorough review!:)

kehut

Now That's nice! I was hoping that you may soon post a virtual system of your gear! Very, Very cool. I love the clean look and think you've made some very good chioces in your rebuilding of your seperates from the integrated gear you had. The Zoethetus z.5/R stand looks fantastic and mates well with the Meadowlarks(gorgeous BTW)I love the superb finish on them!

As we are both Poiema owners and have chatted previously regarding their performance qualities... I know what they can do in a great system. Glad to see the EMC-1 UP 24/192 has arrived, and bet it's great.Another component we have in common( I have the ECD-1 24/192 DAC) as you know.

Only other thing to add..is I'm glad we are neighbors, as I can't wait to get a listen at the "Oasis!"... Excellent!

kehut

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