Aaron Knock's System

by aaronknock on Getting Started
Front morning
Front night
Sand-filled stands
Slaved Cambridge Audio CDP
LessLoss Firewall
LessLoss DAC

Description

As you can see, this is an attempt to integrate a 2-channel setup with home-cinema, but with emphasis on the 2-channel side of things. (Various other HT equipment not listed). Of course, I'm making due with the current living-room space. In the next few years we'll likely move, and perhaps then a dedicated space will become a reality.

In the next 2 decades, I'd like to see the following system changes / additions:

Room: Dedicated and treated appropriately

Source: LessLoss Laminar Streamer (audition it at least once it's finally on the market)

Interconnects: LessLoss Tunnelbridge

Amp: Simaudio i-7, or, 860A, maybe a pair of mono amps (?) Who knows what the goN will cough up.

Ambient Field Conditioners: LessLoss Blackbodies

Speakers: Focal Electra or Utopia (dream is something like Kaiser Vivache). Still have much to learn here.

Screen: Stewart, ceiling retractable

Projector: Not a clue

Video processor: Maybe Anthem something?

I really don't know what to do about the home theater side of things so as not to compromise the 2-channel setup. I don't want two pairs of speakers or speaker wires setup which means at least one amp will require something like HT pass-through. But at the same time, the ideal 2-channel setup would go straight from DAC (bypassing preamplifier) straight into amp(s).

Your comments, suggestions, advice, and experience are all welcome here.

PS: The stands were inspired by the German company Kaiser. I owe them credit for the design. I merely tried to duplicate their stand design with various customized elements for my own purposes.

Happy listening,

Aaron
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Components Toggle details

    • Cambridge Audio Azur 650C Transport
    I had this player's clock disabled, allowing it act as digital slave to the LessLoss DAC. It now functions merely as a transport.
    • LessLoss DAC 2004 MkII
    The component to make the greatest difference in my system. (DAC no longer in production).
    • Yamaha RX-A3010 Amplifier
    Flagship model. Dual purpose amp for hi-fi & home cinema until I can get a dedicated 2-channel amplifier.
    • Focal 816 V Loudspeakers
    Floorstanding.
    • LessLoss Anchorwave Interconnects
    RCA interconnects using mono crystal pure copper strands in litz wire configuration, conductive cloth shielding, locking Furutech gold-plated connectors, and a microvibration control nanoparticle bed.
    • LessLoss Anchorwave Loudspeaker Cables
    196 mono crystal pure copper strands in a litz wire configuration; conductive cloth shielding; microvibration control nanoparticle bed.
    • D.I.Y. (Kaiser Inspired) Stands
    Credit for the general stand design goes to the German company Kaiser. I saw stands similar to these that Kaiser made, and believing in their effectiveness, attempted to duplicate them, customizing various aspects for my own purposes. The stands feature panzerholz platforms sitting directly on sand within each box and leg. The aim of this construction is to enable the best possible handling of vibration from ground to component and component to stand. Without equipment, and when filled with sand, the stands weigh over 1,100 lbs.
    • LessLoss DFPC Signature (3)
    A highly flexible, lightweight power cable that uses a more intense Skin-filtering to eliminate HF noise without impeding dynamics; a doubled live conductor for improved dynamics; and specially chosen ruby coloured Oyaide 079 power plugs.
    • LessLoss DFPC Original (2)
    A highly flexible, lightweight power cable that uses Skin-filtering to eliminate HF noise without impeding dynamics. Also has specially chosen ruby coloured Oyaide 079 power plugs.
    • LessLoss Firewall Power Conditioner
    Copious amounts of Skin-filtering; panzerholz enclosure; furutech connections with carbon fibre; sandblasted and anodized aluminum end pieces. The ultimate power conditioner.
    • Furutech e-TP60 Power Distributor
    Uses Furutech's GC-303 material to absorb internal generated EMI. Features 6 receptacles with 24k gold-plated phosphor bronze, non-magnetic conductors.

Comments 20

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Hi Aaron, can't disagree with your decision to think about upgrading your system with a view to the long term. Particularly if you value buying new rather than s/h.

I do like the Focal's, I often hear comments that they tend toward the 'bright'. That may be but I think that's more system and room dependant than any significant issue with the speakers themselves. The 28 is a very satisfying speaker but I suspect the 38 would give you greater satisfaction into the future if affordable.

In the case of the 1028be a surprisingly good match I heard was with the little Puresound A30 tube amp, not sure if they're available in the US? It's worth baring in mind that a big powerful amp isn't a neccesary prerequisite with the Focals you're considering. Having said that another modestly priced 200w s/s amp made by Storm Audio from Poland also sounded really good with 28s from a dCS source.

defride

Forgot to mention, nice dilema to have :-)

All the best

defride

IIRC, the Classic is the original and Vivace a slightly bigger model? I've heard both in different rooms and setups but not the standmount. If Lessloss are running them in NY it'll be interesting to hear feedback.

I believe one of the directors of Vertex is also a partner in Kaiser hence there is a close affinity between the companies here in the UK.

I expect Teo may be shown in NY in some shape or form however I find it very difficult to assess what a cable loom is bringing to a system in an unknown setup.

As for upgrades, I think you're right to be wary of partnering the AVR with a $10k speaker, who knows it may work. I'd guess it'd be less risky changing the amp first and can think of several systems I've heard in the past where modest speakers have sounded great on the end of some big budget electronics.

Another option is of course splitting the budget which I would think may give you greater satisfaction in the short term, perhaps even longer term as there are a great many good amp/speaker combo's you could achieve with $10k.

defride

Beautiful craftmanship there Aaron, lovely looking stands.

All sorts of ways of going about building a system and yours is an interesting one. I suspect you'll see some significant benefits when you find the right amp.

The Kaiser's and full Vertex system's are interesting, I've heard them quite a few times in slightly different configurations. For me the Vertex/Kaiser group create a system and sound that while worthy of respect hasn't captured me emotionaly. In a system context the group seem to favour transparency over emotion in a way that doesn't drawn me in in the way I feel when I listen to live music. I'd love to hear the speakers in a different context.

That's all just opinion and based on my experience and perception of course.

I've heard good reports about Lessloss though not their products. Just went back to reread what you said about decay and notice you've edited your profile since I looked a few days ago? Anyhow's, if the way a system portrays that part of music is of interest and you ever get the opportunity to hear Teo cables in your system, grab it. They are quite unique in my experience.

Look forward to seeing how your system develops.

defride

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