My family's system changed direction from the original intent and focus on HT to upgrades driven to enhance 2-channel music. I upgraded speakers from VSA 4JR speakers to Devore Fidelity Silverbacks. The sources of a Musical Fidelity A5 CDP and Clearaudio Champion are driven through the VAC Avatar Super KT88 based integrated amp. The VAC's HT pass through feature make it very easy to go back and forth.
There's nothing like Hi-Def! With this, I feel like we have a real HT.
Devore Fidelity Silverback Reference
Dynamic and effortless sound.
Valve Amplification Company (VAC) Avatar Super
Integrated with HT bypass, fits in nicely with rest of system.
K&K Maxxed Out Phono
kit with upgraded cardas caps, built by my dad
Musical Fidelity A-5
Dedicated Redbook Player.
Clearaudio Champion
My first tt in 20+ years, good to be back into vinyl.
Clearaudio Satisfy
Tonearm
ZYX Airy 3S-SB
.24mv MC
Sunfire Ultimate Receiver
200 X 7, used to drive 5.1 HT system and also zone 2 (kitchen). This piece has been great for HT.
Denon 2900 Universal
DVD-DVD-A, SACD
Von Schweikert Audio LCR-15
Full range center channel.
Von Schweikert Audio VR-1
Used for the rear surrounds in the HT. Seamless integration with rest of system on multi-channel concert DVDs and SACDs.
Von Schweikert Audio VRS/1
10" 300 Watt, fits in great with the other VSA speakers.
Audience AU24
Connects MF-A5 to Sunfire
Analysis Plus Silver Oval Crystal
Used for mains and center channel analog connection from DVD to Receiver
Auditorium 23 Speaker Cable
Match well with silverbacks.
Analysis Plus Oval One
Lower quality for the rear channels, listen to mostly stereo SACD or DVD-A but still pretty decent.
Balanced Power Technologies (BPT) BPT 2 Signature
Balanced line conditioner
(BPT) C-7 Power Cords
I have these feeding my sub, DVD, Receiver, and BPT conditioner.
Audience PowerChord
Feeds the MF-A5 CDP from the BPT 2
Sound Application Outlet
Wall outlet
AIW 6 AWG Indoor/Outdoor Wire
Wire for dedicated line is real nice, 6 GA and 19 strand. My dealer was putting this into his new house and luckily there was enough left over for me to run my line.
Tributaries DCV 100 Comp Video
Component video from DVD to Receiver and Receiver to Plasma. HDMI from Sat to Plasma for HDTV.
Congratulations on the A5 CDP Chad - I did not discern a long break-in like you will get with speakers or wires. I did put mine on repeat and let it play for about a week when I first got it. I am glad to hear that it is very close to the Lector, I had a Lector on order for months and finally got fed up and bought the A5 which I have really liked. I was big into SACD with my 2900 before I got my A5, now I only use it to watch movies.
Maineiac...I just picked up the A5 CD player...Fantastic! I compared it to the Lector 7, different emphasis in sound, but nearly equal players...at only half the money! Very happy with the sinergy of my system now...this is my first attempt beyond the enthusiast system and I can't get over how worth it it is to go beyond entry level components. It really is the difference between listening to music and enjoying the event in one's own living room. Any thoughts on how the A5 breaks in over time, or does it settle in rather quickly?
Thanks for your comments Chad. The A5 is an excellent integrated amp, I demoed it in my system and it had a really great bass punch and dynamics. I got a decent deal on the VAC and it was recommended by VSA so I jumped on it. The A5 CDP is very nice and I am sure you would enjoy it in your system.
Great system...your system is 90% of my original intent...ended up more like 70% of what you have...I went with Spendor and A5 integrated (VAC was a bit too much for my budget) and now I am looking into the A5 CD player. If I did it over I would have bout the VR4JR used...great deal. In the end I went for 2 channel and HT as well...the choices where limiting, but the VAC is the one I always aspire to...congrats on making a great integration.
Awesome on getting the 4JRs, I am sure you will fall in love with them. My room is 18 X 24. The dealer where I auditioned had them in a smallish room and they worked great in there. Key is to keep anything from being in between them if you can (I can't - but I'm thinking of how to work around it). I originally had the system wedged into a corner next to the fireplace with one speaker up on the hearth believe it or not. I fixed this by switching to the long wall and took the opportunity to run the dedicated AC. I also covered the wall of windows on the opposite side with a good heavy curtain. I have found that there is a very precise spot and toe-in angle where the speakers have to be to optimize soundstage and bass. I got VSA to get me new spikes as the original bent, even without lead shot. I do have lead shot in now. Best of luck.
Very very nice system, with your Avatar, I can only imagine. I just picked up a pair of the JR4's. Wondering what size room you had, and did you have any special concerns with such. At this point, the slated room size for my speakers will be about 13x14, somewhat small perhaps unless I tear down a wall in the basement.
sweet setup, btw nice cockbird. i miss the sound of those badboys flushing from the brush under your feet. i hope to try the vac someday. enjoy your great rig.
System edited: The addition of the VAC Avatar Super finally has me to a point where I have very good performance in both music and HT in a single system. This is a great AMP, excellent soundstage and detail but never harsh, and decent bass performance as well.
