The Perpetual Technologies units took virtually all the edge off of the "digital" sound -- they are paired with the custom built Dan Wright power supply. The strengths of the system are in a wonderful recreation of the live feeling, especially with jazz, blues and most adult rock -- they sound very good at low volumes but it can sound like the musicians are there if the db's are kicked up a notch. The sound is superb off axis. The interconnects and speaker cables were chosen over time to provide the smoothest and most realistic bass and top end detail. They do quite well but I will explore alternatives to the cables and digital front end next year.
CD's like Brubeck's "Take Five" are simply phenomenal in bass, cymbols and everything in between. The system has a tall, wide soundstage and conveys delicate passages and dense passages equally well.
Again, the impact of the music is felt well outside the sweet spot and this is where we spend 90% of our listening time.
24 bit, 96khz, with Dan Wright modifications to the P-3a and a Dan Wright custom power supply. Allows for speaker & room correction.
Sierra (Borbely) K2
This is Erno Borbely's EB-100/180 fully differential FET design. Very low output impedence (under 50 ohms) with remote volume control.
Sierra Denali
Pair of power amps. Each: 2,200 ohm input impedence, 2,260 VA transformer, no global feedback, JFET input, MOSFET output, 600 W @ 8 ohms, 1,200 W @ 4 ohms, 72 wpc Class A into 8 ohms, 115 lbs.
Montana WAS
Each: 2 15
MIT Oracle V2 EX
10 ft. Also using 16
Stealth Varidig AES/EBU Digital 1.5 m
This made a huge difference
DH Labs Silver Pulse
1M between DAC and Preamp. Silver plated oxygen free copper, RCA.
Sound Quest Pro Series Zero Point Reference
6m PC-OCC XLR. Soundquest connectors (very good) with Phoenix Gold pro series cable. Excellent value since purchase price is much lower than retail.
What do you think of Ernie's DIY PC? I have one, too, and like it because I don't "hear" it, if you know what I mean.
How do you like the CAL CDP? A friend of mine has one (single cd), but I have mixed feelings about it...haven't put my finger on the issue yet. Now, those speakers....holy hell!