Description

I attempted to maximize redbook CD playback in a smallish room.
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Components Toggle details

    • PS Audio P-300
    I consider this the beginning of my playback system; clean power. While not required for the Ikemi (due to switching power supply) it is vital for the preamp. Multiwave free zone :-)
    • Linn Ikemi
    Horrible chassis design. Amazing transport and decoding mechanism. Solution? Isolate and manage vibrations. Result? I'd stack it up against a CD12 (and I have -- there is *very* little difference).
    • Audience Au 24
    Half a meter of smooth, detailed bliss. Amazing stuff.
    • Audio Electronic Supply AE-3 DJH
    A neat little tubed preamp from the Cary guys. Have CBS-Hytron 6SN7 tubes. Clean, quick, and a lot of bass. Highly recommend this unit!
    • VH Audio Pulsar
    12' run from pre to amp. Price/performance is off the map. Could not recommend this stuff more highly.
    • Forte Model 4a
    Great sound, cheap price. I love this unit.
    • Goertz MI2 Biwire
    Apparently, a controversial cable. I did have some problems with this cable initially, but after removing the Zobels (which some consider mandatory) the sound break-up at high volume problem was solved. Apparently, the Zobel's introduced a destructive feedback to my amp (strange, for they are designed to *avoid* that problem). Anyway, I consider this a very neutral cable and I'm quite happy with them. Especially considering the price.
    • Focus Audo 688
    Lovely monitors.

Comments 27

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Mprime, are you still using the midnight speaker cables? Not a bad cable, I used the midnight 2 bi wired for many years. A while back I stepped up to the Audioquest Sterling.Definitely a big improvement.
I use AQ Diamond2 silver ics.
I am not one who considers ics and speaker cables as tweaks.
They are just another part of matching, and connecting the equipt together. But a very important link.
Bottom line, at this point in your system it may be time to upgrade your cables. If you look for new, see if your audio dealer will let you check out demos. Make sure they are already burned in.Just as you match equipt with each other, so should you match the cables with the equipt.
If you like the midnight cables, you might want to watch Audiogon for a used pair of AQ "clear" or "sterling" speaker cables.

Good luck, Jim

jea48