Primary 2 Channel Audio System

by iflyfisher on Done For Now
Favorite Room In The House
Tubes Anyone?
SME 20/2 and ZYX Universe
Just added the Esoteric

Description

I don't make a whole lot of changes, but seemed that in 2005, a lot of my older gear was starting to show its age. I replaced or significantly updated all my amplification and retired the old Oracle Delphi Mk II to make room for the SME 20/2 and added the Esoteric. The next step will probably be to investigate some acoustic treatments.

I welcome any thoughts, opinions, or questions.

Ken
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Components Toggle details

    • Magnepan MG-20.1
    I have been a Maggie lover since I purchased my MGIIIa's back in 1987 as sort of college graduation present to myself. I purchaed these in Aug-06 to replace my Finals. They are absolutely stunning!
    • Vandersteen 2wq
    I purchased two of these in Jun-06, but I moved one to the Theatre Room. I'd like to find one more so I have two working with the Maggies. Even though the 20.1's have very good bass response, the 2wq's deepen the sound a touch while freeing up the Maggies to work the rest of the frequencies.
    • Audio Research SP-8
    Not the run of the mill SP-8. I had Steve at Great Northern Sound give the pre a major update. Additionally, we upgraded the phono section to accommodate low output MCs. It handles my very low output ZYX Universe quite nicely. I have made a number of changes to my system, but I have never felt the need to replace this preamp.
    • Audio Research VT-200
    Provides the necessary horsepower to run the Maggies. I put this amp in my system early 2005, replacing my Threshold. I was originally running KT-88s and have since gone back to 6650s. This amp is a beast, but great ARC sound.
    • SME Model 20 mkII
    Just the basic superb sounding SME 20/2. This deck was purchased as a replacement to my Oracle Delphi that had served me well for years but had developed motor issues. It sits in a cabinet I built, which holds about 150 pounds of sand in its base. I can also lock access to the turntable to keep little fingers away. Gotta love vinyl!
    • SME Series IV.VI
    Had an SME IV on my Oracle Delphi and loved it. This one adds damping. These are just great tonearms.
    • ZYX Universe
    This is the really low output, silver version. Easily the nicest cartridge I have owned.
    • Esoteric X-03 SE SACD
    Added Mar-07. I had never really done much with digital prior to now. I focused primarily on vinyl as I had never found digital very listenable. Until now! The X-03 won't replace my analog setup, but I can enjoy extended digital listening sessions now.
    • EquiTech 2Q
    Added this balanced power unit to my system early 2005. Brings the noise level way down. I'd like to add one to my theatre system some day.
    • Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun
    Fine cables
    • Acoustic Zen WOW!
    1 Meter Added Aug-06. Esoteric > Preamp
    • Audiopath Supernal
    I/C for tonearm and pre->amp
    • Billy Bags Tri Pro
    Got to have something to hold the gear. This unit is rock solid and looks nice.

Comments 12

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Very nice!! I'm nearly done with my system and am giving some thought to posting here. Then, like you, I'm going to approach the room as its own system. I believe that will be a fun project. I'm curious about your turntable cover. I have a Pro-Ject 10 that would benefit from a nice cover. I'm looking at making a plexi cover made similar to the one pictured.
Steve

bbqbluz

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