VRDS disc clamping system, digimaster D/A conversion, 80 MIPS processing, 24-bit resolution, balanced outputs, 45 lbs. Sound compares favorably to newer players, so I haven't been able to bring myself to upgrade it.
Music Server - AMD Athlon 64 x2, 2.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM, Windows XP Pro, iTunes 9, USB 2.0, Musiland Monitor 01 USD, Blue Jeans Cable BNC/BNC digital cable.
I have been very pleased with this table. I am just now considering the addition of the new Mini Super Feet and SDS from VPI. The table is sited on a Bright Star base designed for the Aries, which I have found to be quite effective.
- VPI Industries JMW Memorial
Unipivot design, easy to adjust and swap out for another. Sonic characteristics can also be tuned by increasing/decreasing the amount of damping fluid in the cup.
This cartridge mates well to the JMW Memorial arm and Aries table. I prefer it to my van den Hul One
Very low output and very pleasing sound, though I prefer my Benz Micro Glider. Alignment can be difficult due to the short cantilever.
- Audio Research LS-5 mkIII
To my ears, an absolutely terrific preamp. Dynamic and clean with great bloom. A keeper.
I love this amp. An absolutely synergistic match with the Magnepan 3.5Rs, and there is not much it will not drive.
I'm a real fan of their sound, especially with the ARC VT200. The transparency, reproduction of acoustic instruments and voices, and the soundstaging are, in my opinion, superb.
Supplementing the Magnepan 3.5Rs with a pair of these was one of the best investments I've made in my system, allowing the Maggies to do what they do best and releiving the amp/speakers of the need to reproduce the lowest frequencies. I'm running them balanced with the optional Vandersteen high pass filters.
Balanced throughout, with the exception of the run from turntable to phono preamp.
Balanced 9-meter run from preamp to amplifier. Great cable.
A nice phono preamp. I will probably send this to ARC in the not-too-distant future for upgrading to SE.
Bi-wired 8-foot run from amp to main speakers.
One 8-foot run from amp to each subwoofer.
Kimber 8TC with a copper ground lead down the center, connected to Hubbell connectors and jacketed in a woven sleeve.
Just for that extra measure of protection and filtering
Though there are claimed benefits to sound, I like it for the reason that I am able to monitor line voltage.
- Black Diamond Shelves and Cones
Under CD player and phono preamp, each using two sets of three cones.
Under preamp
Situated under VT200
Replacing the OEM damping rings on all 6922s in the LS5 and PH3. A noticeable reduction in microphonics can be attributed to the tweak.
58-inch HD plasma screen TV
Acoustic treatments, including bass traps, Tube Traps, Abfusors, Sound Planks and Skylines. Devices are applied as required according to room measurements.
- ASC Sound Planks Plasma Treatment
Home-brew acoustic treatment for 58" plasma screen TV -- I've got my image back! Today I fabricated a simple but effective acoustic treament to hang on my flat screen. I used 3/4" flat stock to make two hooks for hanging, some velcro and three Sound Planks. The insides of the hooks are covered with velcro (loop side) to prevent damage to the TV. The outside of each hook is covered with velcro which enables two 33" "ribbons" of velcro to hang down. The sound planks are affixed with velcro in a horizontal orientation, helping to tame front wall reflections. The device was a breeze to make, is easily stored and affixes in about 30 seconds for critical listening.
- Nixie Clock and Single Malts Various
The Nixie clock blows the Tice clock away. It gets the timing right and is much more analog (and therefore real) in its presentation. The single malts greatly improve soundstage width and depth, take the edge off highs, and make 100 dB sound like 90 dB. Using them I have had occasions where I heard things I didn't know were present on the medium of being played (perhaps they weren't).
