I don't think I've ever had so much fun putting a system together. There is a great synergy between the components, and the sound is beguiling. There is a sense of immediacy to the music that is truly captivating. Now I see what the SET/single driver fuss is all about!
I can't tell you how gratifying it is to listen on an almost entirely DIY system. Happy listening, everyone.
With integrated volume control. Fantastic 6SN7 based SET amp. Puts out 2 glorious watts per channel. Built it myself! Upgraded signal wire to DH Labs, upgraded resistors to Kiwame and Holco, upgraded coupling caps to Auricap.
I've been considering assebling a system dedicated to choral music like you describe, which seems the most difficult music for my system to play--Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis," Desprez's 20-voice "Qui habitat," Tallis's "Spem in alium," and the like.
I have a Cary SLI-80 with Svetlana KT88s and lots of preamp tubes, a Cary 303/300, and Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home speakers (90dB/6ohm nominal). This is an excellent system for most all other music--symphonic orchestral, opera, chamber, jazz, etc. But large choirs with massed dynamic treble voices can sound very harsh--treble glass, distortion, etc.
Does your SET system reproduce these choirs well? I've been thinking about assembling a SET system based on a PX-25 amp and some kind of single-driver speaker, either C&C or Zu.
Good eyes, Mitch4t. It is indeed a loft! The stairs don't lead up to a room, though, but to an elevated deck.
The sub integrates fairly well with the Madisounds. It has a relatively small woofer (8" I think), and a digital amp, so it's pretty quick. I don't require super-low bass, and the Madisounds go down to about 50hz, so it does a nice job of filling in between ~35hz-50hz.
BTW - your setup looks (and undoubtedly sounds) great!
I am having no problems with lack of power... I don't listen too loudly, but I do listen to quite a bit of larger scale orchestral and choral music. Just this weekend, my wife and I listened through a few different versions of the Brahms German Requiem, and the system did not sound like it was struggling. Of course, it also did not sound like it had plenty of headroom, but it certainly wasn't running out of gas.
Primarily, though, we listen to a lot of smaller scale stuff... chamber music, jazz trios and vocals, folk and bluegrass music. And for those genres, the system is simply remarkable.
I know exactly what you mean about LP's. I had a wonderful Linn LP-12/Naim Aro combo a few years back that I miss terribly. I have a bunch of records that my brother is holding (and enjoying on HIS vinyl system) for me, and the hope is to one day get back into it. My wife and I just did some major moving, so once the dust settles, maybe I can talk her into it!
I've always wondered how 2 watts would sound on my speakers. I've wanted to try 2A3 or 45 amps. The I-Bens are the same efficency as yours, so tell me, how does it work?
What kind of music do you listen to and how loud?
Does it ever run out of steam under normal listening conditions?
PS. You have got to get into LP's, that's where our type of systems leave others in the mud. Spin a couple of platters and you'll be hooked for life.
Thanks Darkmoebius. Same to you! I've always admired Cain & Cain speakers... Yours are absolutely gorgeous. Trust me, the cabinetry on my kits can't hold a candle to your speakers!
You are correct, I have been stunned at how revealing this system is. I grew up around live classical music and played the cello for many years. I'm hearing some of the most realistic reproductions of classical instruments I have ever experienced on this system!
That's a really nice looking Madisound kit. The cabinery is fantastic.
I bet that setup has an "immediate" sound, you can't get any more direct than an integrated SET amp and Fostex crossoverless single-drivers. I love mine also.
Have you noticed that how revealing the simplicity is? Bad recordings or studio tricks have no place to hide.
