The primary source is a hard drive server using an Apple G5 running OSX 10.5,8/iTunes 9.1/Pure Music 2.02. The interface is a Lynx AES16 card which is connected to the Esoteric D-05 DAC via AES/EBU cable.
System edited: Swapped out the SPL Volume 2 and SPL Qure for a Pathos InControl preamp. In addition to the increase in sound quality (transparency, detail and soundstage) the change allows for greater system flexibility along with increased simplicity. I can now remote control the volume via the analog InControl where before I used the digital volume in the D-05 D/A. The SPL Qure functioned as a tube buffer/EQ. The recent change to Pure Music allows me to run the EQ in the digital domain allowing far more precision and is adjustable from the listening chair. Also with the reduction of one component I've eliminated a set of balanced interconnects and lowered the electrical load on the P600. More importantly, my major components are now all silver faced (see pic).
System edited: Added Pure Music software to the Apple G5 based music server. I can now readily access 24bit/96kHz digitized versions of my vinyl collection. When I digitize I record at 24/96 and then down sample to 16/44 when I divide the albums into individual songs. However, for the past three years I've kept the original 24/96 files of whole album sides as an archive. With PM I can now integrate these files into my normal iTunes/music server listening routine.
System edited: Replaced the mono Pilot/E-V Centurion setup with a stereo Fisher/E-V. Listening to a purely mono system was interesting, but also limiting. The balanced system is far more detailed, more accurate and soundstage/images better. The vintage system works better at both very low and very loud volumes. It's also more forgiving of source material.
System edited: Added an SPL Qure, hybrid tube/solid state equalizer/processor to the stereo system. Using it primarily as a tube buffer stage. Neither of the SPL products are well known in the audiophile arena, so here's some links to reviews of the SPL Qure and SPL Volume 2: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/spl/volume2.html http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan99/articles/spl768.htm http://www.recordproduction.com/SPL%20Qure.htm
System edited: Updated pictures showing new system configuration. The MSB Platinum Link and McIntosh C42 are gone. Added are an Esoteric D-05, Drawmer DC2496 (moved from the basement system) and an SPL Volume 2. With the exception of the mono FM on the Pilot HF-42 the system is now totally digital. The Revox and Teac R2Rs are just sitting there unconnected. At some point I'll move them to other systems in the house. The Esoteric is a nice upgrade over the MSB. A more detailed, transparent sound, but still on the silky soft side of digital reproduction. It's not really fair to compare the McIntosh to the SPL. The C42 was a full featured preamp with extensive I/O and recording flexibility. The Volume 2 has a single input, a volume control w/ mute and a single output. I tried running the Esoteric directly into the Rowland power amp and it sounded very good, but the addition of the Volume 2 is even better. No loss of transparency and improved bass impact, midrange fullness and overall smoothness. It's not an audiophile product by any means, but it's literally a straight wire with attenuation. I can only imagine what it would sound like if the Alps potentiometer was replaced with a discrete resistor design. Although I'm not using it in that way, it's also capable of converting a single ended input to a balanced output signal. Overall, good recordings sound surprisingly better, mediocre recordings sound a little better and really bad recordings sound about the same as before.
I've only had the Lynx for a little over a week now. My initial impression is very positive. I think the MSB is a great DAC, but mine is an early production model and there are some upgrades available that I'm considering. Haven't used the system with any high sample rate files yet.
System edited: Moved the vinyl playback components from the basement to this upstairs system. Also switched from an RME to Lynx soundcard. Currently using the Lynx stock breakout cable. Would appreciate anyone's experience with replacing the Lynx cable with a better quality item. Pictures will soon follow.
