Since I first listened to a good audio system (a Linn system including a LP12 and Kaber speakers) I dreamed of owning such stuff too.
Fifteen years ago my first step was a Cyrus I integrated and small Vienna Acoustics speakers, a few years later followed by an excursion into the world of tubes (a cheap Chinese integrated).
Time went on, I purchased a turntable and as I had good experience with Cyrus I bought a CD player and an integrated together with the respective power supplies. A good fit with the small speakers but I wanted more and once my dealer offered a pair of Thiel CS1.6 I made a big step forward. In my good damped 20sqm room Cyrus and Thiel gave a wonderful presentation. Very dynamic and musical, never harsh. In my opinion Thiel speakers and British electronics (Cyrus, Naim, etc.) are a perfect fit!
A few years more and my dream came true, a Concentra I was offered on the internet. The sound and look of this marvellous piece of equipment still impresses me. When recently I moved in a large flat with my girlfriend the Thiel speakers were to small and I completely re-organized my system ending up as described below.
This is what I would describe as the third evolution step which I hope gives me lots of listening pleasure in the next years without thinking of an upgrade.
And maybe somebody is offering me Piega Coax 70 in black or Thiel CS2.4 in Walnut finish...
I listen mainly to Funk, Soul, Jazz and Hip-Hop but in the last years my CD collection grew more and more on classical too (Mahler!).
A good audio system makes listening to good music a sensual experience and refines your taste on music.
But be careful that the system doesn t get a nerd issue as its the music that counts and not the equipment.
The most important part of an audio system. The room measures approximately 6m x 6m and 2,4m height and is a combination of a living room and a kitchen. The distance between the speakers is 1,8m, they are positioned 0,5m ahead the rear wall, the distance to the sidewalls is 2m on each side. Behind the listening position I have 3m distance to the fully glassed wall which I can cover with heavy silk curtains. Lots of glass, rigid walls first I assumed poor sound but it turned out that there a no sonic problems. My girlfriend and I spent some time on optimizing the location of the book shelves, sideboard and the speakers, this was a tricky issue but the result makes her (visually) and me (soundwise) happy.
Project Audio RPM-9
Decent turntable at a reasonable price. Good looking and simple to assemble and maintain. The Speed box brought some minor sonic improvement and simplifies listening to 45s.
Sumiko Bluepoint Special
Fits well with the turntable and I like the full sound. But I have to be careful as it is easy to harm the needle due to the open and exposed design. The next time small children, the housekeeper or I break the needle I'm going to replace it by a Benz Ace system
Meridian G08.2
Superb sounding CD player, very musical and detailed. Very similar to the previously owned Wadia 301 but in my opinion little less bold and more refined sound. The impressive remote control was programmed to be used for the Concentra.
Jeff Rowland Concentra phono
My last amplifier! The integrated design saves me space and cables. It sounds as it looks gorgeous!
Thiel CS2.4
A clear window to the music. A tricky speaker, everything has the be right, otherwise you won't enjoy. You need a large room with some damping, space to place the speakers, a strong and "musical sounding" SS amp (like JRDG, Classe Audio, Electrocompaniet), good source components and last but not least, a good recording. But then you can really enjoy the music!
Graham Slee Solo
British sounding (lots of warmth and punch and sweet highs) headphone amplifier offering enough power to drive both K701 and HD 800. Powered by an optional power supply SPG I.
Sennheiser HD 800
Extremely comfortable. Compared to the AKG offers little more detail, little less bass but sounds more relaxed. My favourite.
AKG K701
My second choice headphone but also excellent sounding.
Synergistic Research Analog Phase X2
Phono cable, bought on Usedcable.com
Synergistic Research Precision Reference
Balanced connection between CD player and the amp. Very rigid and inflexible design so I need a lot of space behind the rack.
Synergistic Research Signature number 2
Loudspeaker cable measuring 2 x 3,0m. Sounds great, defined lows, silky hights and powerful sound.
Synergistic Research Mark V
Cinch cable to connect CD player to the headphone rig
Moon Audio Blue Dragon v3
Highly recommended cable upgrade for the HD 800. Improves tonal balance (more low frequency weight, more mids, less hights)
Synergistic Research A/C Master Coupler
When I purchased the Vienna Acoustics speakers I was not fully satisfied with the detail and the bass definition of the system. Unexpected this power cord used for the Concentra turned out to be the solution. Of course it's not a major improvement but it's absolutely worth to spend the money. I never thought that a power cord could have so much influence on the sound but I can only recommend to spend one or two thoughts on the power supply topic.
Synergistic Research A/C Master Coupler
Used for the CD player
PS Audio Quintet
Power conditioner using filters and protects the system from overvoltage. No big difference in sound, maybe a little more detail and a lower background noise but I wouldn't put my hand in the fire. Makes it easy to turn the complete system on and off.
Cadence Okki Nokki
Record washer, looks ugly like an old bear but does its job well.
The most audiophool item ...
According my opinion it's the record washer and according my girlfriend it's the controlled power supply for the turntable motor.
Alex, I had the same thought when we visited this rental apartment the first time. Nevertheless when I built up my previous system (Thiel instead of Vienna Acoustics) I couldnt hear any major problems and therefore was very happy. I discussed the window issue with two or three dealers and they expected no or minor sonic influence. They were much more aware on the wall / room behind the listening position. The windows are of high quality, huge and of very rigid construction and I therefore assume that their resonance bandwidth is very narrow and cause some suck out in some lower frequency band. Im aware that some acoustic measurements would show some minor sonic problems and for sure there is room for improvement but until now I can live well without any aditional sound treatment. Regards, Joachim
Very nice system Joachim, I love the fact that you have a huge bay window, but I am curious at the same time, how are the accoustics, did you do any sound treatement for it?
