I know-the aquarium could create horrible first reflections but there's been a big tank between my speakers since I was a kid-a long time ago-and now it's just part of the system. I like it better than a huge TV. Besides, it's just another synergy factor and I've made purchases and adjustments until it ended up sounding great. Obviously not a pet and smoke free environment but nothing is for sale anyway, the dog and cats run away if I crank it, and it's nice when the atmosphere blends with the wall color. Little did my wife know when she decided we were moving to a home with a smaller listening room that it would mean an almost total hifi renovation over a three year period. Fun! This system is not the biggest, most expensive, or most impressive I've owned but it is the best overall and it may be a while before I feel inclined to change it. Haven't said that for a few years!
System edited: Well, I thought I was "Done for now" until one day my wife said she hated the way the Usher BE-718's clashed with the other wood in the room and the Sound Anchor stands looked like something that should be in the garage with the motorcycles. See? She forced me to shop for new speakers! Worked out okay because the Adagios are special and I love them. Then my vision deteriorated and I couldn't see the display on the amp from my chair anymore so I replaced it with the BAT that has a large display so I can make sure the volume is right from the first note. My favorite system so far in 35 years of equipment swapping. Now I hear all the strengths of past systems with none of the weaknesses. Guess I'm set until I go computer audio and then I can go through a bunch of DACs and server programs.
System edited: As requested by members, I have added pics of my new Acoustic Zen Adagios with my DIY outriggers to keep the speakers from getting knocked over. The left speaker is next to our entryway and the narrow footprint on our padded carpeting is a recipe for disaster. Not the fun kind of tipsy! With my outriggers attached to the underside rear spike inserts the speakers are as stable as when I had Soundocity outriggers on my PSB Synchrony Ones but for a couple hundred dollars less, and they still sit directly on the floor. In my current setup I don't want the extra couple inches height you get with the Soundocity outriggers.
Very nice system there. When I look at systems like yours and read your sensible comments I wonder why so many audiophiles feel the need to put together such elaborate systems. Experience has shown me source, amp, and speakers are all that's required. Chloe does look a little nervous there.
A fish tank between the speakers, really cool. Pretty fish, beautiful system. Would not a cd rack make it easier for you to fish out the discs you want to play. Pun intended. Happy listening.
Not sure what is more impressive, your wonderful sounds system or the fresh water aquarium with live plants! That is a challenge my friend, I tried it for a while. Great job on both!
Nice looking system, substantial yet it has a clean look (stacks of CDs not withstanding). I'm partial to Sound Anchors stands and to 2-way monitor speakers, and I see that yours are nicely augmented with the subs. Kudos to your wife for the front wall color.
Beautuful room. I like the light purple. As long as you have the speaker fronts out at least a foot further than the tank, while perhaps not ideal,I don't think you have to sacrifice much and mostly in the area of soundstage. And it can greatly add to enjoyment to have something beautiful and relaxing to gaze at while listening. That itself can open open your musical perceptions. We talk about so much mattering all the way down to power cords, but seldom discuss another critical component, the listener. If the listener is relaxed, unhurried, discerning but not overly judgmental, in a whole brain or right brain state versus primarily left brain, music will work its magic much better.
