The server room is located with my network equipment (modem and router) and is separate from my music system room. The server stores music files on a SSD and runs Roon core, which is my interface to play either the stored files or streamed content from Tidal and Qobuz.
Power to all the network and server equipment is provided through a dedicated 20A line. The Ethernet connection from the router passes through two optical converters for isolation, and then continues to the server, which outputs Ethernet to an optical switch, and then a direct connection by fiber from the switch to a Sonore Signature Rendu SE (optical) streamer located in the room with my main music system. All the electronics in the network/server room, including the modem, router, server, and switch, are powered using linear power supplies.
Ripping CDs to the server is super easy from a dedicated disc reader connected directly to the server via USB. Just put a disc in and press go. The content is automatically filed and stored and becomes visible and available to modify, move, or delete through the user interface accessible from any computer on the network. I have been pleased with the functionality of the SGC sonicTransporter i9.
DIGITAL FRONT END - SONORE, SINGXER, MOJO AUDIO, SMc AUDIO
The digital front end in my system room begins with an optical input from the server room into a Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical. USB connects the Signature Rendu to a Singxer DDC, which then outputs a digital signal via S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and Toslink to the DAC of my choice, which may include a Mojo Audio Mystique Evo Pro a non-oversampling, direct-coupled, R-2R DAC built around two Analog Devices monolithic AD1862 R-2R ladder DAC chips (special Z-version); a Mojo Audio Mystique X SE (with nano-crystal chokes and Z-chips), or an SMc Audio DAC-2 GT-24, that uses the CS4328 chip by Crystal Semiconductor and other tasty part upgrades for a tonally dense and very enjoyable sound.
PREAMP - KHOZMO AND SMc AUDIO
The preamp is really two units, a Khozmo dual mono volume control and an SMc Audio TLC-1 Signature Edition preamp that was converted to a unity-gain buffer to allow remote volume control and display functions to be handled by the Khozmo unit.
The Khozmo includes Amtrans AMRG carbon resistors and a single input/output using Furutech XLR connectors, with no switching.
The TLC-1 SE offers a very similar sound as SMc Audio's VRE-1 preamp, and uses many of the same parts and the same exact outboard power supply.
AMPLIFIERS - SMc AUDIO DNA-1 ULTRA G20 MONOBLOCKS
A pair of McCormack Audio DNA-1 amplifiers converted to monoblocks and upgraded by SMc Audio (i.e., Steve McCormack) to the highest upgrade level offered by Steve in the spring of 2020.
The amps are supported on Silent Running Audio (SRA) Ohio-Class XL+2 platforms configured specifically for my amplifiers using SRA's Component Specific Design™.
SPEAKERS - AERIAL ACOUSTICS MODEL LR5
The LR5s were the precursor to Aerial Acoustic's 20T flagship. The dual 9-inch sealed bass reflex design provides detailed bass with a nice roll-off response at about about 40Hz. A smooth, relaxed, musical, yet punchy sounding speaker, that displays just enough detail without being not overly analytical and can be very hard hitting indeed when properly powered. Michael Kelly with Aerial Acoustics told me, "the LR5s sound about as good as it gets above 40 Hz".
Supported on custom Sound Anchor Signature Stands and Hudson Hi-Fi Platinum
Silicone hemisphere elastomer footers over the carpeted concrete floor.
SUBWOOFERS - AERIAL ACOUSTICS SW-12
Dual SW12 subs offer outstanding bass response and a level of adjustability that allows me to seamlessly integrate them with the LR5s to provide smooth, deep bass response in the room. Supported on dedicated Sound Anchor stands and decoupled from the floor using Sound Addicted Silicone SubCone Isolation feet. .
Wow! Ncore? I am sure surprised you went in this direction. These must sound awesome for you to have done it. Please tell me more about the amps and the sound. Most interesting!
Wow! Let us know how the amps sound once you get them. They sound very, very nice indeed. Your preamp is also amazing based on your description above.
Rhanson, I also used the Mini with and without the Mojo and with and withour the Offramp. The Offramp was the single biggest improvement I have ever experienced in my digital front end ....including the Mojo power supply. Now this is only true if you have the Dymamo power supply for your Offramp. If you don't, you really have not heard what the Offramp can do. The Dynamo power supply is a 30-50% improvement - no joke.
The Mojo comes in second for overall improvement in my digital front end and it was a nice improvement all the way around. Improved everything and FAR less digital noise and artifacts.
Yes indeed. I have tried going the passive route and while some are very good like the Lightspeed, in the end they left me wanting. I missed the richness and emotion of the music.
Let us know what comes of your new preamp inquiry.
Hi Mitch, I have also owned the Vibe preamp and tried it with the Pulse power supply and standard power supply. This is a great preamp. Very natural sounding and relaxed. The music swells as you turn up the volume without sounding loud or in your face. Very quiet also. Most impressive system also. Very well put together and thought out.
I would like to take you up on your offer to try the transformer. My amp is stereo, not mono-block. Like to see if this works. Please email me directly at,
The Dude IMHO is a preamp that may well have you selling the Vibe. The Vibe is the best SS pre I have ever heard or owned. As great as it is, the Dude offers all the same strengths, but brings even more to the sonic table.
Improved dymanics, scale, imaging and bass impact. Uncanny sound of live music and instruments must be heard to be understood fully. The new Dudes are better built and better sounding Mitch. Paul uses a better volume control and transformer in the new Dudes. The build quality is top notch. It would be magic with your wonderful Class A amps.
Email me as I have some other thoughts and experiences that you may find interesting.
Again, nice job on this wonderful system. Enjoy.....
