This system is very revealing with incredible bass in my small 11X17 listenig room. There has been quite an evolution of components. The Oracle turntable has been a constant. I periodically change cartridges between a Van den Hul The Condor XCM, a Jan Allaerts MC 1 Boron, an Ortofon A90 and a London reference. Phono preamps have come and gone from a BAT VK-P10 SE/SP, a Pass Lab XONO, a Sutherland PhD, and an Aesthetix Rhea (great features but very noisy/tube rush). I love my present Esoteric E-03, it's refined, clean, very easy to use and quiet. A keeper. Digital sources have gone from various Wadia combos to an Audio Aero Prestige (superb organic sound). I greatly enjoy my present Esoteric K-03 for the same reason as my phono. Only drawback is the transport is a little noisy (whirring sound). Changed the K-03 for the K-03X much quieter transport and DSD capable. Because many of my digital source had volume controls/preamp, I went without a former preamp for a long time but owned at some point a BAT VK-51SE and a Jeff Rowland Concerto. Since I already own 2 Esoteric components, it was logical to go with the C-03, great synergy between the units. Upgraded to the C-03X for true fully balanced operation. Power amp evolution also was a great progression from a McCormack DNA-2 LAE to BAT VK-75SE. The actual amps I use, the mighty McIntosh MC601 monos have iron fist control in a velvet glove smoothness. Plus how about those big blue meters! I lust for the MC2301 tube monos or the BAT VK-150SE. Finally was able to get the VK-150SE mono blocks. Speakers also changed from pairs of Totem Mani-2, to Tannoy Arundel (completely restored and upgraded), to Quad ESL 989, to my present SF Amati Futura. Probably the most gorgeous speakers ever made with a sound to match. I am also very happy of the Van Den Hul cables all around, great synergy and sound at reasonable prices.
Dimensions: 17’ × 11’ Medium
Ceiling: 7’