At 28 years old, I have been into home audio for about 11 years now. This system is my work in progress and I have a long way to go before I reach my goal. I listen to about 30% home theater and 70% music. The better my system gets, the more I seem to listen to music. I feel that the Ayre / Vandersteen / Pranawire / Kubala-Sosna combo is a good one. Eventually, I would like to phase out the Kubala-Sosna and go all Pranawire.
Most people have never heard of Pranawire, however, after trying the top-of-the-line offerings from over 30 cable manufacturers, I believe that Pranawire is of the best out there regardless of cost.
Fully balanced class A amp with evolution upgrade (150 watts X 2)
Audio Research Ref 3
Fully balanced class A preamp
Vandersteen Quatro
Four-way class A speaker with 300 watt built in subs. I am using them with the balanced crossover and they are amazing.
Modwright Platinum Truth Sony 9100
This is a modified Sony 9100 player. It was upgraded to a Platinum Truth mod by Modwright
Pranawire Nataraja
This is a pair of 1.5 meter Pranawire Nataraja that is being run from my CD player to preamp. Hands down, it is the best interconnect that I have heard. The company does have a higher level model, but I've never listened for fear that I will want to buy it
Pranawire Nataraja
1 meter XLR from preamp to amp
Pranawire Realization Kensho
I am using this Running Springs Audio Haley It really cleans up the grunge and lets the music shine through better than the Cardas Mongoose cable.
Kubala-Sosna Emotion
I am running this from the Running Springs Audio Haley power conditioner to Ayre V-5xe amp
Kubala-Sosna Emotion
I am using this from my Running Springs Audio Haley to my Modwright Platinum Truth Sony 999Es CD Player
Kubala-Sosna Emotion
I am running this power cord from my Running Springs Audio to my power source on my Modwright Platinum Truth Sony 999ES
Kubala-Sosna Emotion
Speaker cables with Kubala-Sosna Emotion jumpers
Running Springs Audio Haley
Six outlet / 1800 watts of power conditioning
Auralex Room Treatment
I am using 4 Auralex panels that are 2X4 feet and 2 inches thick
Shakti Stones
I picked some of these up thinking I would give them a try and that I wouldn't hear much difference, but they cleaned up the sound nicely so I decided to keep them. I have three. I use one on my RSA Haley, one on the power source to my CD player, and one on the CD player itself. Each stone provides better results.
kmiller, I have the ref 3 as well and love it. Some people have had good luck tube rolling, especially the power tube. As soon as my system burns in more I will do the same. If you do decide to change tubes, I would be interested to hear your results.
kmiller5, thank you very much for the response. I am actually headed to a local dealer to try out the ayre k-5xe today. Another preamp that i heard good things about is the plinius m8.
i chose the halo amp because to me it added some warmth to my system that was missing with my previous amp. it has a nice, full sound that compliments the detail of the b&W speakers. i am hoping ot create some synergy between warm and detailed with the b&w, halo, ayre/plinius/??.
i have considered other speakers like the vienna acoustics which are VERY nice and sweet sounding. i did find them to be a little too laid back though. of course there are plenty of other great sounding speakers out...too many to audition them all. i plan to do a full round of speaker auditoning before i make a final decision though to this point i have heard another speaker that is as accurate and clean sounding as the b&w.
thank you for the response. Yes, I was referrring to the preamp. I currently have B&W 804S speakers, Parasound Halo A21 amp, a Cary 303/300 cdp, and a SONOS digital music system. My cables are Acoustic Zen. I do not plan on upgrading my amp until I upgrade my speakers in the next few years. I am probably going to get the B&W 802D.
I am looking for a preamp that is slightly on the warm side of neutral with a great holographic presentation of the music. Imaging and instrument separation is important to me. I listen to mainly female vocalists. I want to try and recreate the "live" experience. Maybe I am asking too much.
kmiller5: i am considering the ayre v-5xe preamp. can you tell me a little about the way it sounds? i am looking for a fuller, warmer, more romantic sound than i am curently getting. thank you.
