After a long while with no component changes (...I think since 2009)...I've upgraded the digital front end to a K-05x and added a bluesound vault as an cd ripper/flac server. I am very happy with the upgrade...I guess I didn't realize just how far digital has come in the last 10 years and now can't get over the difference. Vinyl remains my favorite way to listen, but the bluesound makes it so easy to access and enjoy the entire library at the touch of a finger and for casual listening that is nice to have.
I would say that I am very pleased with what i've got here. When listening I do place a drape over the tiles and glass of the fireplace surround and that helps quite a bit with the soundstage. At some point I would like to upgrade the fidelio speakers to parsifals, but there is certainly no rush as the fidelios sound great.
integrated with phono stage, superb sonics and build quality.
vpi tnt 6hr / jmw 12.6
cardas myrtle heart
0.36mV output benz based mc, ruby 2 vintage
esoteric k-05x
this player replaced a DV-50s and the difference is just stunning. I can't believe it took me so long to upgrade my digital front end as the player actually sounds musical.
bluesound vault 2
music server that is connected to the dac on the esoteric cdp
esoteric dv-50s
only fault is lack of a digital input...
cardas, nordost, & shunyata cables
CD player: cardas golden cross xlr ic shunyata taipan helix vx pwr
Bluesound server:
nordost silver shadow digital
nordost purple flare c7 pwr
Turntable: nordost frey2 phono
shunyata sidewinder pwr
Integrated: cardas golden reference pwr
cardas neutral reference spkr
ps audio p300 and ultimate outlet
high current ultimate outlet for the amp and p300 w/ multiwave II for everything else. ps audio plus cord feeds the uo and a shunyata diamondback feeds the p300.
System edited: after about 3 years of no component changes I changed both sources in a month! Just added a TNT 6 hot rod, not yet set up - the armtube is at VPI for the valhalla wire. Can't wait to get this thing spinning. Unfortunately I think the esoteric will be relegated back to background music, a fate it does not deserve.
added teh esoteric dv-50s. very happy with it right out of the box with a cheap pc and cardas neutral ref ic. want to try the xlr outs on the unit, however so am going to add some new interconnects at some point.
System edited: Temporarly moved (again) to a smaller place in harvard sq. and consolidated the system further jettisoning the home theater and everything that resembles a TV (guess I'll have to watch the red sox from the bar now:) The system is sounding better than ever before and there are fewer components lying around, win-win if you ask me.
