My listening room is a difficult one. The listening room is open to a large hallway, the breakfast area and the kitchen. I sit about 12 feet from the speakers in equilateral. I have gone through many trials with room treatments and I have arrived at a configuration that works well finally. The treatments are DIY and GIK Acoustics. GIK is very good, and a great value in treatments.
I listen to my system on average 4 hours a day. Most of the time it is background while I cook or work, but I try to sit and listen and relax (and escape reality) for a while every chance I get. Work keeps me away far too often now, it is unfortunate.
At this point, I am satisfied with my system and would be happy with it this way forever. This in mind, I am always looking for ways to improve the system. I just like trying new things! What better way to learn more? I have been saying this for years, but I still change things occasionally.
I use TIDAL streaming service for quite a bit of listening and it has revolutionized my listening habits. I love being able to listen to music that is new to me quicker than I could find it on Amazon.
Feel free to comment or make suggestions. I am always looking for input, just ask Aball, he has to endure my inquisitions quite frequently! Many thanks to Arthur, without him this would be impossible!
I absolutely love having all of my music at my fingertips without having to get up out of the listening position. I have a linear power supply to replace the switching supply. I have also modded the board for better sound. It sounds great!
Oppo BDP-103D
I play DVDs, Blu-rays, and use as a transport for redbook cds. I can't really tell a difference between transports though. No difference between the squeezebox and the Oppo, at least.
McIntosh MDA-1000 DAC and Preamp
Much, much better than the previous preamps. I have had it for a while now and have no desire to change. It trounces the BAT equipment I had before it.
Van den Hul Mainsserver
A/C for the DAC/Preamp.
Kora Electronics Aries
The best amps I have heard thus far. Tube FET hybrid. Super low self noise. A few improvements that I made as well :-)
Harmonic Tech AC-11 Power Cords
For the Kora Aries.
Atlas Navigator 1.5m All-Cu XLR
From the DAC/Pre to the monoblocks.
Avantgarde Duo Omega
Incredible speakers. They are borderline too hot on top, but Im ok with that because their resolution and dynamics are unbelievable.
Balanced Power Technologies Balanced Transformer
Used for power filtering and distribution. Every time I have tried removing it from the system I put it back very quickly. Works very well.
