Photon46's system

by photon46 on Ever Evolving

Description

When attending the 2012 Axpona show in Jacksonville, my wife and I were very impressed with the Tidal Diacera SE loudspeakers we heard. Shortly after, when the opportunity to acquire a used pair of Tidal's smaller, more affordable Piano Cera speaker, we didn't hesitate. For the last five years I had used an Aloia ST 13.01 amplifier and a DeHavilland Ultraverve III preamp. The Aloia recently started passing DC current and so that's been removed from duty. In its place, I've been using a kit amplifier from Mivera Audio based on the newest IcePower AS1200 module. I bought it more out of curiosity than any real thought that it would be a contender for a permanent place in my system but it has REALLY surprised me. It is as utterly transparent an amplifier as I've ever heard and works very well with the Tidals. I still want to try a Pass Labs XA25 as well. After finding the transparency of the kit amp so appealing I decided to try one of PS Audio's BHK Signature Preamps as a partner and that has proven to be a very felicitous combination. Once those system changes were done, I did something I have wanted to do for quite a few years: get the television out of the audio room. That should have been done long ago as that big wall of glass between the speakers did nothing to enhance imaging! On the other hand, the GIK Polyfusor diffusor/bass absorbers in place of the television do contribute to better sound now.
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Room Details

Dimensions: 18’ × 13’  Medium
Ceiling: 11’

Components Toggle details

    • Tidal Piano Cera
    2.5 way floor standing speaker of modest proportion and exquisite performance. Fit and finish is superb.
    • Acoustic Signature Final Tool with new motor upgrade
    The orignal Acoustic Signature Final Tool is one of the great bargains in the audio world. How they ever brought this to market for $2500.00 is beyond me. While the stock Rega RB300 arm doesn't measure up to the fit and finish of the table, it performs very well. I replaced the original motor with the new motor for the Final Tool II. The new motor elevated the performance even more, better bass performance is noticeable.
    • AudioMods standard version w/o micrometer VTA
    The AudioMods tonearm is a complete redesign of the Rega RB250 that only uses the armtube, lifter, and armrest of the original design. Made by Jeff Spall in Surrey , England. A remarkable value and tremendous performer that is a huge improvement over the stock RB300 that came on the Acoustic Signature.
    • RCM Prelude Sensor
    Phono preamplifier with separate power supply.
    • Luminous Audio Technology Synchestra Reference
    I added this interconnect for duty between preamp and amp and it greatly impressed me with a combination of great clarity, extension, and lack of glare or harshness. I recently added another Synchestra Reference between my cd player and preamp with excellent effect. Additional gains in system transparency are evident.
    • First Impression Music FIM880
    Audio grade outlet. This outlet replaced a PS Audio Powerport. Can't really say if it sounds better or not to be honest.
    • Boston Audio Tuneblocks S
    I have seven of these. Four are used under the maple plinth and three under the feet of the turntable. Definitely enhanced perception of fine details and a more silent background is apparent.
    • Boston Audio Mat 1
    3mm thick graphite record mat.
    • Wireworld Aurora power cord
    Using this cord to power the Fathom F112 sub
    • PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp
    Recent addition that very much lives up to the positive reviews. I've found that 6 volt tubes sound better in this than the 12au7s that it shipped with.
    • PS Audio BHK 250 Stereo Amplifier
    • GIK Acoustics Polyfusor diffusor/absorbers, 6" acoustic panels with scatter plates, corner bass traps.
    • Luminous Audio Synchestra Reference XLR interconnects
    System uses these balanced interconnects for all component connections.
    • PS Audio AC-12 power cord
    Using this to connect the PS Audio BHK Stereo 250 to the wall.
    • Transfiguration Audio Axia S
    This cartridge replaced the Ortofon Kontrapunkt H and has proven to be a stellar cartridge for the price.
    • Furutech FP-S032n power cable
    I've made two DIY power cables for my BHK preamp and RCM Sensor phono stage with this cable and have been very pleased with the performance. I've used Parts Connexion's brass and carbon fiber ac plugs to terminate them.
    • REL Acoustics S/3 SHO
    I swapped a single Fathom F112 for a pair of REL S/3 SHO subs and find the REL's to be a much better match for the character of the Tidal speakers.
    • Luxman D-08u
    Replaced a Luxman D-05 with a D-08u. All the great things the D-05 did are even better with the D-08u.
    • PS Audio Stellar Power Plant 3
    Use this to power all front end components. Chose this over the larger capacity models because of the lower output impedance vs. the higher power models. The price / performance ratio of this model is exceptional, a  truly "stellar" audio bargain indeed!
    • SolidSteel 6.4 Reference
    Replaced a double wide Billy Bags rack with this because I needed a smaller footprint rack after reorienting my system and room.
    • Wireworld Eclipse 7 XLR Interconnects
    My preferred Luminous Audio Synchestra Reference interconnects had a tendency to cause hum when used between my phono preamp and preamp so I have been using the Wireworlds now (no hum issues at all.)
    • Furutech FS Alpha 36
    Added Furutech's second from the top bulk speaker cable to the system.
    • Furutech FA-aS22
    After relocating my amplifier I needed a 13' run of interconnect. My previously preferred Luminous Audio Synchestra Reference was unshielded and a bit fragile for the long run required. I had Douglas Connection make a set of XLR interconnects with the FA-aS22 and Furutech XLR connectors, very pleased with the results.

Comments 26

Showing all comments by kevinzoe.

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Nice system!!! Love those Tidal speakers. By way of a suggestion, can you move your turntable out of the right corner where bass modes build up and may impart a sonic impact on the gear?

Nice bass traps up near the ceiling. Any photos of the rest of the room including any treatments elsewhere?

Cheers,
Kevin

kevinzoe

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