I've had many different systems on and off over the years. Most of them have been with stand mount speakers.
I began building speakers a number of years ago and have continued, including the R6 I'm currently using. J
My system sits in the corner of the living room, and I have two small kids. I know that modified room placement could improve my sound dramatically. I'm not in a position to afford a dedicated listening room, so for now, this is it. But I'm loving it.
Vinyl is fairly new to me, as I grew up after that era. I started with a Rega RP1 and really enjoyed it. It wasn't long after that I upgraded to the VPI Traveler after a long search. I'm starting to build a vinyl collection which has been really fun. I'm using the phono input on the Musical Fidelity.
This system has three sources, the VPI, the yamaha tuner, and an apple airport express controlled by a MacBook air. No CD player as I have sort of moved on from those. Any new disc I get is ripped to iTunes in Apple lossless.
Jeff and I developed this speaker together. We selected drivers, I designed and built the cabinets and he developed the 6 component crossovers. I built the crossovers and assembled the final speakers. These use air core inductors, and Mundorf/Clarity Cap capacitors.
Finish is birds eye maple veneer that I dyed black and applied a pre catalyzed lacquer to.
More changes. I moved to Clearwave Definition floor standing three way speakers, and a Micromega M One 100 integrated with room correction. Things just keep getting better.
I just upgraded from a Musical Fidelity A3.2 to a Parasound halo integrated. The MF is no slouch. But, the Parasound is really nice. I love the built in DAC, and the phono input, along with the bass management features.
Added the Jeff Babgy Lightning Speaker that Jeff and I developed together. Using top of the line danish drivers, this is my favorite sounding speaker so far.
I also pull my system out of the corner and worked on placement a little. I'm happier with the sound, though it is still a compromise between being an audiophile and a husband/father.
Realized after looking at your post re: MY LIVING ROOM SYSTEM hat there was a link to your system. It's really nice. We share a lot of priorities. Space; I live in an apartment. Family; other peoples needs have to integrate with our own. Vinyl: unlike yourself, I grew up in the classic age of the LP. There were no alternatives. I was seduced away by the convenience and somewhat dishonest accuracy of digital. You're exploring vinyl for the first time. I'm returning and enjoying music more than I did for years.
Oranfoster, thanks for the compliments! I have driven by your bakery countless times. I used to do some work in Grand Haven! I live in Caledonia. Small world!
At the current moment I'm using a standard wire antenna. I had built an antenna a number of years ago that I was using for the longest time, but my wife hated the looks when we moved to our new house. Magnum Dynalab makes a ice whip for just over $100 that I should purchase.
Thanks Tim! The projects have been steady indeed. There is a lot going on at Clearwave including a reference floor stander. Vinyl has been a lot of fun because it opens a new arena for me. I had a music hall about 10 years ago, but never really played it (or tried it for that matter).
My kids are experiencing vinyl now as well, which is really cool. Most their age (4 and 7) have no idea what it even is. The biggest downside is the cost of the music. It's quite a bit more pricey than disc or download. I just purchased a mint copy of Alison Krauss New Favorite. One of the absolute best recordings I've heard. Can't wait to get my hands on it!
Very nice system. What sort of antenna do you have for your tuner? I've found that a good antenna is like a good cart, absolutely critical. I love the clean lines and I'm sure the speakers sound sublime.
Nice system post Seth. I am glad the vinyl side of things is working out for you. I often regret giving that up many years ago. The monitors look great and I bet they sound great too. Most may not know that Seth is an accomplished woodworker and speaker builder. A pair of his floorstanders have been looking and sounding good in my living room HT/music system for years. Now that you have your system posted, I look forward to seeing updates on your speaker projects! -Tim
