I sort of fell into this system. The components are far beyond what I thought I would own in my lifetime, and I think I am finally experiencing truly great audio. I acquired this system as a complete setup, with each component selected by the first owner giving serious consideration to the compatibility and synergy between each part.
The Thiel 3.6's leave me wanting nothing. Crystal glass highs, deep authoritative bass, and lively detailed midrange, all painted in a richly textured 3D soundstage. My listening is 90% vinyl, 10% digital streaming. I find myself gravitating toward jazz and any music with strong female vocals for the pinpoint imaging, and really anything that is very well recorded and immaculately pressed.
I moved rooms in 2021 and finally took the time to do some proper sound treatment, and the difference is mind blowing to say the least. It's true what everyone says: the room is the most important component in your system. I still need to install bass traps in the corners. Overall I'm extremely pleased with the room’s response at this point.
I'm open to feedback, and any suggestions on what a sensible upgrade path could look like for me!
These speakers will live with me for a while, as they do everything I want and leave me wanting nothing. They were acquired as a part of a complete system which included the amp/preamp/ac conditioner/speaker cables noted in this system.
Technics SL-1210 mkII
I know this is a contentious component in the audio community, but I believe in the rock-solid construction and over-engineering of this turntable. Purists will scoff at a direct drive table, but I can't find any real weaknesses with it. It is a consistent performer when paired with the right cartridge.
Fosgate Signature Phono Stage Preamplifier
I had no idea what I was missing.
A friend brought this phono stage over to troubleshoot an issue he was having with it, and it turned out to just be bad component synergy with his system. But in my system, this phono preamp shined a purifying light down onto the musical presentation of my vinyl. The sound signature is completely addictive, golden liquid. I consider this a lifetime piece.
Dynavector Karat 17D
Original 17D, re-tipped by Joseph Long
Dynavector Karat 17D3
Bought "for parts." Turned out to be a dirty stylus. Holy cats this cartridge makes music!
Dynavector DV-20X2L
Picked up used with low hours. And wow...this thing sings!
Dynavector DV-10x5
I upgraded from a Shure M97xE to this Dynavector cartridge. This was the biggest improvement I've had to my vinyl section outside of a good cleaning machine. It is punchy and fast, but I think I need to work with the alignment a little more. Some voices are somewhat sibilant, and I suspect the issue is with the cartridge.
Trichord Research Dino
Update: This is now my backup phono stage! The Fosgate Signature is now my main phono stage, and it ain't goin anywhere.
I wanted a flexible phono preamp that could handle MC or MM cartridges. This one fits the bill completely, and applies the RIAA curve with finesse. The build quality is only so-so, but it does what it needs to do flawlessly.
Willsenton R8
My first tube amp...and wow. I was expecting the sound to be warmer and less accurate per the "tubey" description you often hear, but this unit sings with accuracy. Don't let anyone tell you you need 200W to get your Thiels to perform. These 45W of tube power are doing very well in my system.
McCormack DNA-1 dlx
Update: After experimenting with tubes, this is now my backup amp!
The bass is deep and tight. The midrange is silky and liquid. The upper register is clear and precise. I feel that the next level up from this amp would produce little value for astronomical investment. I am satisfied completely at this level.
MIT Cables MH-750 spk
These are the MKII version. I believe a certain level of speaker cable can help your system, and that these cables are way above that level.
MIT Cables MI-330 Proline Shotgun int
I use these as the heavy-duty interconnect from preamp to amp. I have full faith that these cables aren't dropping anything or adding any color.
Audio Power Labs Powerpack mkV
My home was built in 1909, and as such has incredibly poor wiring. The Powerpack ensures that my electricity is cleaned up before being send on down the chain, and it does a good job of it.
McCormack ALD-1
This is a beautiful, solid preamp. I'm of the mindset that you shouldn't really "hear" your preamp, so the direct option is a good feature.
Acurus ACD-11
When I got this piece, I hadn't listened to CDs in about 10 years. To be honest, I considered the format dead, and was keeping my CD collection more for sentimental value than anything. It has been awesome going back through my collection and rediscovering the sonic richness that I was unable to get in my younger years.
MHDT Laboratory Paradisea
This is a tube-driven DAC. I run a digital signal into this from a Pure i-20 iPod dock. The tubes help roll off the digital harshness you often get with digital sources. I know this piece is doing its job, because Spotify is more than simply tolerable when the signal is run through it.
I see you've gone with the diagonal setup there. Looks good and I know from experience that it adds to the holographic sound. My system is in a square room and after living with flat, two dimensional sound I tried the diagonal configuration. Wow is what I said the first listen. It's been a couple years now and still I say wow some nights.
What prompted me to try it was the flat sound I was getting from a pair of Thiel 1.6s I had. I knew they were made to give rich three dimensional sound, and man did they shine in a diagonal setup.
Hey @closdesducs, thanks for the comment! The table is from an antique flea market in Burlington, KY. They have lots of mid-century stuff there at reasonable prices. The design of the table is probably most similar to Nelson-designed furniture, like his famous bench. The top of this table expands and contracts outward along the slats!
Enjoyed the layout of your listening room. May I ask where you obtained your coffee table from? It's very striking. I ask as I am in the process of remodeling a little cottage in Northern Cal and am looking for listening room furnishings.
@mjcmt , thanks! I think some purists might turn their nose up at the Technics as the oddball in this crew, but I absolutely love it. The Thiel and McCormack absolutely sing together. Match made in heaven.
