This is my main system, which has changed significantly over the last few years. In July 20 we knocked a wall out in the basement to make one large room and it did wonders for the soundstage. Half the room is mine but it’s open about 18 feet behind my chair. The front wall is 12 feet wide but open to 15 feet 1/3 of the way in.
Speakers are 9 feet apart center-to-center and the front speaker baffles are 56 inches from the front wall and about 1 foot from the side walls. Listening position is about 9 feet back and speakers are on GAIA I's and slightly toed in. GIK bass traps are on the walls, corners and ceiling, which resulted in a big improvement in soundstage.
What I’m seeking is a system that has great imaging and provides an emotional connection to the music. I have tinnitus and mild hyperacusis so I’m not looking for the ultimate in detail.
I switched to Google mesh WiFi which allowed me to remove 50 ft of Ethernet from the ceiling and wall and noticed a nice uptick in clarity. I also added a fiber media converter that connects directly to the UpTone switch.
I’m keeping track of upgrades in a yearly timeline and hopefully the progression makes sense but it might be getting hard to follow.
2023
Aric Audio Motherlode II; Zavfino Prima MKII SC
2022
Second Rel S5/SHO, Puritan GroundMaster CITY, FMC (TP-Link MC220L) with iFi iPower2, switched to Google mesh network, GIK 2A Alpha Pro Series Panel Diffuser/Absorber
2021
Pass XA25, Puritan Audio Labs PSM156, Uptone Audio etherREGEN, UltraCap LPS-1.2, Supra 8, Audio Archon PCs, Bricasti M3 (MDX upgrade)
2020
Rel S5/SHO, Wireworld Silver Starlight 7 S/PDIF (CD >> DAC)
2019
PS Audio DirectStream Jr.
2017
LTA MicroZOTL2, Tekton DI
2016
Cambridge Audio Azure 851N, Parasound A21
2009
Rega P3-24 w/ Denon DL-110 cart
2000-2008
B&K ST2140, Paradigm Monitor 9, Arcam CD72
1999
Velodyne VA-1215X, Aperture 16 SC
1994
Rotel RC-980BX, Rotel RB-970BX, entry level Transparent and Straightwire ICs, AudioQuest Type 4 SC, Panamax 1000
1982-1985
Scott 335R Receiver, mail order speaker kit (labeled as Advent), Technics turntable, Akai tape deck
Dimensions: 29’ × 15’ Large
Ceiling: 7’