I've put together a very satisfying system, both for music and home theater. The sound is dynamic, with excellent imaging,and soundstaging. Music sounds just great. I've moved into a dedicated room, which helps a lot. I'd appreciate any feedback.
IC's both for the main CD channels, as well as the phono inputs
Equitech Wall panel
Separate circuits for the analog and digital gear. All separated from the lighting, HVAC, etc.
Grand Prix Monaco
Don't know if they help the sound, but they sure look cool.
RPG, ASC Diffuser and absorption panels
I have a dedicated room that is 28' x 22' x 8'. It is a redone basement with brick walls on 2 sides, and drywall on the others, so it is a very live room.. There are asorption panels on the sides and front. There are ASC bass traps in the corners , and diffusers on the ceiling at the first reflection point, and diffusors in the back. It now sounds great. Eventually, I will have it analysed properly.
REL Acoustics Studio 3
Fills in the lower-level information on the Temptations beautifully. A killer in my home theater.
MBL 101e's
Dynamic with great imaging, staging, etc. I can never go back to a speaker in a box. It does need an amp with balls.
MBL 111e
Surround duty
Berkely Audio Alpha DAC
Incredible resolution and tonality. Can't wait to try High-res files.
Blue Smoke Media computer
Outstanding sound with the Berkely DAC. Also, can't beat the convenince
Nice tweak I have found on both the 101e's and a REL Stentor that I have, Symposium Rollerblocks, three of the series 2 under each speaker, 4 right under the feet of the REL. I would love to see new post of your system:)
I understand what you mean about texture. I used 2 solid state preamps, a CTC Blowtorch and an EMM Labs Switchman, before going to an Audio research REf3. The texture is now there. Of course, system synergy plays a role. I await my new ARC PH-7 phono stage for a whole new level.
Thanks for your reply. I have had the 2060 for 2 days and have had a chance to do a reasonable amount of listening so far (without the REL). The bass is unquestionably more controlled. As a matter of fact, that is the word I would use to desribe this amp so far...control. I have found it to be neither lean nor bright thus far. I do think it could use a bit more "texture", but it is still not fully broken in as yet. Next week I will add the 1012 pre to the system and a new transport. I look forward to the expected gains.
Hi, I found the Boulder to be neither lean nor bright. It just is. It has spectacular dynamics as well as imaging, etc. I use the REL only as a home theater sub now, since the 101's put out so much bass energy. It actually added an uncomfortable low hum. The PARC is invaluable. Unless your room is treated to the max, it will do wonders for bass energy. It is an attenuator, rather than an equalizer. The effect is immediate when I put it on bypass.
It looks like we have some similar equipment albeit different speakers. I have a Boulder 2060 being delivered tomorrow. I also have a REL studio. First of all, any insight on the 2060 would be appreciated (does it lean bright, stands necessary, cables or othe associated equipment you tried, etc). Do you use the REL in 2 channel, and if so how did you connect it to the 2060? In my current set up, I have a hum. I'm also interested in your thoughts on the Rives PARC. Thanks for your indulgence.
I,ve changed the speakers to MBL 101e's. The CD source is now an Esoteric X-01 limited. I also have a Rives PARC system, which does an incredible job of taming the low bass nodes in my room. Pictures to follow
How do you find the match btwn Ref3 and the boulder? I am contemplating upgrading amplifcation so any insights you can provide would be most appreciated.
David, fantastic system. A couple of questions if you don't mind to share: 1) How long did it take you to get to this high level of equipment, that is have you upgraded for years etc or just at a point you could aquire this level as you became interested? 2) Given the equipment you have, do you find the analogue better (overall more satisfying) than the digital sources? Balck and white or grey? 3) What are the most important pieces of equipment to your musical satisfaction ranked most important (1) through least important (15). Thanks, Lewdis
The main channels of the Meitner go through the ARC preamp, then to the Boulder, which is driving the Temptations. The phono stage also goes to the ARC, on a different input. The otehr 4 channels of the Meitner go through the Switchman, which drives the BAT multichannel, which then drive the center channel, the surrounds and the sub. The Casablanca pre/pro has 2 inputs, the DVD player and the cable box. The 2 front channels of the pre/pro go through the srround sound bypass of the ARC. This has unity gain, which means that the Casablanca can control the sound levels of the main channels. The other 4 channels go to the Switchman. The video is handled separately through a switcher /scalar. It sound s complicated , but in practice it's pretty easy to set up and to use. My next goal is to get a unified remote or command system to simplify the use. For now, I always leave it in movie mode so my family can watch when they want. If I listen to music, then I switch the inputs around.
I not exactly sure how you have integrated the 2 channel audio set up with the AV mutli channel. The Boulder appears driving your Temptations....so the BAT is drivng the rest? DVD player? Pre/processor ? Or DVD hooked up to the Switchman (possible for video too?)? Curious, would love to learn!
A good call on the speakers. I'm waiting for my last GPA stand to come, then I can do the final positioning. Although, the sound from the turntable doesn't seem to be affected. Thanks for the comments on the colors. This is a 100 year old basemnt and the brick is original. We had it sandblasted, and it looked so good we kept it, and picked the other colors to match. As for as the Switchman and the casablanca, they are both transparent as far as I can tell. I'm thinking of selling the Switchman and using Theta"s analog 6-channel preamp.
David, you seem to BE there (rather than getting there):). Only questions, as bove about the proximity of spkrs and (as above) is the Casablanca better than the switchman?
Isn't your equipment too close to your speaker. The stray magnetic field from your speakers (unless shielded) could interfere w. your phono. Beautiful system. Love the seating & color scheme. Enjoy.
Yes, There is a Casablanca 3 in the system. I run the channels through the Switchman, except for the mains, which go directly to the ARC preamp. It's cumbersome, but easy in execution. OTOH, I'm strongly considering getting rid of the Switchman, and using the Casablanca 6-channel analog preamp.
I think I also see a Theta Casablanca in the rack... Do you connect both the multichannel outputs from this and EMM DAC6 into the Switchman? Do you think the DAC6 is a better pre than Casablanca?
