Description

I found big improvements in sound when I addressed my electrical, vibration control and good room acoustic. I ran two dedicated lines. I live in a place where code requires steel conduit. Did the work myself, lots of bending steel pipes. That was a big improvement in sound. Then I added two ADD-POWR ElectraClear devices to my two new lines. That was another improvement, dropped the noise floor, added clarity. Then I swapped out the stock “better” grade wall outlets for two Hubbell HBL5362W Duplex Receptacles, if I did not hear a difference, I could return them. I did hear a difference, they stayed. (and they are coming with me when I move) For me good power cords with good clean power is a fundamental part of the equation. 

Vibration control, so much… Well I built a large heavy gear rack. My inspiration was a Mapleshade Sampson rack, but I wanted a longer one than they offered, and I am frugal, so I made it. 3 shelves 61 inches by 19 made of of 2-inch-thick maple. 8 heavy steel threaded rods (1 inch thick by 36 inch) run through the 3 shelves secured with heavy brass nuts and washers above and below each shelf. The bottom ends of the rods are ground to a point. So, I have the rack coupled to the floor. Empty it weighs about 225 lb. When I lean on it at an angle with all my weight, it does not move. Vibration control of the components on the shelves are a mix of coupled to and decoupled. I use some foam sandwich blocks for less critical items. Herbie’s feet under the TT’s. I use BDR cones under the DAC and ceramic Golden Sound cones under my preamp. My amp has 3 cones stock, which I use and put Golden Sound composite cone footer underneath. For my speakers, I have tried both coupling and decoupling. For me, my system, my room, I prefer de-coupling my speakers. Hearbie’s gliders, and now spring pods. Both are good, but on my floor, concrete with vinyl planks, so far, I like the springs better.

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Room Details

Dimensions: 21’ × 14’  Medium
Ceiling: N/A


Components Toggle details

    • Luxman L 595ASE
    Beautiful Class A sound
    • Tekton Design Nebo
    Amazing detailed yet smooth sound
    • Luxman D-05u
    SACD Player
    • Audio Mirror Tubadour IIISE NOS R2R DAC
    • Node 130
     Fidelity Audio upgrades. Reference V2 Low Noise PSU + Reference Interface + clock upgrade
    • Aric Audio Transcend Push Pull
    With hybrid tube rectifier.
    (SOLD)
    • Don Sachs 6SN7 Line Stage Preamplifier
    Detailed and nuanced with wonderful characteristics of the best that the 6SN7 tube has to offer.
    (SOLD)
    • AudioQuest Niagara 1200
    Big improvement with clean power.

Comments 7

Beautiful system, I was contemplating the Don Sachs pre amp, but in the end I chose the Supratek Cabernet, very happy with my choice, as I am sure I would be with the Sachs pre! How do you like it ?

gryphongryph

The equipment rack is what caught my eye first!  I need one like it!

tbone1

Big improvements from electrical, vibration control, and acoustics. Yup. Good job!

millercarbon

I really want to hear a Dan Sachs pre. Nice rig!

subterranean6

Owner
Thanks mjcmt and jond. 
mjcmt, the maple stock came from a local hardwood store called Owl Lumber in DesPlaines, IL. The hardware I sourced from Grainger.

nwres

Quite a nice system. Lovely DIY rack. Where were you able to source that size kiln-dried maple boards? Plus the brass connecting hardware?

mjcmt

Awesome looking system nwre! Love that rack you built and that idler table is gorgeous. Nice all around mix of components and DIY work well done!

jond

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