My room size (hence room conditioning) is the weakest link I feel. The room is very large, it is approx. 40ft (wide) X 23-ft (deep) X 10.5-ft (high) with opening into bedroom area separated glass sliding wall on one side and wall of large glass windows on the other end.
I still don't own a digital camera. A friend dropped by yesterday who just happened to have her digital camera with her. Lucky for me, I finally get to put up my system for you to see and hopfully to get some feedback.
The image quality as well as composition could have been better but I'm sure you get the point. Unfortunatly I'm not lucky enough to have a dedicated room so the placement of gear is not as flexible. My wife thinks audio racks are too unsightly, I tend agree most of the time; the blue credenza is our compromise. I would have liked the speakers another foot or 2 away from the back wall (currently the space between back wall and back of spkrs is 2.5 feet) but it didn't pass the WAF test.
On solo listening sessions I turn the loveseat around to face the system but normally the loveseat is positioned perpendicular to the system facing other chairs across (see last picture).
One of these days I would like to replace the AirTight amp with something like a Tenor OTL stereo block plus add a DAC to the system such as EmmLab DCC-2 and possibly upgrade the ICs.
My music taste is all over the map -- it includes many of the standard stuff like the accoustics, vocals, chamber music. I like strings instruments, deep voices and sound of viola and cello like many of you). I also like indian classical music, groove, lounge, world music etc.
I sincerely appreciate your comments and perspectives.
Clear, dynamic, refined sound. It is an HDCD version.
McIntosh MR-73
This is all one could ask for in a tuner...
Supratek Chardonnay
Line-Stage version. This replaced an italian Graaf 13.B ($4K+) tube preamp. That's down-grade, but only in price. Tube comlements currently in use: Pair of Kenrad Black-Glass 6SN7GT (pair) Pair of Tung-Sol KT66 (pair) Mullard GZ34
Air Tight ATM-2
This replaced a Graaf GM20 OTL. I needed more to drive my new speakers.
Kharma CE 2.2 and optional SDSS stands
These are a 3-way fullrange, very dynamic speaker system. Efficiency 89-db; Impedance 8-ohm. Freq Range 35 to 25K Hz.
Kharma SDSS Speaker Stands
A must have with Kharma Speaker Systems.
FMS Zero
10-ft runs of these fine cables
Zu cable Warmouth
Multiple sets of these. Happy with them for now. These are thin and easy to manipulate if bending is an issue for you.
Absolute Power Cord none
According to GTT-Audio webside: These cords are the most neutral we have found. We put these up against the $2000-$3000 power cords and they win every time. These are not only an alternative to stock cords but a power cord that sonically kills the big names.
PS Audio Ultimate Outlet (High-Current)
These are quite impressive to look at; I can't hear any difference.
Great system. I also love how you used the inside of the table to hide the conditioners. You should consider displaying the receiver, it's great looking. Do you usually stack the line stage on the cd player like that? I've read it magnifies equipment vibrations that can negatively affect sound quality.
Compliments on your system and attractive and informational post.
I'm very interested in your pairing of the Air Tight ATM-2 with the Supratek Chardonnay, as it is EXACTLY what I'm thinking about for my P/P system. I recently purchased an ATM-2 and have been sifting through threads, reviews, and soliciting views re preamp choices. At the top of my list are the Supratek Chardonnay (for tube-rolling and customer enthusiasm), Air Tight ATC-3 for synergy, and Herron VTSP-1a (for rep of compatibility with various systems--P/P, SS/ and SET). Foremost on my curiosity list is the Chardonnay.
Can you comment on how you like it with your ATM-2 and how you made your choice? I understand about the wait and may acquire the Herron to help with that.
Big old space for music ... can't but love it! Room for everything and everyone ... to breathe. Nice pics, really nice musical experiences ... can't help but be true!
Anthonyaudio - thank you. I purchased mine through a furniture store called "Formatt" located on Wooster St. in Soho district of NYC. I believe the designer/manufacturer is Molteni, an italian furniture company.
Hi There, Great system. I was wondering if you could tell me about the funiture peice your gear is on. I am looking for something similar. I have Thiel 2.3s , Sunfire Amp/Preamp plus varoius peices of gear on open Sound Organization racks and wanted to get furniture that enclosed them.
Slipknot1 - thank you, thank you! I didn't really get to experiment much with PCs. I just went ahead & purchased sevaral of the "Absolute Power Cord" PC's at one time since they were just $50 each. The AirTight ATM-2 power amp comes with a built-in PC.
BTW, congratulations re: choice of Supratek Chenin as a preamp. I'm sure you will love it!!!
Great system, great room! Are you using the same PC's on all your gear? I am awaiting the arrival of a Chenin and am trying to decide what to use in the way of a power cord (one of the options of course is the Moray James).
Ozfly, Thanks. Actually with this setup, near-field listening isn't bad. And regarding the preamp - I got on the supratek bandwagon early on, I'd say when the "preamp deal..." thread was about 50-posts deep. It took close to 5-months for my unit to arrive. This was the longest and my most anticipated wait ever, but it was everything I expected & more sonically speaking that is, right out of the box. I'm very pleased with the unit. It also gave me entry into tube rolling - fun stuff!
Wow! Nice setup. How long did you have to wait for the Chardonnay? ;-) By the way, the biggest issue with a large room like yours is that the speakers may not sound quite as punchy in the bass zone since they need to move a whole lot of air. Not much to be done there except either get bigger speakers (that's what I ended up doing) or matching up a nice pair of musical subwoofers.
