Room Details

Dimensions: 22’ × 12’  Medium
Ceiling: 8’


Components Toggle details

    • AudioQuest McKensie cables
    From turntable to preamp and balanced from preamp to amp
    • Aesthetix Atlas Signature Amplifier
    NOS RCA tubes
    • AudioQuest Robin Hood Bi-Wire speaker cables
    • Sound-Smith Paua Cartridge
    Moving Iron design. Low output. Using 68 dB gain and 1000 ohms loading on Pallene MC input.
    • Aesthetix Pallene
    Essentially the preamplifier section with Phono Stage card from the Mimas. Not offered on Aesthetix website but available.
    • Vandersteen Treo CT in Rosewood
    • Sound-Smith Paua II
    Installed on VPI.
    • VPI Industries Prime Signature Rosewood with 3D Arm
    Installed Sound-Smith Counter Intuitive on VPI counterweight.
    • Townshend Audio Seismic Vibration Isolation Platform
    Installed under VPI. Made a major difference in overall sound quality.
    • Denafrips Ares II DAC
    • Blue Sound Vault 2
    • Kirmuss Audio KA-RC-1
    Best investment I've made. Results in what sounds like a total upgrade to my system.
    • GIK Acoustics Adsorption and Difusion panels

Comments 16

Owner
The phono card is just fine although it is not the quietest in the world. I can hear noise when standing next to my speakers with the volume at listening levels. I have to wonder if I could improve the sound by upgrading my phono stage. That is my current dilemma. Maybe a used Parasound Halo JC3+ or PS Audio Stellar? Don't want to spend a fortune. BTW, upgraded my TT/cart. to a VPI Prime Signature and Sound-Smith Paua II. Love the combo, although the VPI isolation feet are worthless. I can't understand how TT mfgs. can release a high end product with such a "defect". Hell, my old Well Tempered was better isolated at that is 35 y.o. Invested in a Townshend Isolation Platform for the TT. Major improvement! Worth the money. Also bought a Herbie's Audio Way Excellent II TT Mat. Highly recommended. With the standard VPI mat I could hear "needle talk". With the Herbie, absolutely quiet. Again, what's with VPI's attention to detail? 
I need to update my system description. Thanks for checking in.

gsal

gsal how is phono card  and which phono stage did you have 
I really enjoying the music with the Pallene

tomstruck

Yeah, while I love the aesthetic of the GIK Impression series diffusers. They were not as good sounding for the first reflection on the sidewall next to the speakers. I put the polystyrene grid diffuser back and the magic was back! much warmer and more balanced...That is likely all you need to change if you want to try something different. How my room is currently is the sixth picture on my page. Thanks for the tip on hanging the panels.

scar972

Owner
scar972 - Thanks for your kind words. I just went to the hardware store and bought some hangers. I use 4 to a panel on the ceiling. I think they are supposed to be used to hang plants. BTW your room is beyond words. You've got a lot of stuff! Just listened to Anthony Grimani on Audioholics give a talk for about one hour on room acoustics and the effectiveness of various panel designs. I highly respect the man. He did not find the GIK "Mathematical Sequence" type diffusion panels to be effective below about 3K if memory serves so they aren't doing much for that critical midrange. I now wish I had listened to him sooner. I still like the sound in my room. Guess I was just lucky.

gsal

Beautiful room @gsal Congrats! I love the way the GIK panels look in your room. I just installed GIK in mine as well. I was wondering how you mounted the panels to the ceiling, did you use hardware GIK provided or stuff from the local store?

scar972

Owner
CY - Yeah, maybe, but you have to wonder why a company like Aesthetix would sell a $12000 amp with an "inferior" power cord when the sound of their amp can be be improved to amazing heights by simple updating it with a $1-200 after market power cord. No ill will intended...just saying.

gsal

Beautiful room and system, @gsal !  I love the tidiness and starting with good GIK treatments.  But I am definitely One Guy on the Internet Who Thinks You Will be Amazed What Happens When You Put a $100-200 Power Cord on Your Amp.  

:-)

cymbop

Owner
No special power cords or conditioning in use at present. Only dedicated lines. I believe my $ could be better spent elsewhere. To that end I am looking to purchase a new Clearaudio Innovation Compact TT with Tracer tonearm. Probably going with the new Hana Umami also. Thanks for the comments. Oh, BTW, I used to own the Thiel's you have. It was great to see them again in your system. Good listening.

gsal

I love this room!  Curious, you don't mention nor do I see any power conditioning or special cords, wondering what your thoughts/experiences are with these?  Bet the Vandersteen/Aesthetix is a wonderful combination.

thosb

Whoops; wrong system!

steveott

Great room. How do the new rels blend with your treos? And are you using any crossover to roll off the lows in the treos?
Thanks steveo

steveott

+1 for the Sunfire Cinema Grand you have tucked away. Beautiful room, too!

toro3

Owner
Thanks for the kind words JO. Yeah, I'm also a Conan Doyle fan. Belong to a local scion of the famous Baker Street Irregulars. Glad you caught the reference.
pdreher, love your GIK treatment as well. I do believe that the room plays a very important part in the final result.
Thanks skypunk. I appreciate your comment.

gsal

Awesome system and great looking room and love the nod to Holmes.

jond

Nice looking room.  Love the GIK room treatments.

pdreher

Nice room.

skypunk

Showing all 16 posts