Streaming Centric System following major upgrade in amplification.
(Previous iteration of system still available for viewing)
Features Thiel CS 2.4 speakers driven by Coda CSiB Integrated amp.
Principal source component is Bricasti M5 functioning as Roon Endpoint feeding Chord Qutest DAC.
Streaming from collection of ripped CDs and SACDs stored on Melco N1A supplemented by streaming from Qobuz.
The Room:
The system sits in the living room portion of one relatively large open space which also contains both the main entry way to the home as well as the dining room. The combined space is 27 feet wide. The living room portion is 12 feet wide and 15 feet deep. The dining room portion at the other end is approximately 11 feet wide and 10.5 feet deep. In between is the front entry way to the house. The house is a 1950's split level design. Ceiling height starts out at 8 feet behind the speakers and peaks out at 13 feet behind the prime listening position. Opposite the entry way are openings for two sets of stairs, one leading to the bedroom level, and the other leading to the lower level.
Coda Control Amplifier C-Series Integrated Balanced ("CSiB")
Class AB amplifier
150 Watts per Channel into 8 ohms with first 18 watts in class A
doubling down as you halve the impedance (i.e. 300 watts into 4, etc...)
Thiel Audio CS 2.4 speakers
Melco N1A Music Server
Music Server/NAS/Ethernet Line Purifier
utilized primarily as a NAS for music storage in this system
Roon Nucleus with 19v Sbooster Linear Power Supply
Roon Core
(Had been used in this system as a server/streamer prior to getting Bricasti M5)
Bricasti M5 Network Player
Acting as Roon Endpoint
Bluesound Node N100 Network Player
My original network player.
Now used primarily by my son when he visits to play music from Spotify
Chord Electronics Ltd. Qutest DAC with 5v iFi iPower Elite Power Supply
The Chord Company English 8Switch
Audiophile grade Network Switch
ASUS Computer International AC6600 XT8 Triband Mesh Wifi Router (1 of 2)
Mesh Hardware
Pair of these provide the LAN connection between my stereo system including my NAS and Roon Nucleus and my Cable Modem/Router Gateway.
One of these is located on the floor behind my media console connected to the main rig's ethernet switch. The other is connected via ethernet cable to the Cable Modem/Router located a level down in my home office.
Good to hear from you. Thanks for your very kind words.
Have thought about power supply upgrades for both the E8 Switch and the Qutest. Had a Small Green Computer 5V LPS on the Qutest for a while, but the SGC LPS ran extremely hot. If I do anything in this regard, will probably start with the Qutest.
I'm very impressed by your ability to fit your audio gear into a real living room. Your room is a wonderful blend of modern and classic/antique touches. I also have a wooden icebox, but it's in storage now because my wife and I haven't found the right place to fit it in with our other furniture.
As a Thiel 2.2 owner, I love your speakers and hope they continue to live a long and happy life. I've had my Thiels since 1992 even though my amps/preamp/DAC and streaming gear are only a few years old.
Like you, I have an EE 8Switch with the stock power supply. Have you tried your switch with an LPS? I know that the power supply can have a major impact on SQ, but I just haven't had the energy or cash to explore that area in a serious way.
Thanks Jazzman7, I am close to getting an audiophile network switch and my worries that this is an unneeded piece of equipment have now diminished even more! I am also glad to see you and others continue to make their Thiels sound the best they can with great amplification and source. A Thiel user myself, I continue to vacillate - new speakers, modded crossovers, new amp?
Good to hear from you. Picked up the English 8Switch in the summer. Worthwhile upgrade ... did a nice job of dropping the noise floor. The Coda CSiB is a monumental upgrade. The Bryston kit (3Bst amp with BP20 preamp) served me well for 18 years ... no complaints; And is ticketed for my son together with my Thiel CS .5s. But the Coda is in a whole other class. More powerful, effortless, smooth presentation. Huge holographic soundstage, and very quiet. Not saying I couldn't get there with the right Bryston kit like with a 4B3, but no way I could fit a 4B3 into my living space and keep the wife happy.
Gorgeous and even better than take 1! Curious what improvements you're hearing with the Coda (vs Bryston if I remember?) and the Chord/English network switch?
jazzman7 on 