Hi milpai, To be honest, I'm using a Schiit Bifrost Gen2/Uber DAC that is known to be a little warm and polite. I'm getting a PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC tomorrow that I'm hoping to be a little less warm and address the warmth in the bass of the Venenre's. As far as the speakers fitting the room size (10ftX13ft), they fit very well. It's hard to find a large speaker that fits sonically in a room this small. I have no regrets in my choice of the Verere 2.5's. They have a beautiful midrange with a very nice top end, very lively and transparent. The bass is a little loose, but I'm sure I can get that under control with a less warm DAC.

zmanastronomy February 29, 2016 23:35

System edited: I have made some changes toward computer audio in my system. I have to say... I like it a lot. I'm currently using a Toshiba laptop with SSD and a Music Fidelity USB to S/PDIF converter going to my Schiit Byfrost DAC. VERY good improvement from CD playback. I'm currently using JRiver and Fidelizer, the improvements are great. My 5,000 album collection is on a Synology NAS 8tb HD. Using a Linksys router for wireless transport. Sound improvements are much larger soundstage, much better separation of instruments. Clarity and decay has improved also. Looking forward to a split USB cable and a linear power supply. I'm sure it will sound great. Until then, enjoy.

zmanastronomy March 28, 2015 16:40

To the top.

zmanastronomy February 07, 2015 20:20

System edited: I've just updated my system. It's been awhile. I have to say that all the changes I've made has been in the right direction. PC Audio is coming soon. :)

zmanastronomy February 07, 2015 18:46

Hi Mapman, the Triangles are more neutral than the Lore I owned. The Lore was pleasing, but colored. At the time I owned the Lore I thought it was a crossoverless speaker with a cap. for the tweeter, like the Zu speakers. I knew it wasn't as soon as I heard it. It's not a bad sounding speaker for the money, but they can't compare to my Focal Profile 918's that I paid $850 for. Unless you get an upgraded finish, which is extra, they're an eye sore. Then your spending enough that there are some better used speakers out there at that price point. Sorry to all the Lore lovers if i've offended you. I'm just telling what I heard in them. If you can find a used pair for less money, it will be hard to beat them. Again, they are good speakers that are fairly efficient and worth a try. Good luck in your venture.

zmanastronomy December 12, 2012 16:06

Hi Cal.
I don't think the DU-2 will be enough for that application Without limiting your dynamics and trancient attack. You will need a DU-5 or larger. I'd check on ebay for a used one to show up. As of today, there is a DU-7.5 on there and it would easily support a complete system without limitations. Good luck in your venture and research whatever you get very well before buying it.
John

zmanastronomy November 29, 2012 14:21

Hi Zeal, and thank you for the compliment.
Those are DIY treatments. The whole room cost around $250, and that includes building the frames and the bass traps.
It's Corning Mold resistant duct board.
One of my friend's a AC installer, and I noticed that the mold resistant Corning was all ready black. So I just spray painted the edges with black paint and built some frames around them on the cheap.
Have a great day. John

zmanastronomy September 27, 2012 19:34

The second sub is an improvement over the single sub.
Fills out the room and the voices in my head aren't telling me where the bass is coming from :-)

zmanastronomy March 06, 2012 06:04

I don't know how far the moderators will let me discuss my cables, but if you look up JW Audio here, you can research my IC's.
Thank you for your kind words.

zmanastronomy March 06, 2012 00:25

System edited: Added a second Velodyne Optimum-8 to my system.

zmanastronomy February 26, 2012 22:58

System edited: I have added a third Elrod power cord to my system. I've replaced the EPS-2 signature going from my balanced power conditioner to my amp with a EPS-3. The swap out was a positive move.
But when I took the EPS-2 that was left over and added it to my CD Player..... Incredible!!

zmanastronomy January 22, 2012 15:38

Mapman, I've wired both transformer balanced and it drops the noise floor a lot. It opens up the soundstage and gives a much more 3-dimensional image.
It' was a great improvement when I put one on my cd player, but when I put the second on my amp... it was stunning. Bigger improvements than adding better components.

zmanastronomy November 05, 2011 22:18

System edited: I've added a second Elrod EPS-2 Signature power cord to my system. It goes between my amp and my Signal DU-5 transformer. What a great product. Taking care of the AC Power is much more beneficial than I thought. I'm pretty much done with my system. Now I'll start devoting my funds to music and try to sit back and enjoy.

zmanastronomy November 05, 2011 19:34

System edited: I have added a second balanced transformer to my system. I use it for my amp. I was not prepaired for the giant leap forward it made to my system.

zmanastronomy November 03, 2011 06:29

Thanks Highend.
I do listen to jazz, but I also listen to heavy rock (Tool, Disturbed, Queensryche,etc..) I like it all.

zmanastronomy October 30, 2011 20:52

System edited: I've added a Elrod EPS-2 Signature power cord between my ballanced transformer and my tube output stage on the Modwright Sony 999es. The improvements were a more natural soundstage and better drive and energy. I'm to the point that addressing my power supply and cords are the final tweeks in this system. I saved these tweeks for last. The improvements are not small.

zmanastronomy October 30, 2011 10:01

System edited: I have added a Modwright Sony NS999ES with Platinum Level Signature mods. I never knew how good digital could sound. I am very impressed.

zmanastronomy October 14, 2011 01:12

System edited: I have added a Atoll CD-200 cd player to my system. I guess the more money spent on the source,the better it sounds. It truely has a beautiful sound to it.

zmanastronomy October 07, 2011 00:44

The Triangle line is definately upstream dependent.
I would be afraid of a solid state amp in front of them.
But when you get it right, it's stunning.

zmanastronomy September 29, 2011 00:56

Hi Albert, and thank you.
They are quite impressive in the mids and highs. The bass is not an issue, the Velodyne takes care of that.
The imaging focus is extraodinary. I put your outlet in the balance tranformer and it is superb.
The XLR's are on there way. And thank you.

zmanastronomy September 26, 2011 02:36

System edited: I've also added the Triangle Comete ES 25th Anniversary Limited Edition speaker to my system. I like the original so much, I picked up the 25th because of the high gloss burled walnut finnish. Just Beautiful.

zmanastronomy September 25, 2011 18:56

System edited: I've added a Signal DU-2 (2000va) tranformer to my system. I've wired it in balanced mode for my source. I wired it with my cryo treated 12awg solid core speaker wire and the noise floor droped dramitcally. Soundstage grew even more. (width and depth) Imaging is still pin-point. A very worthwhile upgrade.

zmanastronomy September 25, 2011 18:51

Yes, they're 12L2's. I bought them at the same time I bought the Comete's. I put them on AGon for sale about thirty minutes after I received the Cometes. They sold in Two minutes after putting on the add.
Nothing against the Quad's, they just weren't what I was looking foor.

zmanastronomy September 22, 2011 19:48

Thanks Hyper.
I've had Ayon Audio Spirit II, Melody I2A3, Audion Sterling and even a Virtue Audio TWO.
The Almarro has out performed all of those. The Ayon was a close second, but as far as bass drive, the A318B has every SET I've ever heard beat in that catagory. It's a very high current amp that has taken me off the amp search.

zmanastronomy September 22, 2011 14:46

System edited: I added a Triangle Comete ES to my system and it's much better than the Titus 202.

zmanastronomy September 08, 2011 01:11

Sebrof. Great to hear from you. My offer still stands. You know what I'm talking about.
The Almarro and the Triangles are a match made in heaven.
It took a little getting used to the extreme speed of the Triangle.
The Velodyne has cleaner, tighter bass than the Lore's.
It's hard to believe but true.
I really thought it was going to be hard to replace the Lore, but the combo I'm speaking of is a real step forward.

zmanastronomy August 26, 2011 00:56

System edited: I have sold my Tekton Lore's and replaced them with Triangle Titus 202 speakers and a Velodyne Optimum 8 sub-woofer. The sound is extremly clear and open with lazer focused imaging. The Velodyne has the most articulate bass so far in my listening room. No regrets at all. I'm still moving forward and having fun.

zmanastronomy August 25, 2011 16:19

The responce I just posted was supposed to be an email to Ekwisnek. Sorry, I'm not trying to push my product. It was an honest mistake. I feel like an idiot.

zmanastronomy August 25, 2011 02:16

I went to your system and didn't see anything about the Tektons.
I do see your using Anti-cables.
I make a cable that cost the same and will crush anti-cables. I also make IC's that will compete with anything at any price. I just thought I would let you know that for very little yen I can give you a giant leep forward.
I did see you went with a PS Audio digital and a Zero surge filter. Those are nice upgrades.
I went with some Triangle speakers and a Velodyne Optimum 8 subwoofer Hit me up.
ZZZZZZZZZman

zmanastronomy August 25, 2011 02:13

I'll be updating photos and info in a few days.
I went a different direction and love it.

zmanastronomy August 24, 2011 05:07

Hifi.
I have no photos of the ceiling treatments. But their the same as the wall treatments but attached to the ceiling at a primary reflection point. I used the mirror trick.

zmanastronomy July 18, 2011 18:10

Thanks Hifi and Timrhu for the kind words.
The room is quite small at 10X13.
But with the treatments, it has a great sound to it.
Very warm and inviting.
No reflections at all. I even put treatments on the ceiling. I didn't realize the amount of blur i was getting from the ceiling until I put a couple of treatments up there.

zmanastronomy July 10, 2011 01:27

I've added a second dedicated AC line with another PorterPort and also come up with a new IC that has taken my system to a depth and openess that I didn't think was possible.
I've been blessed with my budget system.

zmanastronomy April 22, 2011 04:55

System edited: I framed my room treatments and picked up a NAD C-565BEE cd player. I'm slowly but surely getting the room to look polished. I also made some speaker platforms to match my rack.

zmanastronomy March 27, 2011 07:11

System edited: Through endless hours of testing, I have come up with an IC that is the best I've ever heard. I've incorporated them in my system and love the upgrade.

zmanastronomy March 14, 2011 00:44

System edited: Through endless hours of testing, I have come up with an IC that is the best I've ever heard. I've incourperated them in my system and love the upgrade.

zmanastronomy March 14, 2011 00:43

Mm1701d.
I made them You can go through the comments and I give some details about them.
Thanks for the kind words.

zmanastronomy March 02, 2011 01:57

Always good to hear from you Albert.

Next time I'm in Dallas, I want to take you and your's out for dinner.

zmanastronomy February 28, 2011 04:43

It's 1 1/2 inch wooden legs with the threaded rod already in it. I just put a threaded insert in the bottom of the platform and added gold cones at the bottom of the legs.
Painted everything satin black, added the stained trim and I was in heaven. It is very stabil.

zmanastronomy February 27, 2011 23:57

System edited: Just built my first stand and I wanted to share my pride with everyone. It turned out so much better than expected.

zmanastronomy February 27, 2011 19:30

System edited: Heres an update. I've added new speakers to me syatem that is a great improvement. The full range driver is much more engaging the my previous speakers. The clarity is something I've been missing and didn't even know it. I've also added a Sony digital tuner that was very surprising to say the least. The reviews are spot on.

zmanastronomy February 21, 2011 16:14

A sub is not needed with the MAs. They have more than enough.
But I'll be updating my system soon. I've went the Full Range Driver route.
Sold the MAs and trying something new. Will keep you posted and updated.

zmanastronomy February 02, 2011 05:43

System edited: Read the reviews on the Almarro A318B amp and had to try it. Incredable.

zmanastronomy April 16, 2010 21:17

Hi John.
The problem is shipping cost. If I could figure out how to ship them at a reasonable cost I would sell them like hot cakes. They don't need any covering because they look good the way they are. The Corning glass needs covering because they are ugly and the glass can flake off. Not so with the duct board. Get with an A/C guy that's local and see what he could get you some mold treated duct board for. Cut it yourself and spray paint the edges and it's done.
Thanks for your input. zman

zmanastronomy April 09, 2010 04:53

Thanks Tom,and yes, the lights are battery operated. LED light are vary efficient so the three AAA bateries will last a very long time. zman

zmanastronomy April 04, 2010 22:36

Hello Albert, thank you for asking.
I posted a review between the Oppo BDP-83 and the Emotiva ERC-1 and it wasn't posted. I guess here is as good a place to post the review as any.
Let me set a base line on what my intentions were. I had the Oppo in my music room since Sept. of 09 and wanted to replace it, so I could put it in the HT room. So the search was on. I stumbled on the Emotiva through my research and read alot of user reviews that seemed to good to be true.
Most reviewers that showed there setup had it in a livingroom with a lot of livingroom stuff between the speakers (TV,TVstands and coffee tables, ect,ect.) I never seen any room treatments at all. So I took the reviews with a grain of salt.
30 day refund policy? What have I got to loose ?
Ordered it on Mon. and it arrived on Wed., WOW.
First impressions where very impessive build quality. 17lbs worth of CDP. It's simply stunning!
Looks don't mean much to me if the sound quality isn't there.
I pulled out the Oppo and put the ERC on the shelf. Stacked the Oppo on top to do some A-B testing.
First thing I noticed was the bass was very strong. Tight, Fast, clean bass. The next thing was how extended the highs where. The mids where recessed quite abit. Lacking would be a better word for it. But I know through experience there's alot of caps and op/amps that need time to break in, so I let it play. Two hours later I went to check on the progress. It was horrible, No depth to the stage, etchy and confusing. I couldn't stand to listen to it. I shut the amp off and let the player keep playing.
9 hours later I went in and it was the biggest transformation I had ever heard.
The stage was deep and wide with a lot of air. The music had much more texture and weight than the Oppo.
The Oppo in comparison was thin and sibulant.
I was just hoping to find a player that was as good as the Oppo, the ERC was much better. It sounds more substantial than the Oppo.
I was very attached to the Oppo, and I was not going to replace it if the new player couldn't compete.
The ERC out performed the Oppo in every way.
I was very reserved about the ERC touting the words "Reference" in it's title, but it is truely a reference qulity player. It's been playing ever since and has bloomed into a beautiful sounding player. It's staying.
Don't be put off by it's price. The thing IS a Reference quality player.
I hope my thoughts were on a professional level, and helped someone make a decision if looking for a new player that will put solidity in there listening experience. Did I mention it's drop dead gorgeous?

zman

zmanastronomy April 03, 2010 19:24

System edited: I've auditioned the Emotiva ERC-1 and it found a home.

zmanastronomy April 02, 2010 00:14

The bamboo cutting boards where $70. And the rest rounds it up to about $100 for the pair.

zmanastronomy March 30, 2010 14:07

Yes I did make them myself. And thank you for the kind words.
I realized my tweeters were to low so I started looking around Lowes for nice looking stuff that I could use. The top and bottom of the stands are bamboo cutting boards and the sides are 4in x 3/4 in maple planks. I put the bottom and sides together and filled it with quick crete.
I then put the top on. I went to ebay and bought some spikes to go on the bottom and it works great. The tweeter is just above my ear and the mid-driver is just below. You will need to figure out how much lift you need before buying the materials. Thanks zman

zmanastronomy March 29, 2010 19:06

Thanks Timrhu, That's a product known in the air conditioning buisness as Duct Board. This kind has an anti mold treatment on it that is already a satin black. It comes in 4x10ft sheets and you cut it to size. One sheet cost me $30. It took 5 sheets to completely do the room, and do 6in bass traps in each corner. Hope this helps. zman
ps It's 1 1/2in thick.

zmanastronomy March 19, 2010 03:54

Bigshutterbug, come on down.
Always looking forward to offering a sacrifice on the Audio Altar. I offered Dianna Krall as a sacrificial treet to the Audio Gods just a few minutes ago. See you tomorrow. zman

zmanastronomy March 16, 2010 04:23

Albert, your taste far exceeds my expectations. I have so many originals and don't have a turntable. I cherish the artwork that they add to my music room. I feel honored that you took the time to corespond with me. You're kind of a legend on AG. The port was a beautiful upgrade, very audible. I looked at your beautiful music room and mine pales to compare. It's really all about the music though isn't it. Nice chatting with you and I hope our path cross again real soon. zman

zmanastronomy March 15, 2010 23:24

System edited: Made some changes here lately and this is an update with new photos and info. Please enjoy and comment with input. Thanks. zman

zmanastronomy March 15, 2010 16:31

Hellow Albert, yes, thats an original. My Mother bought that back in the fiftys. Those albums on the wall between the treatments are all 78's. I also have Little Richards very first album, Here's Little Richard. My Mother past away and I use her old albums as art. By the way, I picked up one of your Ports the other day. Should be in today. Looking forward to using it. Thank you for commenting on my system. Have a great day. John

zmanastronomy March 15, 2010 12:49

Jtsnead, Thanks for intrest. I bought my batteries at bateries asap. $16 each. Two 12v 8amp pr hr and I bought the charger on ebay. Razor 24v 1.6 amp charger ($15 shipped).
I have a friend thats an AC and Heating guy and I bought the room treatments through him. The stuffs called Ductboard. It's already black on one side and I painted the edges after I cut them to size. The stuff comes in a 4ftX10ft sheet but it's real easy to cut. I just hung them. They look nice and it kept the cost and labor down.

zmanastronomy March 14, 2010 19:54

By the way Bhodge, The rack I'm using was only $89 and split the shipping from right here on AG. Here's the item number; 1272388030
If you have tube amps I wouldn't buy it, But if you have solid state it's ok. They look real nice and they are solid but, the mdf is not rock steady. I guess you get what you pay for. Thats why I'm in the budget minded virtual systems. zman

zmanastronomy March 14, 2010 16:19

Bhodge, You will realize the potential of your system for the first time. It is jaw dropping. The blurr that you don't even know is there in your music will be gone. Unless you've heard a treated room you can't even begin to grasp the imaging of stereo. I see these mega buck systems and no room treatments. You can't buy audio equipment to do what treatments will do. If you have a $100,000 system in an untreated room a $3,000 system in a treated room will sound better. If anyone disagrees with that statement it's because they've never heard a system in a treated room. Speaker placement and perfect tow in
(not just eyeballing it) is very critical. I'm glad I've influenced someone to do room treatments and I'm glad you enjoyed my humble setup. Please, when you do your room, let me know what you think. Have fun. zman

zmanastronomy March 14, 2010 15:55

Thanks Vernneal.

zmanastronomy March 09, 2010 04:25