Ear Candy & Occasional Eye Candy Too

by audiofankj on Ever Evolving

Description

In process of revising virtual system thread... information below needs to be updated...

After selling my system several years ago, I have been rebuilding and finally assembled a very satisfying system. Upgrades have been more frequent than recommended however, improvement with system synergy in mind is always welcome.

The system goals are to accurately portray lifelike music reproduction - vocals, harmonics, timbre, tonal textures, decay, etc. first and foremost... With that in mind, I want a full range, musical presentation with lifelike dynamic impact, both micro and macro.

We have recently moved into a new home, in which my loving wife allowed me to dedicate the 2nd floor bonus room (16'W x 22'L x 9'H) into a listening room. We had the rear wall configured with built in bookshelves for the vinyl albums, as well as pull out drawers for cd storage. Exposed beam coffered ceiling to help break up standing waves, as well as a double stagger stud wall behind the speakers (shared wall with master bedroom). There is also info in this thread about the "rebuild" of that entire wall...

With the excitement and joy of a dedicated listening room, came the room anomalies that plagued the music reproduction. A great pair of speakers (Meadowlark Audio Blue Heron 2's) were displaced in an attempt to move to a speaker with adjustable bass (Martin Logan Summit). As the Martin Logan's were on order - I became aware that adjustable bass will help, yet not fix the problem... thus started the "wall renovation project." As luck would have it, the room response was improved, however I had been struggling with placement of the Martin Logan Summits. Once finally "dialed in" when you would listen at moderate volumes, you would over excite the room a bit... I tried (for months) to get "permission" to hang drapes behind the Summits - the same ones on the side wall... but no green light. Alas, it was a festering concern that the room wasn't treated properly for the Summits to perform optimally. If they couldn't be allowed to perform their best, the search began for their replacements, and the Summits went up for sale.

As of a couple of weeks ago, I received delivery of the Salk Sound HT3's. They are currently breaking in, and I will be working on room placement and positioning in the upcoming weeks. I am looking forward to getting the system back to a "stable" point!

This is the system "snapshot" as of early September 2006.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Porter Port Porter Port
    1 20A Porter Port utilized on each of the five dedicated 20A lines
    • Fusion Audio Enchanter 20A
    20A IEC used on the RSA D'mitri
    • Running Springs Audio D'Mitri
    Line conditioner
    • Fusion Audio Enchanter Power Cord
    Fusion Audio Enchanter power cord utilized on AMR CD-77
    • Abbingdon Music Research - AMR CD-77
    review here: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/abbingdon/abbingdon.html
    • JPS Labs Aluminata - 1m Interconnect
    1 meter - from CD-77 to preamp
    • First Sound Audio Paramount Mk II Special Edition
    Top of the line 3 chassis unit offered by Emmanuel.
    • JPS Labs Aluminata - 1.5m Interconnect
    1.5 meter from preamp to mono blocks
    • Fusion Audio Enchanter Power Cord
    One on each H2o Audio M250 SE monoblock
    • H2o Audio M250SE (Special Edition Monoblocks)
    The absolute latest from the mind of Henry Ho. This takes the former top of the line M250 Signature and improves upon it. Details to follow. This is the latest top of the line set of monoblocks from H2o Audio... the M 250 Special Edition.
    • JPS Labs Aluminata 10 ft. Speaker Cable
    10 foot pair, used with Aluminata Jumpers
    • Meadowlark Audio Blue Heron 2
    Pommele Sapele sides and rear, Honduran Mahogany front baffle with dual offset Red Heart stringers.
    A phenominal 1st order, time & phase aligned, transmission line speaker. Have tried many other speakers that fail to produce music they way these speakers do.
    • Sistrum SP-101
    One under each Meadowlark Audio Blue Heron 2 speaker
    • Sony STR-DA5200ES
    http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=STRDA5200ES&INT=sstyle-homeaudiocomponents-tophero-7channel_receiver Used in Home Theater for center channel, and rear surrounds. Upconverts analog video to 1080p
    • Sony VPL-VW50
    http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/%3Cwbr%3EINTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=VPLVW50&Dept=tvvideo&CategoryName=tv_FrontProjectionTVs

    1080p projector
    • Stewart Filmscreen Firehawk SST 100
    http://www.stewartfilmscreen.com/ Firehawk SST - optimized for Sony VPL-VW50 1080p projector - Luxus Deluxe
    • JL Audio Fathom 113's (x 2)
    http://home.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?prod_id=371 Pair of these 130 lb. each monsters... Used in HT
    • Onix Rocket - RSC200
    http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=100.1 Center channel speaker - used in HT
    • Onix Rocket - RSS300's
    http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=7.1 Rear surround speakers. Used in HT
    • StudioTech U-22T RW/B
    Component Stand - 67" W x 22" H
    • Eighth Nerve Room Pack
    Accoustic room treatment
    • --- Room Renovation --- (listed below)
    pics attached
    • Room Reno - Room Prep - Rear Wall
    Pic of the rear wall. Everything was removed and the shelving for the vinyl was tarped and taped. Furniture that was not moved out of the room was also tarped over.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Before
    Pic of the front wall before renovation commenced.
    • Room Reno - Drywall Removal
    Pic of the start... drywall cut above and below metal furring strips in horizontal rows to allow for removal of drywall
    • Room Reno - Drywall Removal continues
    Pic taken after 8 solid hours of work. The metal furring strips were spaced 12" apart. Screws had to be removed from the strips as well as all of the blown insulation.
    • Room Reno - Furring Strips
    This pic shows how poorly the furring strips were installed in some of the areas.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - drywall mostly down
    Pic of the front wall with most of the drywall removed. There are still some metal furring strips up to be removed.
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Drywall Removal
    Pic of front corner, most of the drywall removed, metal furring strips yet to be removed.
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Progress
    Pic of the drywall removed, metal furring strips removed, and insullation removed. Some original studs are removed and laying on the floor.
    • Room Reno - Studs
    stack of studs ready to be installed...
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - New Stud Installation
    Pic of the new studs being installed
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - New Stud CloseUp
    pic close up... studs were glued with Liquid Nails, and screwed together with 3" drywall screws. Spacing was roughly on 9" centers.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - New Studs Complete
    Pic of the front wall... studs are complete, and insulation installed.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Plywood Begins
    Pic of the front wall... 3/4" tongue & groove plywood being installed. Liquid Nails and 3" drywall screws.
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Plywood Continues
    Pic of the front corner, plywood installation continues
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Plywood Complete
    Pic of all the plywood up. All Liquid Nailed and screwed with 3" drywall screws. The white lines in seams and around outlets is acoustical sealant caulk.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - First Layer Drywall
    Pic of the first layer of drywall going up.
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - First Layer Drywall Up
    Pic of the first layer of drywall up. Audio Alloy's "Green Glue" was used between drywall and plywood. First layer was mudded prior to second layer going up. Yes, one piece of drywall is backwards, as the Green Glue was applied before it was realized...
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Layer Two Drywall Up
    Pic of the front wall, second layer of drywall up and initial mudding
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Second Layer Drywall
    Pic of the second layer of drywall up and initial mudding
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Semi Final Mudding
    Pic of the front wall - semi final mudding
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Semi Final Mudding
    Pic of the front corner - semi final mudding
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Primer Application
    Pic of the coat of primer being apllied - before final mudding and sanding then final paint
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Final Paint
    Pic of the front corner, final coat of paint
    • Room Reno - Front Wall - Finished
    Pic of front wall - finished and ready for system to be put back together.
    • Room Reno - Front Corner - Finished
    Pic of the front corner, finished and ready to have system moved back into the room and set up.

Comments 316

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Owner
System edited: Received a Cardas Neutral Reference Phono cable to go from the turntable to the Graham Slee... as I am just getting into analog, I was unaware a "phono cable" would make a difference... I was using some older IC's I had laying around in the closet... I hope to have them burning in all weekend, and hope they do make a difference.

audiofankj

Hey nice rig, Kirk!
A suggestion for your table: Nottingham Spacedeck. $2500 w/arm list, amazing sound with priorities akin to yours. Match with a Shelter 501 or 901 if your wallet is overweight, and you've got a great sounding setup that IMHO beats the Gyro & Aries,Scout. Haven't heard a Teres, but certainly have read many great comments here about them. My own fear of screwing it up, led me away from the Teres to the Spacedeck. Nice writeup in AbSound a while back, gave it an award; think it was "editor's choice - best buy" or something similar. Fremer has commented favorably on them, too. If you see a used one, grab it, they go fast.

Cheers, Spencer

sbank

Hi, Kirk I looked at your new system and it is quite impressive for a new beginning.I must say that I am not familar with your new set-up, however, I am a firm believer in First Sound products.I read that you are willing to give up bass slam to get the 3-d vocals,you would be able to get both in spades with the Deluxe mkII.I was always impressed with the natural timbre and dynamics along with the deep bass that the mkII was able to provide.I think that you should talk to E.Go since he would be able to provide you with more accurate advice,I know that he was working on a new linestage that he was very impressed with.I loved the sonic landscape that the mkII was able to throw,once with a sim w-5 amp,the preamp blew a friend and I to a new nirvana.The build Quality is first rate and is excellent in the reliability of the design.Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions (p.s. do try the Virtual Dynamics power cords and i/c } they may allow you to experience new things-Dennis

cenline

Okay, hurry up and break all that mondo expensivo stuff in so I can get a listen!..Great additions in PC's! you can bring one over to my place for a thorough review!:)

kehut

Owner
System edited: Added Herbie's Audio Lab - Herbie's Way Excellent Turntable Mat. This tweak was highly recommended for my Music Hall from the guys at the Cable Company. This mat has definately lowered the noise floor, as well as improved micro dynamics and inner detail. Bass may have tightened up a bit as well. Highly recommended for the $44.95.

audiofankj

Owner
System edited: Power cable changes: Shunyata Taipans on both Quicksilver monoblocks replaced with Harmonix X-DC Studio Masters. Synergistic Research Resolution Reference Mk. II on Quicksilver preamp replaced with Harmonix X-DC Studio Master. Electraglide Ultra Man on Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP replaced with Electraglide Ultra Khan II Statement... Plan on to focus on analog rig next, perhaps upgrade to First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk. II preamp. Any suggestions on table step? Gyro SE, Teres, VPI in the $2500-3000 range retail with arm and without cartridge?

audiofankj

Owner
System edited: Speaker cable and interconnects changed from Ridge Street Audio Poiema to Synergistic Research Resolution Reference X2 interconnects and Synergistic Research Resolution Reference FX bi-wire speaker cables. Some power cables sold - currently auditioning Electraglide Ultra Khan II Statement & Harmonix X-DC (all Wattagate) for cd player, preamp, and monoblocks.

audiofankj

Owner
System edited: Electraglide Ultra Khan II Statement, 3ft. 20A power cord from the wall to the BPT-3.5 Signature inserted into the system...

audiofankj

Very nice looking system you have there :-)!

lak

Owner
Tvad- I have been playing the EMC-1UP non stop since arrival and installation. As of now I have 144 hours logged on it. It is my understanding that the unit takes anywhere from 200-300 hours to fully break-in. So, I will reserve final judgement until then. I will not have a direct comparison with/without spider on this unit. After reading comments on it being loose or sloppy, I opted to have my dealer install the spider before shipping. There is absolutely no play whatsoever and fits the cd like a glove. I regret not being able to make an A - B comparison on this unit. However, I have owned the EMC-1 in the past... for what its worth. As of know with the limited hours on it, the performance makes you smile and shake your head.

audiofankj

Owner
System edited: Added a VPI 16.5 record cleaning machine. Used with Record Research Lab (recommended by many here on a'gon) and am astounded at the lowered noise floor & static. Worth every penny! Now to start cleaning the acquired collection...

audiofankj

Nice looking system! Bet those Meadowlarks sound better than they look. I also like your choice in CD players. Very well done! Good Listening to you!

KiD

the_kid

Nice set up! Now that you've had the EMC Spider for a little while, what are your impressions? Did you have an opportunity to listen to the 1-UP without the Spider?

tvad

Owner
Thanks for the input. My music sellection is both vast in scope and light in depth in certain areas. I mostly listen to jazz and female vocals. Jerry Mulligan Quartet, Holly Cole, Dave Brubeck, Charlie Parker, Diana Krall, Patricia Barber, George Winston, Earl Klugh, Keb Mo... I would say 80% of my preferences are jazz, 15% alternative, acoustic, & blues with 5% classical. I have a great uncle that just gave me his LP collection, thus have about 700 LP's to clean ranging from the late 30s through the late 60s. Quite a lot is jazz and classical, with a notable portion of Hungarian music... The system is finally getting to the point I am now searching for more music, rather than the "next component upgrade."

audiofankj

real nice system,bet it sounds great!just wondering what kind of music you listen to,from everything Ive read about supratek sounds like great preamp,long waiting list,must be good,

raytheprinter

Now That's nice! I was hoping that you may soon post a virtual system of your gear! Very, Very cool. I love the clean look and think you've made some very good chioces in your rebuilding of your seperates from the integrated gear you had. The Zoethetus z.5/R stand looks fantastic and mates well with the Meadowlarks(gorgeous BTW)I love the superb finish on them!

As we are both Poiema owners and have chatted previously regarding their performance qualities... I know what they can do in a great system. Glad to see the EMC-1 UP 24/192 has arrived, and bet it's great.Another component we have in common( I have the ECD-1 24/192 DAC) as you know.

Only other thing to add..is I'm glad we are neighbors, as I can't wait to get a listen at the "Oasis!"... Excellent!

kehut

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