I'm a college student living in a small space so I've focused my attention on building up my headphone rig due to space limitations. I'm actually pretty content with my setup for right now but I've considered adding a dedicated power line.
http://singlepower.com/ The MPX3 is actually a heaphone amplifier and not a preamp. The stock version uses three 6SN7 tubes but I have had mine modified to allow me to use 5687s as output tubes. The MPX3 has the Solen I power capacitor upgrade and the Blackgate cathode capacitor upgrade. I also have the Slam adapters which allow me to run 5687 tubes in place of the standard 6SN7 tubes.
PrimaLuna Prologue One
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/product.asp?itemid=11&catid=36 I'm currently using SED Winged C EL34 power tubes with Telefunken Smooth Plate 12AX7s and RCA Cleartop 12AU7s.
Magnepan MMG
http://magnepan.com/_mmg.php
Audio Technica ATH-W11JPN
This headphone is a limited edition version originally released in 1998. The housings are made of Asada cherry wood from Hokkaido finished with Echizan lacquer. The W11JPN is extremely colored with a very smooth and romantic sound.
Audio Technica ATH-W5000
This is the latest wooden closed headphone from Audio Technica. It was released in December of 2005 and is currently only available in Japan. Unlike other Audio Technica wooden headphones the enclosure is made of Madagascar striped ebony. Soundwise it's on the analytical side, though the midrange is a little on the warm side.
Reality Cables Tube IC
http://realitycables.com/index.html
DIY Bob Crump Audio Asylum Recipe
This cable was made using Belden 19364 cable as suggested by Bob Crump on Audio Asylum but I used Marinco AC and IEC plugs instead of the Schurter / Pass & Seymour plugs.
DIY Chris Ven Haus Recipe
http://www.venhaus1.com/diycatfivecables.html The headphones from teflon insulated cat5 cable following Chris Ven Haus' recipe.
DIY Belden 89207
I made this cable from Belden 89207 cable and terminated it with Eichmann Gold Bullet plugs.
Plateau GS Series
The rack has a dark cherry finish and black poles. My rack has a total of four shelves.
Nice setup. Have you experimented with after-market ac power cords for the PrimaLuna? I also have the PL1 and am trying to get some ideas for future tweaks. Thanks for any feedback.
Sorry for the delayed reply but I'm not really a fan of the Audio Technica ATH-W1000. Objectively speaking the W1000 falls into the W5000, W2002 side of the AT lineup with a leaner and more detailed sound presentation. While it shares a similar presentation to my ears the W1000 lacks refinement which makes the W5000 so enjoyable It's kind of hard to explain but when listening to the W1000 something always felt off about them. It is easily my least favorite headphone in the AT lineup.
I appreciate the kind words, I'm really happy with where my system is at this point. I've considered adding a sub but I've held off because I live in an apartment with thin walls and bad insulation and I'm afraid adding a sub could cause problems with the neighbors. Not only that but I haven't heard a sub that is fast enough to keep up with the MMGs, I'm sure there are some out there but thankfully for my wallet I haven't come across one yet.
At some point when I move to a bigger place I'll probably look into replacing the MMGs with a pair of 1.6QRs and adding a sub to my setup but I think I'm set for the time being.
I am impressed with what you have assembled for music listening. I would enjoy listening to your system more than many of $10k plus ones I've heard. Nicely done. Ever considered a power sub?
Thanks for the info. Good luck on your new line. Im sure you will be floored by the improvement. Let me know. I will be recieving power cables soon. So i am also focusing on power but not to the extent you are. Justin
I'm really happy with the PrimaLuna, I think sounds great for the money. The bass in my system is a bit rolled off but I'm pretty sure that probably has more to do with the MMGs than the PrimaLuna. In general I prefer my bass to be tight and controlled so the combination works well for me.
I've tried a Furman power conditioner and a Brickwall and I found both took took away from the dynamics so I ended up getting rid of both of them. Right now my audio equipment and computer system share the same line and at some point I'd like to get a dedicated line just for the audio.
How do you like the Primaluna amp? Is it weak in the bass department. I am considering getting one. Have you thought about getting a power conditioner/regenerator? it might be what you need if you have power issues, and it will be alot easier than running a new line. Justin
