Description

A long journey from the venerable Audiolab 8000A & Linn Axis to a Danish wave of Densen & Dynaudio. A tour of US gear, Krell & Mark Levinson to a recent change to a Swiss core of CH Precision and Stenheim speakers.

This is a living room system - which means a delicate balance between optimal components AND looks. Little or no acoustical room treatment, beyond some acoustic foam in the paintings - and the rug.

Recent upgrade from the original GPA Monaco TT to the V2, has brought completely new life to the vinyl collection. Even with identical tonearm and cartridge a very significant improvement across the board. Spend 3-4 months with the dCS Rossini before adding the clock - which has added significant ‘precision’ to the soundstage and if anything, created an 'analogue' feel.

I do not recognize the ‘Swiss reputation’ for bright & analytical in the CH gear. From Eleanor McEvoy to Massive Attack and Mendelssohn, the stage is wide and deep, music involving and flowing.

Done for now...
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 34’ × 19’  X large
Ceiling: 10’


Components Toggle details

    • Stenheim Alumine Five speakers
    • CH Precision A1.5 Power amplifier
    • CH Precision L1 Pre-amplifier
    • CH Precision P1 Phono preamp
    • dCS Rossini Player/DAC
    • dSC Rossini Clock
    • Grand Prix Audio Monaco Turntable V2.0
    • Wheaton Triplanar mk VII tonearm
    • Ortofon MC Anna Diamond
    • Ortofon MC A90 cartridge
    • CH Precision Reference Balanced XLR’s
    • Ansuz Acoustics D2 speaker cables
    • Ansuz Acoustics D2 phono cable
    • Ansuz Acoustics D2 powerbox - electrical grounding
    • Ansuz Acoustics Mainz8 D2 Power distributor
    • Ansuz Acoustics D2 and Argento Audio Flow power cables
    • Grand Prix Audio Monaco Modular Racks
    • QNAP Server
    • Roon 1.6 & Tidal

Comments 13

Owner
@fitcape - apologies for the late response... welcome to this crazy world of audiophilia! To be honest, I have no idea HOW the D2 Powerbox works, however I can tell you, how I hear WHAT it does.
I have my D2 speaker cables and my D2 phono cable connected to the powerbox. For both cables, the powerbox noticeably lowers noise floor. Music feels & sounds louder but isn’t!
When A/B comparing the speaker cables, the bottom end is tighter and deeper with the powerbox in the signal path. My Stenheim speakers tends to come to live at higher volumes - the powerbox lowers the threshold of that level. 
Hope this helps...

oldager

Hello, I'm new at this how does the Ansuz Acoustics D2 powerbox - electrical grounding work ?

fitcape

Owner
@Thieliste, sounds like solid choices. I am currently home-demoing an X1 with dual power output for my L1 & P1. 10 minutes in, I put the order in: the difference is spectacular! Adding D2 power cables, Ansuz D8 power distributor and now the X1, I’m first hand recognising the enormous impact clean power has on the overall system...

oldager

I see that you have Ansuz D2 cables awsome, i plan to purchase D2 full loom and CH L1+X1 + Gryphon Mephisto stereo.
Cheers.

thieliste

Wonderful looking system, I'm sure it must sound great! Your gear looks like it is perfectly matched. Very impressed!

daveyf

Owner
I did say 'Done for now', but no audiophile really believes that anyway... Upgraded the already excellent A90 cartridge to the new MC Anna Diamond - and wauw: Nina Simone cameo appeared in my living room! Abundant details without any loss of naturalness. 
New Ansuz D2 speaker cables and phono cable - both electrically grounded through the Ansuz D2 powerbox. Not sure how it does it, but especially my analog rig has been sucked dry for noise. Someone just turned up the music without touching the volume knob. I never thought my Crystal Cable's were bright, but they are nowhere as deep and full and the Ansuz D2. Remarkable difference!

oldager

Owner
Thanks milpai, Danish furniture at it's best...!

oldager

@oldager ,
You have a phenomenal room and system. And chairs!!

milpai

Congratulations! Stunning system! Great selection of equipment! Cheers

vn101606

You have some very nice gear.
I have thought of CH Precision for my future build but found that the price to performance ratio is not so good compared to a brand like Aries Cerat.
Nonetheless CH is still my favorite solid state brand.

thieliste

Wow. This is awesome. This is one I'd really love to hear! Congrats.

gadmanrdh

Owner
Thanks bradbin, appreciate your comment. As stated - indeed done for now... 
Even though a second CH A1.5 for a biamped setup or maybe a CH X1 power supply driving the L1/P1 is worth considering. 

oldager

Absolutely one of the most beautiful systems I have ever seen.   Absolutely stunning.  Hats off to your approach and design.

bradbin1

Showing all 13 posts