Over the past five years, I have upgraded my early 1990s audio system that consisted of an NAD integrated amp used as a preamp to drive a McIntosh 2120 power amp (I( was the original owner and had it refurbed in the early 2000s), Infinity Modulus satellites and a Definitive Technology SuperCube 6000 (the Infinity subwoofer expired in the 2010s) . Sources were my NAD C568 CD player and my iPad Pro. I had two more interim power amplifiers before settling on the Odyssey Kismet mono blocs-, which have been a fantastic improvement to my system. I love the sound of the Fyne F702, but two Rythmik. F12se subwoofers made an incredible difference, and not just in the lower bass but also in the upper base and midrange. I have ripped about 50 of my CDs to the Stream 1, but we are now doing most of our listening from Tidal, with some augmentation from the turntable.
Given my age, I am pretty close to end-state with this system, the sound is so good. The only upgrades I am now considering are, 1) replacing the Schiit Gungnir 2 DAC with either the Schiit Yggdrasil Singular or the PS Audio Stelllar Gold DAC, but that will have to wait for a while as 2) Klaus at Odyssey is will soon convert and further upgrade my mono bloc Kismet amps to stereo so that I can bi-amp the Fynes (vertically).
Our--my wife's and mine--music preferences include Classical, especially Beethoven, Bruch, Schubert, and others, soft rock music including some Beatles, most of the Moody Blues, CCR< and vocalists; Big Band music with vocalists of the 1940s and 1950s; and classical Christian hymns, especially those with significant organ parts.
I am a disabled veteran, so listening to music and reading are two of my favorite passive recreational pastimes.
This Lounge Audio replaced the Schiit Mani in my system, and the sound is simply astounding; there is so much more presence, more punch, more clarity, better imaging. I was simply stunned, and it sounds as if the performers were right in my room, and the improvement over my CD player through the external DAC has convinced me to purchase more LP records.
Groneberg Hifi Quattro Reference RCA Cables
Using these cables between my preamplifier and the two mono bloc amplifiers.
Silversmith Audio Fidelium Balanced Interconnect
After seeing a major improvement in all aspects of sound quality when switching to the Fidelium speaker cables, I decided to purchase a set of Fidelium interconnects to connect my DAC to my preamp. While the improvement was not so dramatic as adding the speaker cables, I did detect an improvement in tonal qualities and spatial definition.
Rhythmik Audio F12SE
I added two of these subs to my system and the result was excellent. It gave me not only we’ll-controlled deeper bass, but it seemed to help across the span of lower frequencies
Butcher Block Acoustics 2 x 18" X 15" X 3" WALNUT END-GRAIN AUDIO PLATFORM
for Odyssey Amps
Butcher Block Acoustics Turntable Stand in Maple with Acrylic Cover
Fyne Audio F702
Floor standing 2.5 way speakers, with 8” bass driver. I am exceptionally happy with these speakers.
NAD C-568 CD player
Being used as a transport through my Schiit Gungnir 2 DAC.
Schiit Audio Gungnir 2
I replaced the Bifrost 2/64 in my main system with the Gungnir 2, and I could hear some improvement in definition, tonal qualities, and sound-stage. I am pleased with the purchase and think it was worth the money to upgrade to the Gungnir 2.
For the time being, the BIfrost 2/64 has been "cascaded" to my office system, which is largely my old system, the NAD Integrated Amplifier 356BEE driving the Infinity Modulus satellites of 1992, and the Definitive Technology Supercube 6000, with the addition of a 2024 MacMini M4Pro ... which delivers most excellent sound in my small office.
DH Labs Cables Mirage USB, Reunion Cat 8 Ethernet
I have switched to DH Labs cables for my Innuos Stream 1, using the Mirage USB-A to USB-C cable to connect to my Schiit Gungnir 2 DAC and the Reunion Cat 8 Ethernet cable to connect my router extender to the Stream 1. Both cables have brought improvements to the sound quality at a very reasonable price. I am very seriously considering purchasing DH Labs Air Matrix and BL-1 Series II XLR interconnects to connect my preamp to my Odyssey monobolocs after i have them converted to stereo and upgraded to bi-amplify my Fyne speakers.
Butcher Block Acoustics RigidRack 4 Shelf
I finally broke down and purchased a proper set of shelves for my system, when Butcher Block Acoustics had a sale on their products. The four-shelf, 42" wide unit fit perfectly in the space available and easily holds all of my equipment, with room to add something like an equalizer should I choose to do so. This is a quality product, and the Maple shelving with the Walnut legs make a nice contrast and go well with our Teak furniture. I purchased the unit with wide spacing, so it makes it much easier to arrange cables and accomplish other necessary tasks.
Shunyata Venom PS10 & Venom Defender
Decided that I needed better power distribution equipment, so I purchased these units from theCableCompany. Very pleased, and I noticed a modest reduction in background noise when I got everything run through the PS10. Of note, I also had an electrician install a whole house surge protector some months ago.
Rogue Audio RP-9 v2 preamplifier
I recently upgraded from the Rogue Audio RP-7 v1 to the RP-9 V2, and the difference is quite significant, with better imaging, markedly improved tonal qualities for instruments, and finer distinction of the instruments. The differences between, for example, the French Horns and the trumpets--both of which I played in a competent concert band in high school--is even more pronounced, with the tonal qualities of the French Horn being superbly reproduced. The upgrade was definitely worth it. I also had occasion to contact Rogue technical support (right here in Pennsylvania!) after a repeated power outage over several minutes, and they were able to tell me how to fix the issue in less than a minute. I have worked my way from the RP-1 to the RP-7, and after several years, to the RP-9, and I am extremely pleased with their products.
Thorens TD-126 MkII
Purchased this turntable new while stationed in the Army in Germany, in the 1970s. Just had it thoroughly serviced. Astounded by the vibrancy and “organic nature” of vinyl.
Audio Technica VM-540ML Cartridge.
Silversmith Audio Fidelium Speaker Cables
After exchanging several emails with the company founder and owner, I ordered a 4’ pair of Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables with visited adapters.they were an immediate improvement across the board beyond my existing cables that used Mogami cabling. Vastly improved soundstage, better tonal qualities, and better bass. These are definitely excellent cables for a very reasonable price.
Odyssey Audio Kismet Monoblocks
Custom Kismets from Klaus in simpler case. Upgraded power supply, capacitors, and speaker terminals and silver solder and upgraded wiring throughout.
Innuos Stream 1
I replaced the iFI Zen Stream with the Innuos Stream 1 with LPS1 power supply, 2 TB storage, and the Phoenix USB output module. The improvement is astounding, with incredible imaging and tonal qualities. A power outage resulted in the Phoenix module going non-operational, but Innuos customer and tech support got it working again. I am very pleased with the product and with the support from Innuos. By the way, there is a noticeable improvement in sound quality when switching from the standard USB output to the Phoenix USB module output.
KDS, many thanks. I had been using the same equipment as I purchased in th 1980s and early 1990s, with only replacing failed equipment. Then, in 2021, with the kids gone, college for two kids paid for, and other things taken care of, my lovely wife gave the go-ahead to upgrade. I started out to purchase more modest speakers, but I was stunned when I heard the Fyne F702s. I initially had a tube power amp--Rogue Stereo 100 Dark, but felt it a bit "mushy." Switching to the solid state Odyssey amps--admittedly twice as powerful--made a huge difference, and the Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables also made a disproportionate difference, really opening things up. Great tonal qualities and great imaging; the only downside was the 8" woofers, but the addition of the Rythmik subs at a pretty reasonable price resolved that issue. When I turn the volume up to a moderate level--will check the db level with my iPhone, the system really "opens up" with excellent imaging laterally, vertically, and in depth. I now am awaiting the arrival of a new Innuos Stream 1, which will complete my system, relying on Tidal for streaming. Best wishes.
