Pure and Simple

by stovie_14472 on Opinions Please
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Description

This is a system I put together because I'm currently living in an apartment and am limited on space. So, active speakers were essential to eliminate the need for big amps. I also specifically chose a power conditioner that is a strip and not a component that must be on a rack. I am now using a furman strip for the HT stuff and the Quintet for the audio stuff. Having only two components (the CD player and the Preamp, the latter of which is only a half-sized chassis) allows me to stack them on a single amp stand that fits neatly underneath the stand that my TV sits on. I move the ATS Acoustics panels in-front of the TV when listening.
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Components Toggle details

    • Sim Audio CD-1
    Entry level player from Simaudio. Sounds very much like the Simaudio Equinox that I also auditioned.
    • PS Audio P-200
    Simple pre-amp. Uses gain-cell. Has great detail and tranparency.
    • Martin Logan Purity
    Active speakers with 200W amp in each speaker. Electrostat sound at a nice price.
    • JPS Labs Ultraconductor 2
    I now have JPS for both connections in my systems. I haven't had them long enough to comment on how they sound.
    • PS Audio Quintet
    A nice improvement over the Furman power strip (which is also a pretty good value).
    • Target VF1
    Small enough to fit into the space I need it to.
    • Vibrapod Support Cone
    Pretty good, cheap isolation. Put three of them under the CD player, which is on the bottom of the stack.
    • Power Cables Acoustic Research
    I am using these power cables for the speakers. They are far less expensive than most name-brand power cable, but still pretty good. 12-gauge, ferrite core, hospital grade connectors.
    • Tributaries Series 9 Power Cables
    Upgraded to these from my DIY power cables for the pre and cd player. Also got one for the connection between the wall outlet and Quintet. These are also way cheaper than any other brand of power cable with similar specs (i.e. 10-gauge wire).
    • ATS Acoustics
    Effective sound absorption at a fair price.

Comments 6

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Hey, nice system, I've never heard or heard of the Purity...seems like and interesting speaker. I also have the same situation, having a small living space in which to put a music system. Could you give some feedback on the Sim Audio CD-1 compared to other players you've experienced... I'm in the market for a player in this price range.
Two Comments:
I think the JPS Ultracontuctor 2 is more than adequate for your system, try to avoid the habit of upgrading cables.
I'm a little concerned the power strip you're using (although a good one) is choking the speaker/amp. I believe each speaker would have the amp as well as a transformer to develop the electrostatic voltage, right? Ask you dealer or try plugging them straight into the wall to see how they sound.
Thanks for posting the system and enjoy,
Kevin Heemstra

tkheem

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