Description

I just finished reworking this system (again). Let me know if you have any suggestions or comments.

System edited: Haven't updated in a while, I've changed almost the whole system in the last few months. New denon AH-D7000 and Lorelei speakers most importantly. Also got a new headphone amp, tube preamp, and Audiophilleo converter
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Mr-Cable Pure Flow
    an amazingly thick cable, currently being used on the cd player
    • Audio Magic Xstream
    comes with the Stealth Mini
    • Van Severs Super companion
    I once used some pretty expensive conditioning gear from audio magic. This simple power strip with built in filtering does an equally silent job.
    • Bernie and Phyl's Bronson End Table
    HEAVY-duty stand
    • Audiophilleo AP-2
    USB->SPDIF
    • Audio Electronic Supply AES
    AE-3 DJH
    • Odyssey Audio Lorelei Kismit
    Upgraded x-overs
    • Audience AR1P
    Power conditioner
    • Signal Cable Magic Power
    2 of these
    • Metrum Octave
    ..
    • nordost heimdall
    ..
    • nordost red dawn
    ..
    • Odyssey Audio Cyclops
    integrated
    • AQVOX USB power supply
    for AP-2
    • Locus/Whiplash Polestar USB
    ..

Comments 35

Very nice. It looks like it's set for near field listening. Great system.

donbagley

Just heard about the Aqvox USB power supply. Does it really improve sound quality? I'm estimating about $140 to get it in my hands. But I'd like to know if it's worth the money.

rockyboy

Owner
System edited: Haven't updated in a while, I've changed almost the whole system in the last few months. New denon AH-D7000 and Lorelei speakers most importantly. Also got a new headphone amp, tube preamp, and Audiophilleo converter

linaeum66

Owner
System edited: Just added a Sunfire subwoofer to augment bass. Also added a musical fidelity V-link USB -> SPDIF. BIG improvements

linaeum66

Owner
I have had the Hawthorne speakers for a few months now. I've never quite been satisfied with the sound though. I let them break in at high volumes for hundreds of hours and still felt like they were missing something. The were too bright and seemed to not have a cohesive sound. I was starting to get the itch to replace them with another speaker, possibly a vandersteen 2ce, or gallo ref. This all changed after I put the PS audio DAC in my system. It turns out I didn't need new speakers after all. I guess these are just very revealing speakers and they really bring out the weakest link in your chain, in this case the DAC. I highly recommend both the DAC and the Hawthorne speakers.

linaeum66

Owner
We do have similar approaches. In fact, I was inspired a while back by looking at your virtual system. I ended up loving the granite slab idea, and got some of my own. I see you you have a few systems listed, is "twin killing" your present one? As far as the Mac/Dac combination goes, I am loving it so far. In fact tomorrow I am getting a PS audio Dac in the mail. I will keep you updated to how it sounds.

linaeum66

Hi Lin: Nice looking system. I think we use very similar approaches in regards to system building.

How does your Mac compare to your previous CD players?

viggen

Owner
System edited: updated, no more CDP, using a USB DAC and Mac lossless now

linaeum66

Owner
System edited: Check out my new updated pics

linaeum66

Owner
it slaughters the Jolida CDP that it replaced. Never heard the mk3 though

linaeum66

Hey - I have the same Prima. Have you compared it to any other CDPs? I am curious as to how it compares with the new Prima mk3. I am in no rush to get rid of mine, just curious.

aball

Owner
System edited: just reworked my system, check it out

linaeum66

Owner
In fact it is an isolation device. Apparently it can be used as an acoustic conditioner, but have personally never had luck with it in that application.

linaeum66

LOL LOL Maybe I need to throw a Bra on my equipment!!

That's a good one!

All the best

gmood1

Is the blue bra an acoustic conditioner?

conanb

Owner
I was thinking the same thing about the speakers in the corners. Unfortunately I am a little pressed for space. I kindof have to keep them against the side walls like that in order to get the 8 ft between them to acheive stereo sound. Do you think it would be worth moving them away from the back wall a foot or two?

linaeum66

You would do well to get those speakers out of the corners. What were you thinking??????

Oz

ozzy62

Owner
Update: I just sold all of my headphone equiptment since I almost never use it. Also I sold my AMP-1 and minimax pre, and replaced the two with the Onix SP3. I will never look back, this integrated is just as good as the amp-1/minimax combo and it costs 1/4 of the price. Also added a velodyne sub for much needed low frequency supplementation.

linaeum66

Owner
I have the stealth plugged into the CDP and amp. It (to my ears at least) makes a bigger difference when used on the CDP though. Its effect of the amp is very subtle.

Jays, what are you looking for in a cdp and dvd player, maybe I can help you out. What do you have now?

linaeum66

Nice system. What do you plug into the Stealth Mini? Do you find it works better on just digital or amp, or both? Thanks, Mike

mikemarv

Nice...I really need to upgrade my DVD player and CD player after looking at your's. Looks good though, especially for being on a budget, as I am. It's tough, but I can't imagine doing it without AudiogoN...

jays

Owner
Go to pitstool.com and search for "surface plate", and several matches will come up for granite surface plates. Mine is the 9x12 version which weighs in at about 35 pounds and only costs around $25. Its an incredibly good deal, and in my opionion the best isolation available at any price

linaeum66

Tell me about your "Pitstools". Sounds like my kind of price for a solid stand.

dkfens

Owner
System edited: just added a few pics, check them out

linaeum66

Owner
I did compare the A.Z. to the gaincard and they are very very similar. The gaincard is slightly more airy, while the AMP-1 has more authority in the bass department. Also the build quality on the A.Z. is amazing (far beyond the 47 labs). After these sonic difference, combined with the A.Z. price and the fact that it uses components that are superior to those used in the gaincard, I went with the amp-1. check out the review on 6moons

linaeum66

Showing 1 - 25 of 35 posts