My listening room is approx. 20 x 25 and doubles as our family room. Not the perfect scenario, but the idea here is my entire family can enjoy listening as an alternative to television. Speakers are installed into built-in bookcases with 500lb TV-swivel pull-out shelves. With the pull-out shelves, the speakers are extended about 14 in from the wall.
I listen to all types of music, but really enjoy quality male and female vocals (Alison Krauss, Mel Torme, Vince Gill), bluegrass, swing-style jazz (Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Getz, Vince Guaraldi, Dave Brubeck).
Siemens F2A based SET based amp with the strongest 10 watts I've ever heard
Shindo Vosne-Romanee
Beautiful sounding tube based preamp (10 total) with MM/MC phono. This unit also has a special factory-installed option of an additional single-ended output, allowing for a sub connection if desired.
Shindo Silver ICs
In my system, huge difference vs. others tried. Expensive, but not out of line with other mfgs. Three sets of Shindo ICs: Amp-Preamp, CDP-Preamp, and SUT-Preamp
Audio Note UK Audio Note AN/E SPE HE Speaker
Somewhat utilitarian-looking, but...sounds absolutely terrific with the Shindo Cortese
Auditorium A23
Exceptionally long run (9 meters) which suits my installation nicely.
Garrard 401
Jeff Day's Garrard project inspired this 401 rebuild. I haven't heard any high-end TT's except the Shindo 301, and this one certainly holds its own. For the money invested, I don't believe it can be significantly bettered.
Schroeder Model 2
My Model 2 has the pertinax want and VTF fine adjustment screw. Considered by some to be the best value in a tonearm < $3K. Can't say for sure, but it sounds fantastic and looks great with the 401 and walnut-stained plinth by Neil Howell.
Neil Hollow Custom 7-Layer Baltic Burch Plinth
Custom built plinth from a super gent across the pond (Ireland).
Miyabi 47 Labs
A bit tricky to set up (tail down) compared to previous cartridges I've had, but defintely the best sounding...
K & K Audio Premium SUT
I built this kit from Kevin Carter and am very happy with its sound and versatility. It has 2 gain settings (18 & 24 db) and allows for easy resistor load changes.
Resolution Audio Opus 21
In many instances, this 2-box non-GNS modded CDP rivals my vinyl - it is that good...
Hi Mikey, sorry I'm a bit late in responding. Yes, the speakers are pulled out when listening and moved back into the cabinets when not in use. The system does sacrifice some things, but also creates lots of additional space for the family room. Honestly, the AN speakers sound really good in the cabinets as well as pulled out - hard to believe, but true. With the unusual speaker placement, sometimes it does feel like I'm running a sports car in 3rd gear vs. overdrive. Thanks for taking a look!
Spectacular gear, but I agree with Tvad about the speaker placement. But I guess in life you have to make compromises. I assume that you pull the speakers out when listening and then slide them back afterwards for storage?
Hi Tvad - thanks for taking the time to comment. I am confident you are definitely correct about speaker placement and would love to hear my system with the speakers corner loaded. Based on room configuration and our family room pulls double duty as a music room, no question there is some sacrificing of some soundstage depth/width and "air". However, my family thoroughly enjoys quality music together and hopefully we are installing a life-long love of music in our children. That being said, on occasion my wife would like to push all the audio gear into a dedicated room...
As an AN-E/SPe HE owner, and as one who has listened in several Audio Note demo rooms at RMAF and CES, I am doubtful that in the present position/location of the AN-E speakers you are achieving their full capability.
