The reference system, subject to (frequent) change:
Analog: VPI Aries 3 turntable, Kuzma 4-Point tonearm, Phoenix Engineering Roadrunner/Eagle precision drive electronics, VPI Periphery Ring clamp, Stillpoints LPI clamp, Symposium Damping Insert Kit (replaces the stock connection between the VPI Aries 3 and the HRx feet)
ZYX UNIverse Premium and Miyajima Madake cartridges
Marantz ST-7001 tuner
Phono Preamps: Pass Labs XP-25, DIY Sowter 1990z Step Up Transformers, Bob's Devices CineMag Sky 20 Step Up Transformer
Digital: Custom Windows 7 music computer with JRiver Media Center, Bryston BDA-3 DA converter, Lynx Hilo AD/DA Converter
Preamplifiers: Mark Levinson No. 52, Acoustic Imagery Jay-Sho
Amplifiers: Cary CAD-805AE (with Psvane WE211, 1950s Tung Sol and RCA 6SN7s, and stock Genelex Gold Lion 300B tubes), Rogue Stereo 100, Inspire Fire Bottle SE- "Hot Rod" version, Bryston 2.5B Cubed, Pass XA30.8
Loudspeakers: Fritzspeakers Carrera BE, Focal Chorus 714 from the HT system, (2) JL Audio e110 subwoofers
Cables: Mogami interconnects and speaker cables, Audioquest WEL Signature XLR, and other analog interconnects, Wyred 4 Sound USB PCOCC Premium Cable, Mogami Digital RCA S/PDIF for CD-to-DAC cable
Power:
Cords: DIY power cords, Straightwire Pro Thunder
Conditioners: PS Audio Dectet, PS Audio Quintet, and DIY Power Conditioner
Dedicated 20A circuits
Other: Shakti Hallograph Soundfield Optimizers
The listening room is L shaped, 12x19x7.5, and I listen across the 12'. The walls and ceiling are double 5/8" drywall on Z channel, and the floor is carpeted concrete. There are a few strategically placed 2x4 foot decorative panels containing 3 inch "egg crate" acoustic foam. One such panel is located at the reflection point of the speaker nearest the side wall.
The natural sandstone rack weighs over 650 pounds and comes from Lyons, Colorado. The top shelf, which the turntable(s) sits on, is a solid 4 inch thick piece of maple.
The Home Theater System:
Marantz SR5010 7.1 channel Receiver
Sony S570 Blu-Ray Player
Focal Chorus 714 and center channel Speakers
B&W LM1 for the rear channel speakers
Samsung UN65JY7100 4K 3D Too-Smart TV
Here is a partial list of the music used for the reviews: (this section is updated from time to time)
LPs:
Happy Together, The Nylons, Side 1 (all)
Stampede, Doobie Brothers, Side 1 (all)
"Clean As the Driven Snow". The Captain & Me, Doobie Brothers. WB Records BS2694
Dire Straits, ALL!
Hearts & Flowers, Joan Armatrading
"Foggy Mountain Breakdown". After Midnight. Sheffield Lab TLP-30
"Witches’ Brew". Danse Macabre, Saint-Saëns, RCA Living Stereo LP, RCA Victor LSC-2225
"Crest of a Knave", "She Said She Was a Dancer". Crest of a Knave, Jethro Tull
The Diary of Alicia Keys, Alicia Keys, Songs A2 (side A cut #2), B3, D1 & D4. J Records 82876-55712
"Painted Desert", "Takin' It Back". Tropico, Pat Benatar. Chrysalis Records FV41471
Thriller, Michael Jackson
Nothing Like The Sun, Sting
CDs:
Thriller, Michael Jackson. Used for dialing in subwoofers.
"Make a Mistake With Me", Mud On The Tires, Brad Paisley
mo', mo', mo'
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