This is my current reference system. It's finally set up again. The room is quite good. It's treated with some absorption panels RPG, Hemifusors and Skylines and variscreens. There are broadband helmhotz resonators hidden in the front of the room. Ceiling diffusion using RPG Hemifusors are in. Ceiling is painted black and walls in a medium grey.
I believe it is the Audioquest Hawk. It's a fairly old cable, but I did audition a few at the time that I bought and this one did make a noticeable difference. To me it was definitely worth the extra money and I've never really experimented with it very much since then.
System edited: Major changes to the system over the last few years. Changes in acoustics were huge and of course the additional of the Talon Phoenix (active version) was also incredible. Couple that speaker with the VAC 15/30 amp and you have the best of all worlds. 300 B tubes driving the mid/tweeter and a 500 watt digital switching built in amplifier for the bass.
There is a guy trying to sell an unopened copy of the Classic set for $8k on ebay. LOL. Someone should let him know that Classic is doing another pressing. Thanks for the recommendations: I'm going to order a set.
It's the best I've heard. Comparing it to the MFSL of Led Zep II, the Classic 45 box set is clearly better in every aspect, quieter background, better micro and macro dynamics, and overall improved clarity. The MFSL version was one of their best. For the most part, with a few exceptions recently, I've found Classic Records to do absolutely fabulous work. Recently there have been some noted quality control issues, and I did receive at least one or two of those, which I did return. The box set on the other hand has been perfect--everything I've played thus far anyway.
what do you think of the fidelity on your led zep box set? I almost pre-ordered one, then sold my rig, now am back into vinyl and wondering if i should have gone for it.
System edited: Added the Rives Audio sub-PARC to the system. This is really amazing. I'm using it on one of the subs for Music and Home Theater. The crossover point for Music is 30 Hz. It takes the 2 channel music out and just rolls in the sub for that last octave--and this is with very full range speakers, but it just adds enough to give the music a better foundation. I absolutely love it!! Okay, maybe I'm biased (the cook always likes his cooking), but I will not live without it now. Then when I start the theater, the sub-PARC automatically (through a 12 volt trigger) switches into theater mode and takes the LFE input from the processor. It has a completely different set up and much higher level for theater. This thing is really fantastic for music and theater.
I am thinking about a Colibri. Now the Frog is the gold version and is specially designed for the effective mass of my tonearm. So it's really quite good. I will say I am partial to Van den Hul cartridges. I've had such a great experience both with the cartridges and the service from VDH.
I am using Ref 20s in another area in the home. They are great amps. I actually sold the 20.5s. The 20.5s are better in the bass, but I like the top end of the 20s better.
Richard, I didn't realize you'd made all these changes! (No more 20.5's ?) Now it's time to do something about that Frog. Good as it is, it's not up to the rest anymore IMO, especially for someone with a vinyl fetish ;-) I'm sure you're thinking about it . . . . . . .
System edited: Updated with Talon Firebird Reference Loudspeakers and VAC Auricle 160 Monoblocks. This is really an incredible combination--one I will likely stick with for a very long time.
Well, I must say I'm impressed with your Best buy score. Your room came out as well as if that "Rives guy" at Audiogon had done the job, and he designs rooms professionally.
Unfortunately the Best Buy that's up the street from me did not respond well to my request. I ask one of the salesmen about that service for a friend of mine and they said I must be thinking it was the first of April.
Your success is showing, congrats, as it is long overdue that we all realize the importance of the room.
I must agree with Unsound's "SOUND" comment about the stacked amps. Krell's are always in Class A. They will fry anything on top of them, including an egg.
Being a "dyed in the wool" Krell fan, I always enjoy a BBQ with heat by Krell, especially if it's Levinson sausage. JUST KIDDING. I hope to see you at the CES.
Has anyone ever tried to sit on those stacked amps? Any one for smoked butt? Seriously, great system. You've managed to put together some of my favorite gear in a well thought out system. Kudos.
What can I say, I love music and I listen to all that I own. Jazz, classical, and vocals (particularly female) are my favorites, but folk, rock, including techno and alternative--I do love it all. Except rap--haven't been able to make a connection there.
Thanks for compliment. The grey walls and black ceiling do amazing things for the projector performance. I always knew it would help, but didn't have any idea how dramatic the impact was. It also looks much nicer even when lit--the black ceiling just disappears.
