Stunning dynamics and fantastic resolution. This system took several iterations to arrive here. It's a 23' x 23' half basement space and it was a struggle to get the bass right in this room. Multi subs proved to be the best solution.
As close as I can get to live music in my house. I simply love playing tunes on this setup while partying, entertaining guests, playing pool etc. I must say that it is equally good for critical listening. Hoping to upgrade cartridge and phono pre sometime this year.
My second zone. Streams flac files from my NAS and pulls so many internet radio stations. My favorite internet station is MOG (320kpbs via WiFi)
Centrance DAC mini
Class A stereophile DAC. Superb resolution.
Thorens TD-125 mkII
with SME3009 tonearm. Awesome vintage spinner.
Sutherland PH3D
Battery MM MC phonostage
Klipsch Cornwall II
Very good dynamics, excellent resolution and clear midrange. Definitely devoid of the horn coloration that people associate with Klipsch horn based speakers.
Behringer ULTRADRIVE PRO DCX2496
Digital crossover for subwoofers
Crown International XLS1000
Pro amp for driving L & R channel subwoofers
DIY subwoofers Eminence Lab 12
Four subwoofers. 2 per channel. Explosive low level slam that isn't just loud. Blends very well with the mains.
System edited: System update: Added clearaudio maestro wood and moved the sutherland 20/20 from my main system to this system. This clearaudio MM rivals my DV20x2L in detail and dynamics. Of all the carts I have owned, only the DV XX2MK2 MC beats this clearaudio.
System edited: Added the NAD C326BEE integrated amp. I wasn't unhappy the marantz quality. Just that it had only one aux input and a phono. So it would require me to disconnect interconnects to switch between other inputs. Great convenience with the NAD's multiple inputs.
Also would be interested in a further description of the sound differences between cornscala and the Cornwall. Is there improved resolution, coherence and dynamics?
Thanks David. I did initially consider the Cornscala type D but built myself Wayne Parham's 4 pi speakers. I know I am a speaker hoarder! The 4 pis do sound smoother than Cornwalls, but dynamics from the Cornwalls can scare the crap out of someone! It really sounds like live music. So depending on the mood I switch between the Cornwalls and 4 pis.
I did try tubes viz, the Jolida 302CRC with SED Winged C EL34s, KT77s and even KT 150s. Pre tubes were NOS Mullard CV4004s and Cv4024s. They only sounded a smidgen better in the highs than the vintage Marantz and my main system's Arcam A28. I sold my Primaluna Prologue 2 to try the Jolida 302CRC. Wish I hadn't done that. But I sold all my tube gear now. If only the lower end Primalunas came with pre outs to run subs.
For the phono pre I am thinking about trying the Musical Sounding Phonomena II. I have also tried the Sutherland PH3D from my main system (take a look at that one too) and found it to be so much cleaner sounding. Also I am tying a Grado Reference Platinum which should be arriving this weekend.
BTW you have two very nice setups too. Love seeing that Steinway!
