Description

 She's coming along nicely. I said I'd upgrade my system until it hits the price (MSRP) I paid for my house which is $118K. With the price on this gear increasing due to inflation, it's at just over $112K right now. So I'll eat a few more ramen noodle dinners and make it happen. If you have any suggestions on possible upgrades to spend the last $6K, please let me know! I know I could just get expensive cables, but there's got to be something more fun than that. :P 

*Update 1/17/23: I swapped out the Furman power conditioner for the McIntosh MPC1500 Power Controller a couple months ago, and this morning I finished setting up the MT-10 Turntable. I also got a couple more stereo 3.5mm cables to connect to the TT and power controller so that they would backlight correctly when the system is powered on. 

*Update 1-4-22: I got a shaggy rug to better absorb room reflections, and the fabulous JBL K2-S9900 speakers. I can't fit an inch more stereo into this room now, haha. My wall is maxed out.

*Update 2-4-20: Spent an entire day and a half rebuilding the Salamander A/V rack taller so it would accommodate the bigger amps and the heavier weight. Installed the new McIntosh MC1.25KW monoblock amps and C53 solid state preamp. (Replacing the previous MC601 monoblocks and C2600 preamp) Also installed a Marantz reference turntable and KI-Ruby SACD player. I installed a Goldring Eroica LX low output moving coil cartridge on the turntable as well. I put new heavy duty caster wheels on the rack so they would roll better under the additional weight. These amps are 158lbs each! My whole body is sore somehow too, haha. 

*Update 12-13-19: I've got 3 sound panels up printed with my photos like large canvases. The vertical blinds are up, and the walls have recessed panels and trim is done. Rugs are down, as well, so the overly lively sound is controlled much better. I've upgraded the power conditioner to a Furman SPR-20I Voltage regulator and mounted the TV a few months back as well. 

After completing the system yesterday I remember how therapeutic listening to hi-fi really is. I sat in my chair from about 5:00pm until 1:00am in the morning until I fell asleep. It sounds good already, but the speakers need some break-in and the room is pretty lively at the moment. Curtains and more furniture should help out. After that's done, I'll decide if it needs additional sound treatment. 

My dream stereo in progress. I've spent the last six months screwing up the wood floors in attempt to refinish them. The stain pulled up and mixed in with the varnish creating a muddy mess. After re-sanding and refinishing, I'm done working on the floors and I need my stereo fix.
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Room Details

Dimensions: 20’ × 16’  Medium
Ceiling: 8’


Components Toggle details

    • McIntosh C53
    Solid State preamplifier
    • McIntosh MC1.25KW
    1200 watt monoblock amplifier
    • Sony HAP-Z1ES
    Music Server
    • Revel Ultima Studio2
    Speaker
    • McIntosh MPC-1500
    Power Controller
    • Goldring Eroica LX Cartridge
    Low output MC cartridge
    • AudioQuest Rocket 44 spk
    Speaker cable pair 7'
    • AudioQuest Mckenzie XLR
    (2) 1m XLR Cable Pairs
    • Furman SPR-20i
    Voltage regulating power conditioner.
    • Marantz KI-Ruby SACD Player
    SACD Player
    • JBL Synthesis K2-S9900
    A sweet horn speaker that doesn't sound like a horn and has dynamics to spare. Very nice.
    • Sony XBR-65X950H
    LED Full dynamic backlight TV
    • McIntosh MT10
    Turntable

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FR (Jeff): What makes you think he has "lively highs" ?

spinaker01