2-channel system done for the time being

billbillw
billbillw Posts: 6,765
edited December 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
I've posted a few things here and there over the last year about my evolving 2-channel system. Well, I'm finally to a point where I'm happy. The system was recently moved to a new room as we are making room for our baby (due in November). The system looks more at home now, and sounds better too (corner loading helps the Monitor 5A deliver a little better bass response).

My vinyl playback components are also finalized: I finished changing the tonearm on my Alexandria and did the maintenance kit upgrade, which replaces the springs, bushings, sleeves, and dampeners with new, better designed parts. New bearing oil is also part of the kit. What a difference! I am completely happy with this setup now. Rumble? What's that? Surface noise? Pushed way down! Distortion? None to speak of. Now its time to listen instead of worrying about upgrades! Well, maybe a moving coil cartridge sometime down the road...

I've updated my system showcase with a bunch of new pictures, in case anyone is intersted. (EDIT: This is now outdated. Updates to the showcase are on the way)
Showcase page
For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
Post edited by billbillw on
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Comments

  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited September 2006
    Looking really good there... i'm sure it sounds really good with the peerless tweeters. for a bit more bass.. if you run across a pair of monitor 7's with the same peerless, you may want to consider them too. While the 7's aren't heavy on bass either.. they do always amaze me how much bass they are capable of when needed. ha ha ha.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited September 2006
    Nice TT, okay, now the hard part, enjoying the interludes between the bug bites.

    Congrats on the baby.

    RT1
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,765
    edited September 2006
    reeltrouble1 wrote:
    Congrats on the baby.

    RT1

    Thanks,
    That is actually the only reason I'm not going to Polkfest this year. Can't leave my wife alone right now...
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • Toka78
    Toka78 Posts: 192
    edited September 2006
    Nice setup! Glad to see another Shure M97Xe fan...I just built a system for a friend of mine and used the very same cart. One of the best values around, for sure.
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited September 2006
    Very nice! Enjoy!
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited September 2006
    You have 2 terrific setups there Bill! Congrats on the baby.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited September 2006
    2-channel system done for the time being

    Thats what I say when I am out of two channel audio funds.:D

    Nice setup Bill. I remember that TT when it popped up on the gon. What kind of bearing oil do they supply in the kit?
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited September 2006
    Stellar.

    Rock on.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,335
    edited September 2006
    Congrats Bill! Your system looks super! I've never seen that turntable before, looks like a real beauty. Good luck and happy listening!
    Carl

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  • Fireman32
    Fireman32 Posts: 4,845
    edited September 2006
    Beautiful system. Enjoy and congrats on the new baby
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  • speakergeek
    speakergeek Posts: 555
    edited September 2006
    Very nice indeed! Those 5As are great.
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,765
    edited September 2006
    SCompRacer wrote:
    Thats what I say when I am out of two channel audio funds.:D

    Nice setup Bill. I remember that TT when it popped up on the gon. What kind of bearing oil do they supply in the kit?

    I'm surprised you remember it, since it was only listed for about 10 hours. I bought it within a couple hours of listing and the seller removed the listing the next morning. It was a steal in hindsight. Ones that have sold since, went much higher.

    The oil, not sure, it is pre-packaged into a little syringe. Some type of light thin oil, probably synthetic. It didn't have a petroleum smell.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited September 2006
    billbillw wrote:
    I'm surprised you remember it, since it was only listed for about 10 hours.

    Audiogon New Today is my home page when I am wanting something.:D I work third shift and have a bud that works days for near 24 hour coverage.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,765
    edited December 2006
    Well, you guys were right. Things don't stay static for long...
    3 months later and I've already replaced the Monitor 5A with a pair of Mirage M-3 and now to feed them properly, I've moved to the world of separates. Got a B&K Pro10 MC and matching amp on the way. Merry Christmas!
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2006
    And the beat goes on.

    Congrats, I have enjoyed all the B&K gear I have owned, good stuff.

    RT1
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,765
    edited December 2006
    Thanks RT1.

    I swear, the rest of my system IS staying put for quite awhile. I'm completly happy with the vinyl, cd, and tuner portions of my system. If I hadn't gotten that sweet deal on the Mirage, I'd probably still be happy with my Sony integrated, but alas, the Mirage are a bit too power hungry.

    I've yet to see anyone really talking bad about the B&K separates. Their Pro10 (or MC101) pre and ST series amps are often referred to as "Giant Killers."
    Usually the people upgrading from these pieces are going up the chain significantly and spending 3-4 times as much.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2006
    Nice setup man, beautiful house too.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • smglbrth
    smglbrth Posts: 1,471
    edited December 2006
    You'll like separates, although I'm always wanting a little more in the power department. For now though I have to stick with what I have but I'm not complaining on the quality of B&K, I just wish I had the money for the 200WPC version of the ST.

    Those 5A's are killer, as is the rest of your equipment!

    Congrats on being a new parent as well! When you get to number 4 you kind of get used to it...
    Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me
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  • haimoc
    haimoc Posts: 1,031
    edited December 2006
    Beautiful system setup.
    -?¿-
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  • 98thumpin
    98thumpin Posts: 649
    edited December 2006
    looks good nice setup man
    John Tyler Birch

    home audio system:

    Denon avr-1907
    Sony dvd/cd changer 5 disc
    nakamichi BX-100 tape deck
    2 Polk Audio monitor 70's
    Velodyne DPS-12 subwoofer
    RCA TV
    NAK 600 tape deck
    Monster power line conditioning power center
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