Some pics of my current system revision . . .

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited August 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
I'll likely be selling it off soon for no obvious or foreseen reason . . . :D
Post edited by SolidSqual on
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited August 2008
    Are you and Early running off to join the circus?
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    zombie boy 2000 wrote: »
    Are you and Early running off to join the circus?

    This forum IS a circus, you clown!
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I'll likely be selling it off soon for no obvious or foreseen reason . . . :D

    Sounds logical to me.


    BTW -- that's one of the best setups I've seen. I bet it sounds ridiculously good.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    Early B. wrote: »
    Sounds logical to me.


    BTW -- that's one of the best setups I've seen. I bet it sounds ridiculously good.

    You know I had my Dad over this past weekend after moving back from Chicago. He was stunned by the sound. We started listening at 10:00 pm and didn't stop until 2:30 am! The 56 year old guy wore me out. He kept asking if I had a center channel . . . being stunned by the imaging in the center. It was a good bonding experience.

    Thanks for the compliment.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited August 2008
    You need CFRIZZ's 12 step program to help you be content with what you have and avoid upgraditus :)

    Let me know if it works for you and maybe I'll try the program :o
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited August 2008
    I'd switch the PS3 and Raysonic. Why hide such a nice looking CDP?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited August 2008
    Where are both subs????? Very very nice setup, SolidSqual. Beautiful.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited August 2008
    Early B. wrote: »
    This forum IS a circus, you clown!

    I was thinking more of an asylum.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited August 2008
    That's a really nice looking setup; I bet it sounds as good as it looks.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited August 2008
    It is freakin' gorgeous. I can only imagine what else you have in the works.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    Face wrote: »
    I'd switch the PS3 and Raysonic. Why hide such a nice looking CDP?

    Right now it's a matter of cable length. I do want it the way you suggest but when I got the PS3, the cables were in the way of where the PS3 sat. And since the cables are not long enough to go under the rack and back up to the CDP, it is the way it is. Once I get around to it, that will be fixed.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    engtaz wrote: »
    Where are both subs????? Very very nice setup, SolidSqual. Beautiful.

    engtaz

    I returned them. With the new XPA-2 amps, my system actually has all the bass I want. The D Class amps were completely holding my system back. I have tight clean bass now that is absolutely believable. What's better, on those low notes that are actually meant to be felt and not heard, I even have the right amount of tactile bass.

    The Valors were great but not needed in the end. I was glad to return them and put some more money back in the audio jar.

    The one thing I gave up with the D Class amps is some background quiet. Since my speakers are so efficient, they pick up everything. The XPA-2s introduce a slightly more hiss coming from the tweeter. It really is moot in the end however since I can't hear the hiss from the sweet spot anyway.

    Also, the I played my first Blu-ray yesterday - "300" and my first PS3 game "Metal Gear" . . . I can't believe how amazing this system sounds for HT as well as 2 Channel. The same speed, dynaimcs and clarity in 2 Channel is just as appreciated in HT.

    Good Times! Any of you are welcome to come over if you ever stop by Indy.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited August 2008
    That looks about 50 times better than it did a few months ago when you posted. Much cleaner, harder to step on stuff, etc.

    Nice work! Great looking, and I'm sure fantastic sounding setup!

    BTW, wtf is an "ultradrive pro?"
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    AndyGwis wrote: »
    That looks about 50 times better than it did a few months ago when you posted. Much cleaner, harder to step on stuff, etc.

    Nice work! Great looking, and I'm sure fantastic sounding setup!

    BTW, wtf is an "ultradrive pro?"

    In this application, it's used as the the external crossover for my speakers but it can do a whole host of other things that I don't care to learn or understand. Clayton of Emerald Physics loaded it with a program with different room settings that can be modified in order to make the system sound the best it can in your room. This unit is what makes the steep crossover possible in my system.
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited August 2008
    That looks amazing!!!

    I bet it sounds amazing too...

    I'll have to find a way up there. I might have to see if my dad wouldn't mind going up there for a listen. If its OK for both of us to come up??



    Nick
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,663
    edited August 2008
    Those XPA-2 amps are great. I had a chance to listen to them at a FL GTG. They stood out immediately. Dann asked me which amp I like the most out of the amps he brought and I chose the XPA-2 amps, hand down. Super clean, with power and no coloration of the sound.

    Congrats on a fabulous setup,
    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    zombie boy 2000 wrote: »
    I was thinking more of an asylum.

    What do they call those homes for kids with mental retardation? 'Cause we keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Sounds like a learning disability to me.:o
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited August 2008
    How's the match between your 100db Emeralds and monster power from your XPA-2s?
    Jake
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    zingo wrote: »
    How's the match between your 100db Emeralds and monster power from your XPA-2s?

    Well as I mentioned earlier in the thread, there is an increased amount of "hiss" coming through the tweeters with the XPAs. By contrast, the Bel Canto S300s were dead quiet, which of course is a major positive of D Class amps. That being said, the "hiss" can't be heard from my listening position so its really a non-issue.

    In terms of power, the XPA is amazing. These amps have mega dynamics and really make sure your drivers are producing the full range that they are capable of doing. This is especially noticeable with the mid to low bass. The way in which a piano, guitar or drum was articulated became noticeably more natural. The musicians really are available in the room for your listening pleasure. So much so, that my Dad at one point swore he could hear Diana Krall breathing on the microphone.

    I think the extra power and capacitance really show-off their worth when you play something like the 1812 overture or "Saving Private Ryan." Tracks with 10dB shifts set the XPA apart from the S300s. There's no strain at all, even at super high SPLs. So, I'm not really sure whether its the extra power or the A/B Class designation or maybe it's just a better made amp . . . with the 100dB sesitivity, I don't even know if I'm using any of the power, but I do know my system has never played with such authority and still retained every bit or finesse and musicality.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    AndyGwis wrote: »
    That looks about 50 times better than it did a few months ago when you posted. Much cleaner, harder to step on stuff, etc.

    Nice work! Great looking, and I'm sure fantastic sounding setup!

    BTW, wtf is an "ultradrive pro?"

    God, I was hoping you all would have forgotten about that! You know if you would have kept your mouth shut then I would have never tripped over my CD player while walking back from the kitchen with beer in hand. That experience led me to rearrange my setup and left a permanent, "I told you so . . . !" ringing in my head.:confused:"
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited August 2008
    I like the the way you placed the gear/speakers in a curved way and that everything has its own shelf so that nothing is stacked. Looks very professional.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    You slay me earlyb jr. :D:D:D:D:D Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet.

    engtaz

    Not sure whether this is a compliment?:)

    http://emotivalounge.proboards54.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=amps&thread=2053&page=1
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited August 2008
    Thats a real nice looking set up. Intersting speakers and its quite slick of the designer to utilize the Ultracurve as the active crossover instead of designing a custom unit.
    So with an active system with 100db sensitivity and a bus load of power, I bet the system is not lacking in dynamics.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited August 2008
    Nice looking setup Mike. Glad who had a good time with your Dad. I envy that.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited August 2008
    janmike wrote: »
    Nice looking setup Mike. Glad who had a good time with your Dad. I envy that.

    Yeah, my Dad is a good guy. He's old school and often has a very dry sense of humor, but we connect and I understand him on a lot of levels that others don't. I'm grateful more and more as I get older and more mature.
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  • zx_toth
    zx_toth Posts: 417
    edited August 2008
    Sorry for my ignorance SolidSqual .... but what speakers are those? I caught 'Emerald' .... since I havent been exposed to many sets of speakers I havent seen those beaut's before.

    Thanks.

    Zsolt
    My Home Theater Rig
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited August 2008
    Emerald Physics CS2

    http://www.emeraldphysics.com/intro.htm
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