Updated Office Setup

I deployed a few new items today in my desktop rig.

Item 1. Cocktail Audio X14 Streamer/ripper/storage/slash

Item 2. KEF LS50 (always wanted a pair of these beauties)

Right now I have the X14 configured as a ROON endpoint device and use the ROON app to control it.

Using analog out on the X14 to my Peachtree Nova 125SE which to me always sounds sweet.

So far so good.

The X14 has a lot of features and functions that I still need to discover and configure but makes for a neat looking desk rig...

The LS50's still are great bang for the buck even after all these years. Amazing bass for a compact bookie and the tweets are pure and with the way they are designed and implemented make them a nice near field choice.

Gonna let it all play overnite and check it again in the morning,,,

fq9zf5odjk84.jpg




My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |

Comments

  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    Nice setup Mikey! :smile:
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
  • WagnerRC
    WagnerRC Posts: 2,138
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,124
    Yeah that’s how u do it
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    Looks nice man, I was expecting that x14 to be a bit larger, considering all it does.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,162
    Great rig. Congrats!!
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • kharp1
    kharp1 Posts: 3,453
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    So I have been able to spend a little time now with the CA X14. I downloaded the latest firmware and I installed a Samsung 500GB SSD in it and added an external USB CD/DVD. I've ripped maybe a dozen or so CD's to it and have added the coverart to them. I connected my desktop computer with an old Dragonfly DAC to it's analog in which will mostly be for Youtube vid's and such from PC.

    I installed the drive with the mounting hardware they provided and did not have to resort to zip ties, velcro or even duct tape.

    Everything functions with a relative intuitiveness thru the front display, the interface, the Android app, the ROON UI or the remote.

    SQ is very nice with all of the sources and options. There are digital EQ setting for which I have no use for. The KEF LS50's are really starting to come around after letting them play constantly now for about 2 days. They are really the star of the show here.

    Overall it's a nice package that does probably more than (I) you will use but it performs all the things that I have been doing nicely.

    As a streamer/DAC i think it sounds/performs well. It's not at the level of the Lumin U1 mini but that is 3x as much.

    Here's a link that has a lot of information on streamers in 1 place to do some comparisons/research for the features you might want.

    https://www.noteworthyaudio.com/collections/dac

    Cheers from Cocktail Audio!
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,558
    Was looking into the LS50s again and see that they have released a special all black edition! Sweet!

    https://us.kef.com/ls50-black-edition.html

    26818038958_b1e933ddd8_b.jpg
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    Nicest near field mini monitors I have heard... The coaxial design really hits the mark.
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,558
    edited June 2019
    Nicest near field mini monitors I have heard... The coaxial design really hits the mark.

    I've wanted a pair of R300s for the past 7 years. They're on sale right now at A4L for $1,300 (new, not refurb).

    Edit: And the LS50 black editions above are "only" $950 (refurb).
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    So I've been breaking this rig in for about 5 days now and got a little listening time in this eve.

    1. The LS50's put out a lot of base for their size...very rich and not bloated like many bookies. They are about the same size as the LSI7's. They could fit nicely on the desk but I feel they will perform better on their stands. Many before me have documented the performance of the tweeters and they certainly pass my cymbal test. They are very realistic during acoustic passages and piano.
    2. I found a pair of Sanus Steel stands (heavy) that bring them to just slightly above desk top height and they are just at ear height in my other chair across the my room.
    3. The Cocktail Audio is very quiet and neutral sounding using it's normal EQ setting. Haven't found anything that I have fed it that it doesn't handle well. The DAC is fine for a $700 device.
    4. I know a few folks here own or have listened to Peachtree... To know it is to love it. Very organic sounding class D stuff and they look very elegant as well. I can listen very comfortably at the 09:00 position on the attenuator... at 11:00 they really open up.
    5. Low volume listening retains much of the detail which is great for doing work at the desk.

    I can listen here for hours very rich, detailed... adequate bass without need for a sub, and dialed back they are very nice for office/background stuff. I often wondered why all the stink over the LS50's....

    rrhvfau8scig.jpg
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    So after listening to a youtube vid today regarding the KEF LS50's, the guy on there convinced me to ditch the Peachtree (class d) and go with something that was class A/B.

    The only thing I had available was this tube rig that I really only liked to use on cool nights as it doubles as a space heater.

    But with that said it also puts out app 50 watts of KT88 goodness. Now it has a real nice set of tubes too; A quad of Shuguang Treasure KT88's and a quad of CV181Z's along with a pair of vintage Tesla E83CC's.

    Well shut my mouth and slap my gran ma he was right... The toobs bring out an overall upgrade in tone and vocals are sweet. The improvements are nearfield and in the prime listening position too.

    I still really like the versatility and sound of the Peachtree but I might rig it to drive the outdoor stuff for now.

    Ya learn something new every day....

    Here is the video

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr_zVeSijGY
    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,558
    Crazy looking tube amp! Glad you found some good synergy.

    yaqin_mc-100b_overview.jpg
  • BlueBirdMusic
    BlueBirdMusic Posts: 2,066
    Mikey, I really like your desk. Those bottom shelves are perfect to showcase your equipment. Everything fits together nicely.
    "Sometimes you have to look to the past to understand where you are going in the future"


    Harry / Marietta GA
  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    The desk weighs a ton and the Yaqin weighs like 50+lbs. I am experimenting with the best way to integrate an SVS SB2000 sub (has line level inputs... no hi levels). Right now I am using the Peachtree as a pre and the .6v front input. In this config the pre controls the sub volume relative to the preset volume on the sub. Perhaps not ideal and I will play some more...I have the sub set to app 60 Hz.

    pir1uq6vtyis.jpg


    My New Year's resolution is 3840 × 2160

    Family Room| Marantz AV7704| Usher Dancer Mini - 2 DMD Mains |Usher Dancer Mini-x DMD's Surrounds | Usher BE-616 DMD Center | SVS Ultra Rear Surrounds | Parasound Halo A21 | Parsound Halo A52+ | MIT Shotgun S3's | Dual SVS SB 4000 Ultras | Oppo UDP 203 | Directv Genie HD DVR | Samsung 75" Q8 QLED | PSAudio Stellar GCD | Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ | Lumin U1 Mini | HP Elite Slice PC | ROON'd for life |

    ManCave: HT:Polk LSiM 706VR3 LSiM 703's LSiM 702's|| Marantz AV7002 AV PrePro Sunfire TGA-7401| Sony PS4 Pro| Sony PS4 Pro|SVS PB13 Ultra| Oppo UDP 203 | Music Hall MMF 5.3se TT w/ Soundsmith Carmen | Samsung 55" SUHD TV | Sony PS4

    Patio | Polk Atrium 8's | Yamaha R-N303BL |

    Office BlueSound Node| KEF LS50 | Peactree Nova 125SE |

    Bedroom | Focal 905's | Chromecast Audio |

    Garage | Polk Monitor 5B's

    Closet Yamaha M80 | 2 Polk MP3K subs| Yaqin MC100B with Shuguang Treasures KT 88's & CV181Z's | Tesla E83CC's | Marantz 2252B | Marantz 2385 |Polk SDA SRS 2.3 | LSiM 705's |
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,558
    In your screenshot I can see that my post is collapsed indicating that I'm on your ignore list. I'm flattered! <3
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 24,474
    Never quote a spammer
  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    Well the cool thing is that I missed this thread a few years ago so I was able to enjoy Mikey’s office rig :D
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 24,474
    hochpt21 wrote: »
    Well the cool thing is that I missed this thread a few years ago so I was able to enjoy Mikey’s office rig :D

    Wish he would show up once in a while.