It all started after reading about the pros of open baffle speakers. The more I read the more my desire grew to build a pair. So I did. The OB's replaced a pair of Monitor Audio Gold 300's in a small back bedroom. Way too big, almost 3 times the width of the MA's and the OB's seem to weigh a bit more. I brought the OB's to the living room and pulled them out from the wall about 4 feet (which would've been fine if I lived alone and never had any company). My husband rarely complained, but when the grandchildren came to visit, I'd have to place the speakers close to the wall for the safety of the kids and the speakers. That got old fast. So now my system is in the basement and all I need to do is have a seat, turn it on and listen. I've done some changing since I first posted. Switched out some things (TT, larger power plant and got a tube preamp. Then I moved most of my rig behind the black rug wall.
The Audio Research pramp and Gold Note TT love each other and remain in my main basement rig. The vintage Pioneer TT and Tandberg Receiver also love each other, both of which have been relocated upstairs to be shared with my family.
Thanks mjcmt and noromance. A lot has gone on since I posted those pics. Brought my vinyl system upstairs to share with my family and left the digital/computer system in the basement. Just got tired of switching out speaker and subwoofer cables. AND in my opinion the Tandberg receiver sounds so much better for vinyl reproduction than the built in phonostage on the Audio Research SP 20 (which I'll have to post pictures of).
Thanks jond! Took a look at your system and all I can say is WOW! Just beautiful. And hats off to you being able to fix things when they give out. Tubes are beautiful and I tried them with a headphone amp. But I learned I like predictable (not patient enough for tube rolling). Same with vinyl, I prefer easy. I'm not really fond of getting up to flip records half way through and having to listen to every song. Guess you could call me a lazy listener :)
What a cool setup I did those OB speakers nice job on those. And that's the swankiest barber chair I've ever seen. Ever think about trying tubes? Efficient OB speakers can sound amazing with a good tube amp.
Thanks Deepak. Yes, that's a barbers chair. Rationale, I wanted a chair that reclined and had a small headrest. My speakers are pretty tall and I wanted to be able to adjust the height and listen at the level of my full range drivers. Leather was preferred, just seemed it would be easier to keep dust and possibly, spider web free in a basement. The foot rest is is great, too.
Definitely an interesting setup! I see tweaks galore and have so many questions (I am a firm believer in tweaks). First one though is regarding the chair. Is that a barber’s chair? First time seeing that in a audiophile setting! Kinda different and cool. What’s the rationale / story behind the chair? Do share.
@toro3 thanks, the speakers were a fun and fruitful build. Bought the Tandberg less than a year ago. I'm thankful someone took great care of it. I'll carry on...My husband (of 44 years) is a keeper :)
There's a whole lot of attention to detail in this system. I always admire the DIY crowd; primarily because I break absolutely everything with my clumsy hands and simply don't have the brain/skills. That Tandberg looks well taken care of and it sounds like you have a tolerant husband, which I'm sure helps with this hobby/lifestyle. Love the look of the speakers as well!
