A Herron Audio tubed VTSP-3 Pre Amp has replaced the Audio Synthesis Passive Pre (Passion) which has been in my setup for almost 8 years. The Passion beats many active pres I have tried which included Audio Research LS2, LS3b & the ever so esoteric CAT SL1, particularly in the critical mid frequencies. The VTSP-3 comes very close to the sweetness in the Passion's mids but has bettered it in the frequencies extremes.
After a long search and many pre amp auditions, the Herron shines on price and performance. Sonically neutral with plenty of micro/macro dynamics.
Slim Device Bolder Modified SB3
Bolder digital mod with a Silver Slipstream Bybee Purifier in digital signal. The introduction of the SB3 principle into HiFi is likely the beginning of the traditional CDP or at least it's transport section demise. The convenience of the SB3 where you are able to access your whole music library easily & a sound quality to boot is pure luxury in HiFi Land.
Seagate 300GB
Storage for media files
SB 3 Bolder PS Ultimate MKII
Linear power supply for the SB3. Wayne (Bolder Company) has done an amazing job in tweaking the PS feeding SB3. Instruments & voices sound more palpable & loads of unforced details.
Rotel 1070
Currently decommissioned as a backup to the SB3 Mod with Audiocom II Clock, BG caps in the power supply rails & fast recovery diode upgrade.
DPA Enlightment
Replaced all caps with BGs. Audiopoints and Symposium Pod Points.
Conrad Johnson Premier 350
Replaces my aging Ayre V-3. The CJ sounds effortless & neutral
Focus Audio FS788
Scan-Speak Revelator 9900 tweeter & 7" Eton woofer with Nomex and Kevlar cone
Focus Audio FS788
Piano Black finish. The build & finish quality is 1st rate & matches its ability to sound amazing in my set-up
PS Audio P1000
Plenty of options to tune the ac feeding equipment. Settings; Sine, between 55 & 60Hz[lessthansign]br[greaterthansign}
Back Wall treatments Auralex DST-114
1st reflection points for the back wall
Side Reflection treatments Auralex DST-112 & 114
Effective in capturing the side 1st reflection points
HP IPAQ
Squuezebox/Slimserver WIFI remote control using HP Pocket PC with interactive menus
HP Desktop
The storage device for ripped music (Flac using EAC) from my CD collection. A screen shot showing the main control panel of the Slimserver software which is still a bit buggy & under development by their creators. Music selection can be done by clicking on the images on the left panel or the more conventional way of selecting from a list.
Was it worth it buy the Bel Canto Software for the IPAQ? Versus using http:\\slimserver:9000/Handheld interface? I have a tabletpc but sometimes it's just too slow to boot...
