This is my main system. The pre-amp, IC's, and speaker cables are all that remain from my system that had stood unchanged for nearly 10 years. I started the renovation summer of 2002 with the ML speakers and PS Audio gear, added the Sony SACD player in April, 2003, and put the new amp in service in Sept. 2003.
My listening room is not treated, and I probably won't take that path, since it is open to the kitchen and dining room. I listen to a fair variety of styles, mostly blues and rock, but occasional jazz.
My next project will be to address the issue of mechanical vibration isolation, which to date I have not looked at. I will also replace my pre-amp sometime in the next year, and I would like to try out the PS Audio PCA-2. If anyone has tried this Pre-amp, especially with a Krell FPB amp, please let me know your experiences.
I recently ordered a digital camera, so when I get it, I will post some pictures.
Awesome CD and SACD player, definitely worthy of all the praise that has been heaped upon it by the reviewers. Bought this used here on Audiogon from Bill Anderson in Tuscon, AZ.
Acurus L-10
I bought this new in 1992, and it continues to do a commendable job. The L-10 is a non-remote control unit utilizing fully discrete Class A circuitry throughout, a non-detented stepped volume control, matched precision components, silver contact switches, and a low-noise power supply.
Krell FPB-200
Bought this used in September, 2003 from fellow Audiogon member Dedrick Holloway, who happens to live only a few miles from me in Port Orchard, WA. Powered by dedicated line that is terminated with a 20-amp IEC connector and plugged directly into the amp.
Martin Logan Ascent
Light maple side rails. These replaced a pair of Carver Amazing Loudspeakers, and I like the ESL's even better than the ribbons.
P S Audio Ultimate Outlet
15A High current UO powers the ML speakers. UO is fed by a dedicated line that I brought up through the floor, terminated with a Marinco IEC connector, and plug directly into the UO.
P S Audio P-300
P300 powers CD player and Pre-Amp. I feed the P300, the same as the UO, with a dedicated line terminated by a Marinco IEC connector, and plugged directly into the P300. No wall outlets in the entire system!
Audioquest Quartz
These are (I think) similar in construction to the recent Viper model, but using FPC-6 copper, rather than PSC+ copper. I use these for all interconnects in the system
Audioquest Crystal
I use a 6 ft double bi-wire run, with AQ spade connectors.
Homebrew Power cords (See description)
All power cords are home built using Belden 83802 Firetray cable. This is 12 Ga., 2 conductor, stranded, tin-plated copper, with foil and braided shield, and Teflon insulation. I used Marinco hospital grade plugs and IEC's (for the removable cords), and ran an external ground wire. The cord on my Pre-amp was fixed, so I wired the Belden cable directly into this unit. I got the idea for all of this on the web from Chris VenHaus. I based my cords roughly on his early designs, and I am very satisfied with the results. I used to be a skeptic regarding power cables, but my exercise in building and replacing my own cables made me a firm believer. The biggest improvement I noticed over the stock cables was much more solid bass, as well as improved depth of soundstage. The effect of changing the power cord on my SACD player is dramatic enough for even my wife to recognize the difference!
Standesign (Can't remember model name)
Originally had 5 shelves, tilts back, with single post in center of the back providing support. I had to cut out the second shelf from the bottom to fit in the FPB amp.
Since your stands originally had 5 shelves - it was a "Standesign 5". [ I guess it is now a Standesign 4+ now that you have removed one of the shelves].
