I've been in this crazy but wonderful hobby now for years. I've been thru my share of ups and downs, but finally, everything is starting to come together nicely.
My room is 15 x 19 and has coffered ceilings (8' tall) and wall-to-wall carpeting. I use four, 14" diameter, 4'6" tall ASC Tube Traps in the front of my room between the speakers to improve the staging. Specifically, the Tube Traps really strengthened the center imaging and and added a realistic feel to the stage. I also use Sonex to catch the first reflections from the side walls.
The three most important things to me sonically are:
1) tonality - I can't stand thin or bright sounding systems, nor can I take bloated or fat sounding systems.
2) full range - I have to have full extension in the top, and especially in the bottom for the foundation to be right.
3) musicality - it's simple what diference does it make if you have the most detailed system or the most accurate soundstage, etc, if it doesn't sound like the real thing?
What I'd like to hear now is more of a relaxed musicality. Not that I don't already, but I want to hear more texture, weight and color. I've heard many positive things about the Purist Audio Dominus power cord, and they all suggest that this is what I'll get. I believe that the CRL 'Gold' power cord that I have on my Bybee power conditioner and my amp is close to ideal, but I'd like to try the Dominus power cord on my digital.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd have to conservatively rate my system as an 8 (not bad, huh?). Remember though, those last 2 points are what we're all trying to achieve, and they're hard to come by. I've heard some $100,000+ systems that don't do much better. Then again, I've heard $100,000+ systems that do. It's all about being honest with yourself, and learning how to trust your own hearing. Everyone in audio has opinions. Don't get caught up in the gear and loose track of the music. My advise, if it sounds good to you, then it's right.
Although I didn't have an opportunity to attend the CES last year, I have regularly attended this great event for the past 10 or so years. Every time I go, I am not only able to hear the latest and greatest, but more importantly, meet the designers and the manufactures who build all this stuff. This is a must do trip for anyone halfway interested in Audio (and Video as well). Great fun..good people!
This one's a keeper! It is plugged into the Bybee 'Pro' power conditioner with a CRL 'Gold' power cord.
Audio Research VT-100 mkII
The best of the 'VT-100' series. All tube input and output stage. It is plugged into the RSA 'Jaco' power conditioner with a CRL 'Gold' power cord.
Von Schweikert Audio VR4 Gen III-SE
Truly full range and dynamic.
Pruist Audio Aqueous Anniversary
Balanced 1.5 meter, with Bybee Golden Goddess Interconnect Tails ($990..if I remember correctly) on the amplifier end of the interconnects.
Purist Audio Venustas
2.5 meter - biwire, with Bybee Golden Goddess Speaker Tails ($990) on the midrange/treble cabinet and Bybee Ultra Qunatum Speaker Filter ($1,200) on the bass cabinet.
Cable Research Labs (CRL) Gold
6 foot, Unbelievably stiff (actually, like a lead pipe), but very, very good. Don't even think about this cable unless you have plenty of space to work with!!
Running Springs Audio / Cardas Mongoose
8 foot (5 foot is standard), 20 amp power cable built for RSA by Cardas, that came with my RSA Jaco power conditioner (see the Cable Research Labs pic to see the Mongoose pc).
Running Springs Audio Jaco
20-amp, Four isolated RSA modified BMF1 20 amp duplexes (8 outlets) outlets, non-current limiting, 49 pounds. On the top is a Harmonic Resolution Systems (HRS) damping plate ($135). The Jaco is the only unit that plugs directly into the wall (other than the Z-Stabilizer).
Bybee Technologies Pro
Pro model that I use on my digital. I actually sent this unit back to Jack Bybee who modified it by adding his Quantum purifiers to the grounds (it made a great power conditioner even better). It is plugged into the RSA 'Jaco' power conditioner with a CRL 'Gold' power cord.
Bybee Technologies Quantum Charger
Highly recommeded! I use these ac filters (the small rectangular box going into the amplifier) at the IEC input of both my Audio Research VT100 MkII and my Audio Aero Capitole Mk II. In this pic, you can also see the Bybee Golden Goddess Interconnect Tails.
Mapleshade Audio Samson v.2
Three shelf (26 x 19 x 2) maple rack. I also use an additional 4 inch Mapleshade platform (about $300) on the top shelf, for additional isolation for my cpd.
The Audio Points (model 2.0AP-1D) under the VT100 made a wonderful improvement, as do the Marigo 'Bear Feet' under the Audio Aero cdp and under the speakers. The VPI Bricks improved the musicality of the Audio Research VT100. I use one of them above each of the three transformers.
Music Interface Texchnogies (MIT) Z-Stabilizer
It's an original Stabilizer and I've had it for years. It helps so I still use it.
The Bybee stuff is the real deal. Things improved everytime I added a Bybee piece, especially his new 'Golden Goddess' line. As simply as I can put it, the Bybee stuff improves musicality (without softening transients), and gives the music a natural richness. Everything just sounds more real...less hi-fi. As an example, you'll hear the obvious difference between a nylon string or a steel string on a guitar, voices especially sound more real, even things like recorded hand claps now sound fleshy. The effect is cumulative, as I found the more Bybee I added, the better everything got, and I do mean everything. (I don't think Bybee makes his a/c Quantum Charges, but if you find one used, get it. You plug it into the IEC inputs of amplifiers, preamps, digital, etc, and then plug your power cable into it. They originally retailed at $475.) You will love the Venustas, no doubt. Best of luck, let me know how everything works out for you.
Hi, great system. I am intrigued about the Bybee speaker tails. Did you find that they make that much of a difference? I am getting to purchase some Purist Venustas speaker cables as well. Thanks in advance for your input.
