This is the latest incarnation of my two channel system. I have a separate video system for surround sound. Planning on upgrading with gradual improvement on cables, tubes and may go for for the Benz Ruby 3. Actually got the Ruby Z.
The Carver Silver Sevens are highly modified by Bob Backert and have an amazing amount of tube power (often a contradiction in terms). He created a remarkable transformation. Check out his website. The amps now are actually stable, smooth and finally very reliable. Just got the VPI and am delighted with the build and quiet solidity of this table.
Sirius Radio is actually quite good through the Bryston DAC
Have added Olive 04HD server for the many CD's that I do not listen to frequently. It also runs through the Bryston with great results. The Olive is excellent but has an amazingly primitive interface. Feels like an old DOS machine sometimes. But when it is working properly, quite convenient.
Limited options in reducing some brightness in room...the price of aesthetics!
Super Platter, SDS, HRX Center Weight, Ring and Feet Cotter B-2 Suspension and Marble Base
VPI Industries JMW-10.5i
Nordost Wire
Benz Micro MC Ruby Z
Moving Coil
Cary Audio Design SLP-98p
Jaguar Red F1 mod Lundahl Step-Up Transformers Mullard for Phono CBS 5692 Zalytron for Preamp Awesound Audio Power Cable
Carver Silver 7 Monoblock
Modified by Bob Backert of RHB Sound Dezigns 15 Electro-Harmonix KT88's per side IEC connectors with Awesound Power Cables recently replaced line tubes with Mullard 12AU7 4003's.....HUGE difference one tube a side can make!
Magnum Dynalab MD-90T
Much better reception and sound than the 101. Prefer the tube output. Much better build quality. Audioquest Black Mamamba II Interconnect Cable, Tara Power Cable
Polk Sirius Satellite Tuner
great range of channels and good sound with processor
Bryston BDA-1
D/A Converter for Sirius Radio, Olive 4HD and Marantz CD player
Olive 04HD
2TB Computer Server with CD drive played through Bryston DAC
Tascam CC-222 MK II
Pro Cassette/CDR burner
Purist Audio Design Aqueous Anniversary
Preamp to Monoblocks
Jas Audio Zion S2
VPI to Preamp
Synergistic Research Spec 7 for B&W with MPC
Bi-Wire with Active Shielding I like the blue lights! One MPC for each cable
The speaker cables I like with the N802's are the Audio Magic Excalibur, connected to the bottom terminals and then using the stock B&W jumpers. They are silver ribbon internally and modestly priced compared to some of the cables out there. I'm not a believer in real expensive speaker cables. I've tried other cables biwired and also tried Audio Magic jumpers and to me, the N802's sound best configured as I have described.
I prefer the N802's with tube power even though everyone else claims you need solid state. The bass always sounded to lean and overdamped with solid state amps. I always found the soundstage more coherent single wired using the B&W supplied jumpers and Audio Magic silver speaker cables. Your room looks great. I love the old barber chair in the corner. Since you have some artwork, GIK acoustics will make panels with your supplied artwork or photos which should help tame the room without destroying the appearance.
