Great system that has great synergy between components and accessories. Taking the time to experiment with various interconnects, power cords, tubes, power conditioners, etc. can turn a decent system into a great one. That's the case here. This system, which is centered around the great little 15 watt Synthesis Nimis integrated tube amp, is absolutely wonderful sounding! The Nimis is very responsive to tube rolling and power cord selection. I've settled on the TAD EL-84STR output tubes, which provide this amp with substantially more body, focus and dynamics. Great tubes! Paired with the very efficient and dynamic Snell type E III loudspeakers, this system really sings! As far as sources go, I listen mostly to vinyl via the Pro-ject RM-5 turntable outfitted with either a Denon DL-103 or DL-110 MC cartridges. The phono signal is boosted via the killer Jolida JD-9A tubed phono stage. A great sounding unit! The Snell's and the Jolida were both purchased here at Audiogon. My listening room is modest, measuring 11 X 14, with a 9'-6" ceiling. This is a great system that works well in my listening room.
Great transport that I've had since late 90's. I see no need to change it.
Theta Digital DSPro
Original Theta DS Pro Dac. I've had later model Thetas but prefer the sound of this original.
Denon Denon DL-103
Excellent low output MC cartridge.
Project Audio Project RM-5
Great value turntable, with an excellent carbon fiber tonearm.
Synthesis Nimis
Superb little 15 Watt integrated amp from Italy. Absolutely beautiful to behold and listen to! Sound is fabulous when outfitted with TAD EL-84STR output tubes.
Snell Type E mkIII
This classic 8" two way floor stander from the 90's is still one of the best sounding speakers in it's price class. Outstanding, full bodied sound from top to bottom. 91 db efficiency with superb resolution and dynamics!
Jolida JD-9A
Wonderful sounding tube phono stage with flexibility of load and output settings to work with virtually any cartridge, both MM and MC. Up to 95 db gain to accommodate even very low output cartridges!
Thanks for the compliments Moofoo. The Snells are absolutely wonderful! From the first time I heard them in the early 1990's I fell in love with them. Truly amazing sound for the money! It's to bad Snell was sold to Boston Acoustics and the design approach and sound changed beyond recognition. However, Audio Note has taken the Snell design philosophy and refined it, but you'll now pay a seroius premium for that Snell sound through Audio Note! So I'll hang on to my E III's for a long time, and I'm betting you'll do the same. Happy listening!
Very nice system. I like it! I have had my EIIIs for a long time and love them, and my system is very similar in approach to yours, but with different components. I keep researching and looking to buy new speakers or try standmounts, but have a hard time parting with the Snells. If I upgrade, I will keep the EIIIs and use them with my video system. Keep jammin' man!
My vinyl buddy...thanks for the comments dude. It's always good to hear from you. Can't wait to get together for another listening session. Looking forward to listening to some of the new vinyl you picked up on your Florida trip. Got the Mac Tube amps back huh...that's great! Just have to get those Vandys up and running again. That's a great sounding combination, the Mac monos and the Vandys! I'll talk to you soon.
Yup, you have done well... this is an outstanding system. I thought that the system you had upstairs was great but this system seems to be better for vinyl, and does great for CDs too. Well done on the components, the interconnects, the cartridges and the room decor. This is really a showcase room and makes for a great listening experience too. I have some vintage LPs I picked up in South Florida that I would like to bring by so I will see you soon. By the way, I got the Mac Tube amps back, need to get the tweeter repaired on the Vandy and I should be up and running.
Thanks for the nice comments Darkkeys. Just starting to learn the guitar, so that's why you see it the photo. The room is very comfortable for listening, reading and just relaxing. Very cozy space. Very musical system.
I like your system setup and room decor with the layout of your books and art, etc. Guitar in the decor looks cool too. I am not personally familiar with your gear but your setup looks like a love affair. Great!
Afranta, thanks for the very nice comments. Yes, it is a very nice sounding system, especially for the modest investment. Without a doubt, the Snells are the cornerstone to my systems sound. They are a great match with the Synthesis amp. Your Snell K II's are fabulous speakers. At one point in time I also had a pair of J II's, which I sold and still regret to this day! Hold on to your Snell's! I was lucky to pick up these E III's on Audiogon last year.
I really like the look of your system, and I bet it sounds fantastic. I recently picked up some Snell K/IIs and have been very pleased with them. I imagine the E/IIIs would be a big step up.
