Description

I found big improvements in sound when I addressed my electrical, vibration control and good room acoustic. I ran two dedicated lines. I live in a place where code requires steel conduit. Did the work myself, lots of bending steel pipes. That was a big improvement in sound. Then I added two ADD-POWR ElectraClear devices to my two new lines. That was another improvement, dropped the noise floor, added clarity. Then I swapped out the stock “better” grade wall outlets for two Hubbell HBL5362W Duplex Receptacles, if I did not hear a difference, I could return them. I did hear a difference, they stayed. (and they are coming with me when I move) For me good power cords with good clean power is a fundamental part of the equation. 

Vibration control, so much… Well I built a large heavy gear rack. My inspiration was a Mapleshade Sampson rack, but I wanted a longer one than they offered, and I am frugal, so I made it. 3 shelves 61 inches by 19 made of of 2-inch-thick maple. 8 heavy steel threaded rods (1 inch thick by 36 inch) run through the 3 shelves secured with heavy brass nuts and washers above and below each shelf. The bottom ends of the rods are ground to a point. So, I have the rack coupled to the floor. Empty it weighs about 225 lb. When I lean on it at an angle with all my weight, it does not move. Vibration control of the components on the shelves are a mix of coupled to and decoupled. I use some foam sandwich blocks for less critical items. Herbie’s feet under the TT’s. I use BDR cones under the DAC and ceramic Golden Sound cones under my preamp. My amp has 3 cones stock, which I use and put Golden Sound composite cone footer underneath. For my speakers, I have tried both coupling and decoupling. For me, my system, my room, I prefer de-coupling my speakers. Hearbie’s gliders, and now spring pods. Both are good, but on my floor, concrete with vinyl planks, so far, I like the springs better.

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Room Details

Dimensions: 21’ × 14’  Medium
Ceiling: N/A


Components Toggle details

    • Luxman L 550AXII
    Beautiful Class A sound
    • Tekton Design Nebo
    Amazing detailed yet smooth sound
    • MHDT Laboratory Orchid NOS R2R DAC
    Full Grannyring upgrades
    • Node 130
     Fidelity Audio upgrades. Reference V2 Low Noise PSU + Reference Interface + clock upgrade
    • Aric Audio Transcend Push Pull
    With hybrid tube rectifier.
    • Don Sachs 6SN7 Line Stage Preamplifier
    Detailed and nuanced with wonderful characteristics of the best that the 6SN7 tube has to offer
    • AudioQuest Niagara 1200
    Big improvement with clean power.

Comments 7

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Quite a nice system. Lovely DIY rack. Where were you able to source that size kiln-dried maple boards? Plus the brass connecting hardware?

mjcmt