Main system: tower speakers, tube preamp (based on Ultraverve III), solid state DAC, tube or SS amps; sources are DIY intel nuc based streamer and CD transport.
2023 updates: added Holo Audio Spring DAC KTE; Vicoustic diffusion on sides and ceiling. Removed some dampening from ceiling.
Fall 2022 updates: Added a Schiit Bifrost 2/64 DAC and a 6SN7 DIY preamp. A Pass XA-25 amp now alternates with my QS mono blocks.
March 2022 updates: System now showing Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers with RAAL tweeters and custom made audio rack from Clay Street Woodworks (Morrison, CO).
Spring 2021: Added photos with mixture of deflectors (boards), diffusors (GIK, bookshelves), absorbers (ATS, GIK), and bass traps (Real Traps), along with some DIY (utilizing OC 703, OC R38 pink fluffy).
Holo Audio Spring DAC Level 3 "Kitsune Tuned Edition"
Acquired used in December 2023; replaced Schiit Bifrost 2/64
DIY Preamp, roughly like DeHavilland Ultraverve 3 Ultraverve 3
Local designer
Quicksilver Mono 60s
2020 model.
Pass Labs XA-25
Pass Labs XA-25 stereo amplifier.
Audience Adept Response AR-2p
Shunyata Research Venom Defender
Wiremold Legrand Power Strip
Nothing fancy.
Porterhouse Audio Porter port
Outlet plug.
Analysis Plus Inc. Copper Oval-In
Various other AP wires, connects here.
AudioQuest Type 4 Speaker Cable
GIK Acoustics Tri Traps, HF Limited Bass Traps, Q7D Diffusors
RealTraps Mondo Traps
NOT IN USE NOW Acopian power supply feeding modified Node 2i Bluesound Node 2i
I swapped in a power supply board from PD Creative and then added an Acopian power supply purchased on Ebay from Florida Industrial. Good deal and a real improvement.
NOT IN USE NOW Bluesound Node 2i
2020 model
Quicksilver SOLD Line Stage Preamplifier (upgraded caps)
Hey Bro, the systems lookin’ great! Quite the journey we’ve both been on over the past year. I remember when we first started talking and you were were considering the wow1. The wow1 might be the best bargain I’ve come across with regards to driver cost vs selling price. Just off the charts with the wow1.
Anyhow, congrats on putting together a really nice system. I bet when you started this journey, you didn’t plan on having something like you’ve got now. I sure didn’t think my rig would be where it’s at now after just 1 year.
Not much else to do now except to enjoy the music and share the knowledge you’ve gained. Enjoy!
I'm just seeing the comments here on this page -- was viewing them on thread before.
Thanks to all for your nice comments. For the few questions, let me try to answer...
@jond The Salks are 14 inches deep: 20x14x9, overall.
@douglas I keep the speakers at a fairly wide separation -- 8-9 feet apart. They're only closer here so they can fit into the photo.
@fatdaddy2 Thanks -- there is really no first reflection with sidewalls with these Salks. The problem (if I can call it that) is the low ceiling.
@el34 I did a little research and cannot easily determine if they are transmission line speakers. They're front ported for sure -- maybe that implies they are transmission lines? Out of my depth here.
@toro3 Glad the playlist and diagram were good additions. It's quite hard for us to project ourselves into another's system with photos of gear; I was hoping that some additional elements might offer some insight into what I chose.
You have changed the speaker location significantly. Have you tried to return to the wider placement? Why not have two "settings" for different experiences? :)
Nice job setting up a good nearfieod arrangement within a particularly difficult acoustic space! I'm using Salk Veracity's in my den system, so know how special those Salks can sound. Enjoy!
Can't imagine it could sound anything but great. Not familiar with the Salk speakers, is that a transmission line design? Quicksilver amp/preamp probably the best sound per dollar out there. I had a pair of V4 amps once upon a time in my audio journey and they were stunning. I've since simplified things, but I do miss them from time to time.
