Pics of your Listening Space

[Hyfi]

AK has a great running thread of everyones listening space and after just looking at Brett As nice room I thought I would start one over here.

Moved a few things around.

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_3564.jpg
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_3569.jpg
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_3565.jpg
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_3574.jpg
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_3578.jpg
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_3587.jpg
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_3586.jpg
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_1028.jpg
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/IMG_1005.jpg


Counterpoint NPS400-VAC CLA1 MKII-Odyssey Stratos-Rotel 1072-Rotel 1052-OPPO 93-Integra 30.3-Integra Cassette Deck-Clearfield Continentals(early von Schweikert's)-Dynadio 122c-Dynaudio 42s-sometimes 82s in place of Clearfields-Mirage Omni 12 sub-JM Labs Tantal 509s

Who's next?

[JohnMichael]

I have enjoyed that thread at AK. Glad you started it here. When I am home and in front of my computer I will show my space. Of course many of you have already seen my space.

[Hyfi]

I have enjoyed that thread at AK. Glad you started it here. When I am home and in front of my computer I will show my space. Of course many of you have already seen my space.

Cool, it would be great to have a single spot for everyone to enjoy and be able to use when showing friends.

[thekid]

Hyfi- First let me congratulate you on a great looking set-up and some cool looking gear.

I agree with JM that this would be a cool thread to get going here on AR. An even cooler concept would be to have a thread which would actual allow everyone to both post and see pics listed of people's listening spaces rather than just red X's........... :(

Am I the only one here who still can't post or see many of the pics here?

[TheHills44060]

My phone is not a very good camera.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/rig1.jpg

[Hyfi]

My phone is not a very good camera.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/rig1.jpg

Nice setup. I've been seeing lots of Macs lately and the look is great. How about a whole room shot?

[texlle]

Finally coming together. I very much dislike the look of this coffee table, but the dimensions are perfect. Perhaps I should throw some satin black paint on it. Oh well, my roommate picked it up for free. I just picked up the Music Hall cd player but didn't realize it was black (I didn't even know they made them in black). I will probably list it on A-gon and pick up a silver faceplate model since the sound is quite nice for the $300 I spent. I just need to swap this baby out and pick up a nice REL T2 and I will be content- for a little while. ;)

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1532.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1519.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1530.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1529.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1527.jpg

Really digging these Gold Lions after 15-20 hours so far.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1522.jpg

[texlle]

The den:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1498.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1526.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/IMG_0277.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1533.jpg

The BDP started having an issue with image ghosting in low light scenes, so it will likely be replaced by an Oppo BDP-93 sometime soon. The Velodyne needs to go too. Way to boomy.

Master bedroom:

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1501.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1505.jpg

JohnMichael,

I'm thinking I have your same drop leaf end table in my bedroom which I believe came from the old Bombay company. God I miss that store.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1531.jpg

[recoveryone]

I believe we had a location for this back in the day, where everyone could post pc of their gear. But it is nice to have an on going thread as many of us upgrade yearly.

[frenchmon]

Finally coming together. I very much dislike the look of this coffee table, but the dimensions are perfect. Perhaps I should throw some satin black paint on it. Oh well, my roommate picked it up for free. I just picked up the Music Hall cd player but didn't realize it was black (I didn't even know they made them in black). I will probably list it on A-gon and pick up a silver faceplate model since the sound is quite nice for the $300 I spent. I just need to swap this baby out and pick up a nice REL T2 and I will be content- for a little while. ;)

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1532.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1519.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1530.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1529.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1527.jpg

Really digging these Gold Lions after 15-20 hours so far.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1522.jpg

Now thats a very nice system. I like the fact it seems you have thought out what you wanted in a system. I like that you got the MF gear. How is it? I know its sounding sweet and on course with the tubed Jolida. And I know the TT sounds fabulous going through the MF and the Jolida. Looks like you have done a good job of system matching with the gear.

[JohnMichael]

JohnMichael,

I'm thinking I have your same drop leaf end table in my bedroom which I believe came from the old Bombay company. God I miss that store.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1531.jpg



texlle you are correct I have that same table. Yes I also miss Bombay.

[texlle]

Now thats a very nice system. I like the fact it seems you have thought out what you wanted in a system. I like that you got the MF gear. How is it? I know its sounding sweet and on course with the tubed Jolida. And I know the TT sounds fabulous going through the MF and the Jolida. Looks like you have done a good job of system matching with the gear.

Thanks, frenchmon. Most of the gear is second hand except for the Dyn's, the Rega, and the cables. Some may describe the sound as bit polite and thin, because the Jolida and the Dyn's are probably not the best match if your goal is in getting the highest dynamic accuracy. However, what is lost in high level dynamics, is compensated fourfold in terms of sheer musicality and lifelike presence at mediocre volumes. I'm sure with nearly double the wattage, I could really get the most out of these speakers, but I'm really trying to keep relative costs per component at a reasonable level here. I'd have to spend $2500 new (or roughly $1600 used) on a JD-1000 100w tube integrated, or twice this for a comparable CJ amp to get the most out of my $750 entry-level Dyn's to achieve the character of sound that I prefer and I'm just not going to go that. Yet I don't really see this as an issue because the setup is in a 13x11 room and I rarely push it past 75-80 dB as I listen at low to moderate levels mostly. It's just as well since this is about the level where the sound starts to lose some composure and where some nasty echoing from the crappy acoustics of this house is introduced.

I love this setup because it may be a tad polite (partly due to the lack of bass output from the Dyn's, which bottom out at 53Hz), but the romantic, warm, and somewhat sweet personality of the Jolida complements the fast and almost overly articulate nature of the Dynaudios extremely well. The Jolida really takes the eagerness with which the Dyns present detail and mellows it out just enough to paint a very pictorial image without making the sound too laid back or soft. The result makes for a very inviting, holographic, and transcendent environment. I often get lost in the music (space out) and as I described to Hyfi earlier in the week, the speakers never fail to completely fade away leaving me wondering what these two boxes are doing obscuring my image before I come back down to earth. My goal now is to fill out the lower octaves with something like a nice REL sub. I looked into the Dyn subs, but unfortunately the only inputs are RCA and my Jolida doesn't have a line output. If anyone has a sub recommendation, I'd greatly welcome it.

Regarding the MF gear, I think tubes+anything MF are wonderful complements. The sweetness that I lost with the JD-202a in moving from EL34's to KT88's was well compensated by running my iPod and TT through the MF dac and phono pre. The MF V3 line creates a very tight pinpointed image with plenty of air making it seem that each instrument is levitating in space with distinct separation. It has great upper mid extension, clear mids, and well rounded bass, though the sound is ever so slightly rolled off at the very top. I put on Seven Bridges Road from the Eagles' Greatest Hits album (LP) and was floored by how articulate the acoustic guitars were conveyed. Vocals had no grain whatsoever, and the hoots and hollers from the crowd just came out of nowhere. The added visceral punch and dynamics from the 502 over the 202 really helped out in Hotel California. The drums sounded fuller and much more solid than before.

Bottom line: I believe this to be probably the best balance of musicality, accuracy, and dynamics that I can achieve from 60 tube watts.

Enough about my setup, where are your pictures?? :)

[YBArcam]

I've been trying out a Naim front end these past few weeks. Here's a pic with the PMC TB2i:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk62/PGP_97/Stereo%20Pics/100_1168.jpg

And now with my Castle Avon:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk62/PGP_97/Stereo%20Pics/100_1174.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk62/PGP_97/Stereo%20Pics/100_1169.jpg

And last (but not least) the LP12:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk62/PGP_97/Stereo%20Pics/100_1173.jpg

[TheHills44060]

And now with my Castle Avon:[/IMG]
Love the Avons!!!!!!! Here's a pic of my Howards when I first got em. I need to snap more recent pics of my rig.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e140/shodulik/castle_ar1.jpg

[frenchmon]

Thanks, frenchmon. Most of the gear is second hand except for the Dyn's, the Rega, and the cables. Some may describe the sound as bit polite and thin, because the Jolida and the Dyn's are probably not the best match if your goal is in getting the highest dynamic accuracy. However, what is lost in high level dynamics, is compensated fourfold in terms of sheer musicality and lifelike presence at mediocre volumes. I'm sure with nearly double the wattage, I could really get the most out of these speakers, but I'm really trying to keep relative costs per component at a reasonable level here. I'd have to spend $2500 new (or roughly $1600 used) on a JD-1000 100w tube integrated, or twice this for a comparable CJ amp to get the most out of my $750 entry-level Dyn's to achieve the character of sound that I prefer and I'm just not going to go that. Yet I don't really see this as an issue because the setup is in a 13x11 room and I rarely push it past 75-80 dB as I listen at low to moderate levels mostly. It's just as well since this is about the level where the sound starts to lose some composure and where some nasty echoing from the crappy acoustics of this house is introduced.

I love this setup because it may be a tad polite (partly due to the lack of bass output from the Dyn's, which bottom out at 53Hz), but the romantic, warm, and somewhat sweet personality of the Jolida complements the fast and almost overly articulate nature of the Dynaudios extremely well. The Jolida really takes the eagerness with which the Dyns present detail and mellows it out just enough to paint a very pictorial image without making the sound too laid back or soft. The result makes for a very inviting, holographic, and transcendent environment. I often get lost in the music (space out) and as I described to Hyfi earlier in the week, the speakers never fail to completely fade away leaving me wondering what these two boxes are doing obscuring my image before I come back down to earth. My goal now is to fill out the lower octaves with something like a nice REL sub. I looked into the Dyn subs, but unfortunately the only inputs are RCA and my Jolida doesn't have a line output. If anyone has a sub recommendation, I'd greatly welcome it.

Regarding the MF gear, I think tubes+anything MF are wonderful complements. The sweetness that I lost with the JD-202a in moving from EL34's to KT88's was well compensated by running my iPod and TT through the MF dac and phono pre. The MF V3 line creates a very tight pinpointed image with plenty of air making it seem that each instrument is levitating in space with distinct separation. It has great upper mid extension, clear mids, and well rounded bass, though the sound is ever so slightly rolled off at the very top. I put on Seven Bridges Road from the Eagles' Greatest Hits album (LP) and was floored by how articulate the acoustic guitars were conveyed. Vocals had no grain whatsoever, and the hoots and hollers from the crowd just came out of nowhere. The added visceral punch and dynamics from the 502 over the 202 really helped out in Hotel California. The drums sounded fuller and much more solid than before.

Bottom line: I believe this to be probably the best balance of musicality, accuracy, and dynamics that I can achieve from 60 tube watts.

Enough about my setup, where are your pictures?? :)

Yeah, The Dyns warm nature and the Jolida makes for a very warm system in my experience with Dyns and some tubed gear. You may need a power boost for the Dyns...but if you keep the Dyns and do decide to get more power in a integrated tube amp, make sure you get one with power such as a hybrid tube integrated that's not as warm. Van Alstine has nice gear that would light a fire under those Dyns but don't know if he has integrated gear. Another option might be Vincent Audio. They have a few integrated tube hybrid amps that are powerful and will paint wonderful sound that's not as warm while still having that great tube romantic sound. Your Dyns will love you for it. Another option....if your Jolida has audio out connections, you can change it into a tubed preamp by adding a nice 200 watt SS amp then you are set with a nice hybrid, that would also light a fire under the Dyns.

I have a Vincent tubed preamp and a 200 watt Rotel SS amp pairing making a very nice hybrid system. Romantic tube sound with great slam and power. Running two Golden Lines and one Telefunken, I also have a Musical Fidelity CDP with a huge external power supply running into the Tube preamp. Its a great match as the MF has a nice tube warmth. Also each of my components have after market power cables, but the power cable that has giving me the most improvement is the Wire World Electra 52 on the tubed preamp. I noticed the difference as soon as I put in on. IT was like more tube warmth was flowing. I suspect the stock cable held back the preamps true nature. The Rotel is not a warm amp. Its not overly bright either. But when I ran the Rotel preamp with the Rotel amp, it was leading that direction with a little edge. But paring the amp with the tubes, it cleaned it up a lots. My speakers are Canton 403...and they are really holding the system backl. I do need a upgrade, but I have come to love that Canton sound. These speakers are very revealing, especially in the upper midrange. I have decided to move up to the Canton Vento line of speakers...the Canton Vento 830.2 and the matching stands are in my near future. They have that ceramic tweeter that is in the Canton Reference speakers. I will be going to take a nice listen this weekend to the 830.2's.

I have to take some fresh pictures of my system so I will supply some older pictures. The Rotel preamp is no longer in my system but is in the bed room system.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg402/scaled.php?server=402&filename=pict0147z.jpg&res=landing

I love this table. It does not get much love these days but it really is a very good table. I suspect the audiophile world has lost love for Roy Hall and his evil arrogant ways. I'm running a 2M Black through a Grado phono 1.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg543/scaled.php?server=543&filename=pict0150jr.jpg&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg718/scaled.php?server=718&filename=pict0148d.jpg&res=landing

The Musical Fidelity XRAYv8 is a very nice player. Its the tone of the XRAY that I love. Its perfect with tube gear. It two pieces....the XXX power supply to the left and the transport/DAC to the right. There is also a tube DAC that can be had that comes with it, but I did not see favorable reviews for it.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg201/scaled.php?server=201&filename=pict0143g.jpg&res=landing

Im running these Cantons which are not a bad speaker, but its really time for a big upgrade. These speakers have a wide dispersion of sound. I love the Canton sound, but its time to move up to a more reference speaker.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg204/scaled.php?server=204&filename=pict0033c.jpg&res=landing

The ones 4th from right is what i may be getting. If not, the second from the right. Also the matching stands.

http://bildarkiv.hififorum.nu/Audionet/Munchen-2011/High%20End%202011%20Munich_031.jpg

[JohnMichael]

Finally coming together. I very much dislike the look of this coffee table, but the dimensions are perfect. Perhaps I should throw some satin black paint on it. Oh well, my roommate picked it up for free. I just picked up the Music Hall cd player but didn't realize it was black (I didn't even know they made them in black). I will probably list it on A-gon and pick up a silver faceplate model since the sound is quite nice for the $300 I spent. I just need to swap this baby out and pick up a nice REL T2 and I will be content- for a little while. ;)

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1532.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1519.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1530.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1529.jpg

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1527.jpg

Really digging these Gold Lions after 15-20 hours so far.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z264/texlle/100_1522.jpg


Nothing prettier than a two channel system sporting a turntable. Nothing wrong with the coffee table once you rough up the surface with sandpaper and paint it.

[JohnMichael]

Yeah, The Dyns warm nature and the Jolida makes for a very warm system in my experience with Dyns and some tubed gear. You may need a power boost for the Dyns...but if you keep the Dyns and do decide to get more power in a integrated tube amp, make sure you get one with power such as a hybrid tube integrated that's not as warm. Van Alstine has nice gear that would light a fire under those Dyns but don't know if he has integrated gear. Another option might be Vincent Audio. They have a few integrated tube hybrid amps that are powerful and will paint wonderful sound that's not as warm while still having that great tube romantic sound. Your Dyns will love you for it. Another option....if your Jolida has audio out connections, you can change it into a tubed preamp by adding a nice 200 watt SS amp then you are set with a nice hybrid, that would also light a fire under the Dyns.

I have a Vincent tubed preamp and a 200 watt Rotel SS amp pairing making a very nice hybrid system. Romantic tube sound with great slam and power. Running two Golden Lines and one Telefunken, I also have a Musical Fidelity CDP with a huge external power supply running into the Tube preamp. Its a great match as the MF has a nice tube warmth. Also each of my components have after market power cables, but the power cable that has giving me the most improvement is the Wire World Electra 52 on the tubed preamp. I noticed the difference as soon as I put in on. IT was like more tube warmth was flowing. I suspect the stock cable held back the preamps true nature. The Rotel is not a warm amp. Its not overly bright either. But when I ran the Rotel preamp with the Rotel amp, it was leading that direction with a little edge. But paring the amp with the tubes, it cleaned it up a lots. My speakers are Canton 403...and they are really holding the system backl. I do need a upgrade, but I have come to love that Canton sound. These speakers are very revealing, especially in the upper midrange. I have decided to move up to the Canton Vento line of speakers...the Canton Vento 830.2 and the matching stands are in my near future. They have that ceramic tweeter that is in the Canton Reference speakers. I will be going to take a nice listen this weekend to the 830.2's.

I have to take some fresh pictures of my system so I will supply some older pictures. The Rotel preamp is no longer in my system but is in the bed room system.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg402/scaled.php?server=402&filename=pict0147z.jpg&res=landing

I love this table. It does not get much love these days but it really is a very good table. I suspect the audiophile world has lost love for Roy Hall and his evil arrogant ways. I'm running a 2M Black through a Grado phono 1.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg543/scaled.php?server=543&filename=pict0150jr.jpg&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg718/scaled.php?server=718&filename=pict0148d.jpg&res=landing

The Musical Fidelity XRAYv8 is a very nice player. Its the tone of the XRAY that I love. Its perfect with tube gear. It two pieces....the XXX power supply to the left and the transport/DAC to the right. There is also a tube DAC that can be had that comes with it, but I did not see favorable reviews for it.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg201/scaled.php?server=201&filename=pict0143g.jpg&res=landing

Im running these Cantons which are not a bad speaker, but its really time for a big upgrade. These speakers have a wide dispersion of sound. I love the Canton sound, but its time to move up to a more reference speaker.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg204/scaled.php?server=204&filename=pict0033c.jpg&res=landing

The ones 4th from right is what i may be getting. If not, the second from the right. Also the matching stands.

http://bildarkiv.hififorum.nu/Audionet/Munchen-2011/High%20End%202011%20Munich_031.jpg



Frenchmon I have always been impressed with your use of rugs as tapestrys and I am sure they improve the sound. Another beautiful 2 channel system with a turntable. I only have a few Shirley Horn recordings but I am going to find a copy of the one you are displaying. I need to plan a night of Shirley, Betty Carter, Helen Humes and Sassy.

[recoveryone]

I few pic of two of the four systems in my home

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc73/recoveryone1/livingroom.jpg

Living room 2ch setup

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc73/recoveryone1/Fluance-1.jpg

Bedroom setup

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc73/recoveryone1/bedroom1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc73/recoveryone1/bedroom.jpg

[TheHills44060]

I have enjoyed that thread at AK. Glad you started it here. When I am home and in front of my computer I will show my space. Of course many of you have already seen my space.
JM the MFSL's look 1000x better than your Monitor Audios! I'm sure they sound much better too. Glad u stuck with em.

[texlle]

Yeah, The Dyns warm nature and the Jolida makes for a very warm system in my experience with Dyns and some tubed gear. You may need a power boost for the Dyns...but if you keep the Dyns and do decide to get more power in a integrated tube amp, make sure you get one with power such as a hybrid tube integrated that's not as warm. Van Alstine has nice gear that would light a fire under those Dyns but don't know if he has integrated gear. Another option might be Vincent Audio. They have a few integrated tube hybrid amps that are powerful and will paint wonderful sound that's not as warm while still having that great tube romantic sound. Your Dyns will love you for it. Another option....if your Jolida has audio out connections, you can change it into a tubed preamp by adding a nice 200 watt SS amp then you are set with a nice hybrid, that would also light a fire under the Dyns.

I have a Vincent tubed preamp and a 200 watt Rotel SS amp pairing making a very nice hybrid system. Romantic tube sound with great slam and power. Running two Golden Lines and one Telefunken, I also have a Musical Fidelity CDP with a huge external power supply running into the Tube preamp. Its a great match as the MF has a nice tube warmth. Also each of my components have after market power cables, but the power cable that has giving me the most improvement is the Wire World Electra 52 on the tubed preamp. I noticed the difference as soon as I put in on. IT was like more tube warmth was flowing. I suspect the stock cable held back the preamps true nature. The Rotel is not a warm amp. Its not overly bright either. But when I ran the Rotel preamp with the Rotel amp, it was leading that direction with a little edge. But paring the amp with the tubes, it cleaned it up a lots. My speakers are Canton 403...and they are really holding the system backl. I do need a upgrade, but I have come to love that Canton sound. These speakers are very revealing, especially in the upper midrange. I have decided to move up to the Canton Vento line of speakers...the Canton Vento 830.2 and the matching stands are in my near future. They have that ceramic tweeter that is in the Canton Reference speakers. I will be going to take a nice listen this weekend to the 830.2's.

I have to take some fresh pictures of my system so I will supply some older pictures. The Rotel preamp is no longer in my system but is in the bed room system.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg402/scaled.php?server=402&filename=pict0147z.jpg&res=landing

I love this table. It does not get much love these days but it really is a very good table. I suspect the audiophile world has lost love for Roy Hall and his evil arrogant ways. I'm running a 2M Black through a Grado phono 1.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg543/scaled.php?server=543&filename=pict0150jr.jpg&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg718/scaled.php?server=718&filename=pict0148d.jpg&res=landing

The Musical Fidelity XRAYv8 is a very nice player. Its the tone of the XRAY that I love. Its perfect with tube gear. It two pieces....the XXX power supply to the left and the transport/DAC to the right. There is also a tube DAC that can be had that comes with it, but I did not see favorable reviews for it.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg201/scaled.php?server=201&filename=pict0143g.jpg&res=landing

Im running these Cantons which are not a bad speaker, but its really time for a big upgrade. These speakers have a wide dispersion of sound. I love the Canton sound, but its time to move up to a more reference speaker.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg204/scaled.php?server=204&filename=pict0033c.jpg&res=landing

The ones 4th from right is what i may be getting. If not, the second from the right. Also the matching stands.

http://bildarkiv.hififorum.nu/Audionet/Munchen-2011/High%20End%202011%20Munich_031.jpg

Nice rig you have there. I am very keen on the idea of hybridizing, but haven't had the opportunity to listen to any tube pre/ss amp driven systems. I'd be interested to hear a Rotel behind the Dyns, but I have doubts that it would bring out their potential as would a used Bryston, lower level Krell, even Aragon- or taking it a step further- a certain Plinius SA-50 currently on audiogon for $1750. Drool. Must.. maintain.. similar relative costs for...economic practicality. So then despite probably being in another league than the aforementioned, the Rotel is worth a try. Although, a Vincent SV-236 integrated hybrid intrigues me. This may very well be my Jolida replacement when I move to a place with better acoustics. I also don't find the Dyn's themselves warm at all, but quite neutral. I prefer warm sound in general as cold and sterile tends to fatigue me with ease, hence the tube output.

[frenchmon]

Nice rig you have there. I am very keen on the idea of hybridizing, but haven't had the opportunity to listen to any tube pre/ss amp driven systems. I'd be interested to hear a Rotel behind the Dyns, but I have doubts that it would bring out their potential as would a used Bryston, lower level Krell, even Aragon- or taking it a step further- a certain Plinius SA-50 currently on audiogon for $1750. Drool. Must.. maintain.. similar relative costs for...economic practicality. So then despite probably being in another league than the aforementioned, the Rotel is worth a try. Although, a Vincent SV-236 integrated hybrid intrigues me. This may very well be my Jolida replacement when I move to a place with better acoustics. I also don't find the Dyn's themselves warm at all, but quite neutral. I prefer warm sound in general as cold and sterile tends to fatigue me with ease, hence the tube output.

Naw...My Rotel 200 watts would turn the 42's on its head with no problem. I've also heard the Adcom amp drive Dyns with no problem despite the Dyns costing much more than the Adcom amp....and keep in mind, the Dyns where Contour towers and not book shelves..I've listen to Dyns side by side with Zu, Canton,...listen to Revels with the same system driving the Dyns, and also Klipsh and JBL Arrey's in the same system. In comparison of the different natures...Dynaudio was more polite, laid back... but went lower in the bass than all of them. I did discover that Conrad Johnson and Dyns have a more laid back and not exciting presentation. That system was very musical and would draw you in with all the detail, but it lacked excitement. I personally dont think that paring is a good one both being on the warm side of things. I've also listen to Dynaudio Confidence towers paired with Marantz Reference which was very neutral in the presentation. It was when I placed my Vincent tube preamp in the system pared with a CJ tube amp did the Dyns show some life. I think system matching is very important with all gear and Dynaudio is no different in that regard. Dyns may be better with a more lively amp to bring out what that tweeter can do.... certainly A Rotel 200 watt amp can bring life. Dont fall into the trap of thinking expensive is always better.

I think the Vincent integrated or Van Alstine amp/preamp would do you good. Does the Jolida have audio preouts?

[texlle]

Unfortunately, the Jolida does not have preouts. It's just as well, I may off the 502 and try a Rotel amp and possibly a CJ pre or even a Jolida or Vincent. As good as the tube seduction is, I can't deny the fact that the stereo sounds shy to an extent. I need that headroom for those certain quieter and/or higher quality recordings- that 30% of my listening where the Jolida really cannot push to dynamic levels- even in a small room sadly. My main goal here is to avoid any SS edgy-ness. If I hear a hint of that hardness and glare- that artificial sheen, I will be thouroughly disappointed. It would be far more in line with the amount I should spend- plus separates are just awesome.

How was the improvement in noise floor reduction when you went from the Rotel pre to the Vincent?

[frenchmon]

Unfortunately, the Jolida does not have preouts. It's just as well, I may off the 502 and try a Rotel amp and possibly a CJ pre or even a Jolida or Vincent. As good as the tube seduction is, I can't deny the fact that the stereo sounds shy to an extent. I need that headroom for those certain quieter and/or higher quality recordings- that 30% of my listening where the Jolida really cannot push to dynamic levels- even in a small room sadly. My main goal here is to avoid any SS edgy-ness. If I hear a hint of that hardness and glare- that artificial sheen, I will be thouroughly disappointed. It would be far more in line with the amount I should spend- plus separates are just awesome.

How was the improvement in noise floor reduction when you went from the Rotel pre to the Vincent?...

Actually My Rotel preamp was the Rotel RC-1090 and the amp is the RB 1080. Its like in the top 3 that Rotel has ever made as far as amp/preamp combinations. RGA also had the preamp and loved it aswell

ROTEL RC-1090 Preamplifiers Reviews (http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/preamplifiers/rotel/rc-1090/prd_126580_1591crx.aspx)

The noise floor only could be heard with no music playing and volume up as far as can go. And then you had to put your ear to the speaker to hear it. 0.03% THD

With the Vincent all you hear is only tube rush if you put your ear to the speaker with volume up.

I now have the Rotel preamp in my bed room system with a Rotel RB 1070 amp which is also very good at 130watts per channel and is able to be bridged to mono.

I hardly think the Jolida could push the Dyns....There is another member here who owned that same amp and was trying to drive Dyn floor speakers with unsatisfactory results. He sold the Jolida and got a Anthem integrated amp. I think the Jolida has wonderful sound from what I read of the reviews....have you thought about another set of speakers like in the 90db and up range? I betcha the Jolida would really sing then. What interconnects and speaker and power cables are you using? Look at the amps Hyfi is driving his Dyns with...im sure his is singing.

Years ago, I bought into the hype about Mono-Price cabling and decided to try them. The result on the Rotel was as you said....brightness, edgy metal like sounds. I quickly got some QUALITY cables and all is well. Iater added some quality power cables and no edginess at all. Good quality audiophile sound does not have to be expensive.

[texlle]

Well, I'm not saying the Rotel is edgy. In fact it's softer than most Japanese brands, but they are known for having a thin upper mid-lower treble range- a characteristic that is noticeable with my RSX-1055, but not terrible since the B&W's already have a bloomy midrange. Not to mention, they are just adequate at low level listening- which is a no-go for me. The Jolida makes fantastically musical background- say under 40dB. I'm just concerned as to how much the tube pre will compensate for the power amp's inherent drawbacks (recessed mids, low level detail/dynamics) if I were to go this route . I would be moving from a very sweet, balanced setup. Trading sweetness and presence for authoritative punch. After all, I still really like the Jolida, but want to find a good balance of authority and presence. And until I find the right combination of separates, I'll take a more polite, lifelike sound over a more exciting- yet withdrawn musicality.

The Audience line is one of the easier speakers to drive. Though the sentivities are relately the same across the dynaudio board (typically 85-87), the 42's are a remarkably easier drive than say Contour 1.1's. I read that, by virtue of whatever highly technical design feature that escapes my recollection, the Audiences are more compatible with tube amplifiers than their new Excite series. I must say, I'd really rather not go to another speaker. Unless I can find a speaker with similar neutral tonal balance and natural presentation, smooth detail, I'd rather not move to just any speaker with a higher sensitivity to avoid losing that sense of body and fullness that you get with less sensitive speakers.

I use MIT Terminator 4 speaker cables in both systems, and a hodgepodge of interconnects. MIT AVT1s, Wireworld Oasis, Cardas Crosslink.

The 4's, I find, are very creamy in the mids, extremely detailed mids and highs, with some of the most expansive soundstaging I've heard for budget cables, great imaging. The bass tends toward fat, but is still well controlled and quick with the Dyns. Not displeasing though.

Question- anyone have any experience with Aragon amps? I keep finding 2004 and 4004 models for under $400 and $600 locally.

[Hyfi]

Texlle

If you have a chance, listen to some of the Excite speakers or better. Dyns just keep getting better as you go up the chain.

I think you may be expecting too much out of the little 42s. I can tell ya that my Stratos amp drives them well as does my Counterpoint but they are still small speakers.

[texlle]

You may be right. I listened to the old Contour 1.1's years ago. My audio memory is good but not 10 years good. They definitely threw a much larger overall image, and that's about all I remember. I do want to give the Excite x16's a go. At 87dB, they're slightly more sensitive, but as I said, I read about the excites not playing well with tubes, dynamically, as much as previous lines like the audience.

I believe i may try to pick up a pair of Totems and see what they do for me. Some rainmakers or dreamcatchers may suit my style well. We'll see, I'm still quite happy. And when I just plain want to rock out- I can just go to the living room. After all the first tube setup I ever heard, the same one that began my interest in tubes and dynaudio drivers was a JD-202 Jolida driving (very well, I might add), a pair of original Totem Model-1's, so perhaps a pair of totems or dyn excites may be a more cost effective way forward.

Thanks for the advice.

[Hyfi]

I just realized that my JM Labs are 92db. When I decide to go small wattage tube integrated, I already have a great sounding pair of speakers they can drive.

[frenchmon]

Well, I'm not saying the Rotel is edgy. In fact it's softer than most Japanese brands, but they are known for having a thin upper mid-lower treble range- a characteristic that is noticeable with my RSX-1055, but not terrible since the B&W's already have a bloomy midrange. Not to mention, they are just adequate at low level listening- which is a no-go for me.

lol! That may be the experience with your RSX-1055 AVR but I can assure you that's not the experience with either of my Rotel amps. If anything I can say negative is that after listening to some Mark Levinton amps, I was looking around for something with the brute force and controlled grip of that $7000 amp, and did some research on the Stratos amp which I believe would have better force and control . Listen, If the Rotel was as bad as you have read, and my experience with them was as you say, I would have dumped them long ago. I also have a Adcom amp that is a little more detailed than the Rotel, but both are very good at their respective price points. You really cant believe everything you hear or read about a product....one very good reason is that synergy is a very important part in audio. No one piece of gear is 100% perfect.


The Jolida makes fantastically musical background- say under 40dB. I'm just concerned as to how much the tube pre will compensate for the power amp's inherent drawbacks (recessed mids, low level detail/dynamics) if I were to go this route . I would be moving from a very sweet, balanced setup. Trading sweetness and presence for authoritative punch. After all, I still really like the Jolida, but want to find a good balance of authority and presence. And until I find the right combination of separates, I'll take a more polite, lifelike sound over a more exciting- yet withdrawn musicality.

There are plenty of amps and tubed preamps out there man! You have Cambridge as well in one of your systems...what don't you like about them? They have a very well respected powerful amp on the market... ever give that a consideration? If you have doubts about what Rotel or any other gear will do then kindly move on. There are certainly ways of bringing out the negatives in gear with system matching... audiophiles build great systems that way....dark nature amp, pair with a bright preamp and cabling. Speakers to bright, tone it down with darker sounding gear. It does work. There is only one way to find out how a piece of gear will work really. And that is to plug it into your system and test the synergy with your gear. You can get Rotel amps or whatever at used prices and if you don't find it to your liking sell on audiogon or some other outlet. You can also buy new...most audio stores have a return policy that must be followed like Audio Advisor, they allow you to return up to 30 days which is enough time to tell if it works in your system. But once again, your ears are the best way of seeing if something works or not despite what
others say. I trust others but it still comes down to my judgment.
I have not found what you say about your Rotel AVR to be true of Rotel amps.


The Audience line is one of the easier speakers to drive. Though the sentivities are relately the same across the dynaudio board (typically 85-87),

There are a few of the Dynaudio lines that move into the 89-92db range.


the 42's are a remarkably easier drive than say Contour 1.1's.

Really? why do you say that?


I read that, by virtue of whatever highly technical design feature that escapes my recollection, the Audiences are more compatible with tube amplifiers than their new Excite series. I must say, I'd really rather not go to another speaker. Unless I can find a speaker with similar neutral tonal balance and natural presentation, smooth detail, I'd rather not move to just any speaker with a higher sensitivity to avoid losing that sense of body and fullness that you get with less sensitive speakers.

I can certainly understand your passion for Dyns....just a suggestion that's all. Lots of wonderful speakers out there that will serve your purpose. But if you do decide to keep the Audience at 86db's you will need a powerful amp...lots of juice. Just a question...which did you have first, the Dyns or the Jolida and how did you come to settle on that combination?


use MIT Terminator 4 speaker cables in both systems, and a hodgepodge of interconnects. MIT AVT1s, Wireworld Oasis, Cardas Crosslink.

The 4's, I find, are very creamy in the mids, extremely detailed mids and highs, with some of the most expansive soundstaging I've heard for budget cables, great imaging. The bass tends toward fat, but is still well controlled and quick with the Dyns. Not displeasing though.

Cool


Question- anyone have any experience with Aragon amps? I keep finding 2004 and 4004 models for under $400 and $600 locally.

Well I've seen over at Audioasylum that there is a company that takes in old ones and updates all the components inside them and resales them. Also just like all gear, some love them, others hate them....let your ears be your guide. Im sure if you went over to Audioasylum and asked about them, you would get about a dozen good responses.

[frenchmon]

You may be right. I listened to the old Contour 1.1's years ago. My audio memory is good but not 10 years good. They definitely threw a much larger overall image, and that's about all I remember. I do want to give the Excite x16's a go. At 87dB, they're slightly more sensitive, but as I said, I read about the excites not playing well with tubes, dynamically, as much as previous lines like the audience.

I believe i may try to pick up a pair of Totems and see what they do for me. Some rainmakers or dreamcatchers may suit my style well. We'll see, I'm still quite happy. And when I just plain want to rock out- I can just go to the living room. After all the first tube setup I ever heard, the same one that began my interest in tubes and dynaudio drivers was a JD-202 Jolida driving (very well, I might add), a pair of original Totem Model-1's, so perhaps a pair of totems or dyn excites may be a more cost effective way forward.

Thanks for the advice.

I've also listened to the Excite and Totem, I forget which Totem....the Excite was not bad, but the Totem was a great speaker....it was truly 3D in nature. Both share the deep bottom end with the Totem having a better, more in balanced mid range and upper frequencies.

[texlle]

You're absolutely right, frenchmon. I really just need to start trying a variety of amps and speakers to see what suits my style. I'm just very meticulous about my listening. Hell, I will spend a good portion of a weekend just listening to different albums to get a idea of what the stereo does well, and what could be improved upon. I'm very picky though, and finding the right combo seems like it could take some time. Since I work 40 hours + per week, my free time is a bit limited. I'm also trying to save up so I can move out of this rental and buy some property, so this hobby gets quite expensive and very time consuming. I do enjoy the search for the right sound by auditioning different components. As the idiom goes, getting there is half the fun. At the same time, I would just love to find the right gear and settle on something that I can be happy with so I can relax my analytical mind and just listen to music. lol

The cambridge is decent. It's the A500 model that I bought in 2001, so a couple years before their breakthrough Azur line which I hear is supposed to be a vast improvement over their old models. The A500 is very warm, bassy, but with adequate detail, yet the top end is bright on certain speakers- namely the B&W's. I hooked it up to the Dyns and, well, quite frankly, it just sounded like ass. The musical nature had been totally removed and I was not impressed.

I actually purchased the 202 before the Dyns. I had the amp hooked up to my B&W's which are 90dB sensitive and I honestly didn't think they sounded much more dynamic than the Dyn's. Likely because the B&Ws will swing as low as 4ohms despite being an 8 ohm speaker- not very stable. I just wanted a set of small speakers because I was moving into the dorm. I auditioned the Dyns on a 302B amp I believe and was pretty much sold. This was when I was 18, and hadn't quite grasped the concept of sensitivity. The Jolida and Dyns were also setup on top of my desk in my dorm, so the sound was a bit different than it is with everything setup properly now.

Which Dynaudio models have a higher sensitivity? I was under the impression that most of them are around 86dB.

[Hyfi]

Hey FA, when will we get to see where those Studios live?

[Styx]

I posted these before but since we now have a thread dedicated to listening spaces, I figured I'd post them again.

Main:
Speakers are rotated from time to time.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/BigT12045/P1130116-1.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/BigT12045/P1100989.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/BigT12045/P1000396-1.jpg

My audio posse!
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/BigT12045/P1000985.jpg

Living room 2.2 system:

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/BigT12045/P11208271.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/BigT12045/Newfurniture.jpg
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/BigT12045/P1090584-1.jpg
Favorite refreshment:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o73/BigT12045/P1130752.jpg

[Feanor]

All very delightful, Styx. Thanks for posting. :thumbsup:

[Hyfi]

The gym which has a Hafler 945 Pre and 9180 Amp, with an old Denon DVD player and Polk Monitor 30 speakers.

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/Hafler-Denon-Polk.jpg

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/polk.jpg

The little Paradigm Cinema 70s are sold as of today and were replaced by a pair of B&W M1s I just picked up for $50 in the below 2.1 / 3.1 setup currently my old HK AVR635 and a Sony DVD player and Paradigm sub and Infinity Beta Center.

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh507/Hyfi61/2-3-ch.jpg

[Hyfi]

Love the elegant Polk room, Styx

[bobsticks]

Styx, definitely some serious recognition is deserved for the committment to hide wires...those are some seriously clean setups...:thumbsup:

[Styx]

Thanks for the kind words guys. I do what I can to hide the wires. I feel it make the experience more enjoyable when the room is tidy and clean. I wish I felt that way about the rest of the house.:lol:

[ForeverAutumn]

Hey FA, when will we get to see where those Studios live?

LOL! Maybe I'll take some new pics this weekend and post them. But I posted when I bought the Studios and we haven't changed anything since. I was hoping to have a new receiver and an Oppo player by now, but other more urgent expenses keep popping up and delaying those purchases.

We're still running the Paradigm Studio 60s as fronts and a pair of StudioLab bookshelfs as rears with a Studiolab centre. The sub is an old JVC speaker that we got for next to nothing from Hubby's warehouse. It's a bit too boomy at high volumes, but not too bad if you keep it turned down low. The Studio 60s have enough sub in them to keep things balanced without turning the JVC sub up too high so it works for us for now. The sub is another replacement waiting to happen, but I mostly listen to the system as a two-channel system so it's not high on the list.

Our secondary system is in our den and is made up of JVC wooden cone speakers. A bit of a novelty speaker and way over-priced when they came out, which is why they are no longer available in Canada. But I like the sound, they are a very warm sounding speaker, but these definately need a good sub to accompany them if you wanted them for home theatre use. Wood Cone Speakers (http://www.jvc.eu/woodcone/life/hcs.html). We have the floor-standing model and the sub. No rears in that room as it's mostly used for music.

[Hyfi]

LOL! Maybe I'll take some new pics this weekend and post them. But I posted when I bought the Studios and we haven't changed anything since. I was hoping to have a new receiver and an Oppo player by now, but other more urgent expenses keep popping up and delaying those purchases.



Yeah, but this is now the Official Thread and you should repost here and then again as you update. I have a blast going through that 700 page post at AK.

[thekid]

Nice rooms everyone!
If I could post pics I would but then again as often as I move stuff it is probably pointless.... :D
Of course since getting the VR-2's which weigh a 100lbs a piece at least one system is going to remain in place for quite some time...

[Hyfi]

Nice rooms everyone!
If I could post pics I would but then again as often as I move stuff it is probably pointless.... :D
Of course since getting the VR-2's which weigh a 100lbs a piece at least one system is going to remain in place for quite some time...

Show it. I want to see those VRs in place!

I use a Hand Truck to move mine around.

[thekid]

Show it. I want to see those VRs in place!

I use a Hand Truck to move mine around.

Sorry HyFi I have not been able to post pics on AR for about a year.
If you want to see the VR-2's you will need to go here and look for the posting by Wolverine.

Pics of your listening space - Page 6 - AudioKarma.org Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums (http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=130581&page=6)

Everything there is basically the same as you see in those pics except I now have my Celestion SL6si's hooked up along with a pair of Optimus Pro-LX-5's. The Pioneer SX-850 has been replaced by a Kenwood KR-7400.

[thekid]

I created an album here on AR see if this works for some of you....

http://forums.audioreview.com/album.php?do=editpictures&albumid=93&pictureids[]=49&pictureids[]=50

[Hyfi]

I created an album here on AR see if this works for some of you....

http://forums.audioreview.com/album.php?do=editpictures&albumid=93&pictureids[]=49&pictureids[]=50

Thanks for trying but I get a message that says I am not allowed to view it, similar to when the Mods and Admins post Sticky's

Hyfi, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.

[thekid]

Thanks for trying but I get a message that says I am not allowed to view it, similar to when the Mods and Admins post Sticky's

Hyfi, you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:

Your user account may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.

Hyfi

Let's try this yet again.....
I figured out how to post photos in the gallery section.
Hopefully you can access that and see everything and then some

AudioREVIEW.com Photo Gallery (http://gallery.audioreview.com/index.php)

[Hyfi]

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/Listening_space_7-14-12_004.JPG



Looks like you don't have the room but those VRs will be even better out and away from the walls.

Thanks for the pics. From your Gallery, open a pic full size and Rt Click choose Save Link Location, then past that in the Insert Image selection.

[thekid]

Trying to see if I may have found a way to post pics again.
This is what I am listening to now.

[thekid]

Looks like you don't have the room but those VRs will be even better out and away from the walls.

Thanks for the pics. From your Gallery, open a pic full size and Rt Click choose Save Link Location, then past that in the Insert Image selection.

Hyfi

Thanks for the info.
It looks like you have shown me a way to post pics again so I will add a few here on this thread

The VR's are actually further away from the wall than it looks in the photo.
When I play them I slide them forward a few inches to get then the recommended 2 feet from the back wall.
Ideally I would actually like to get them further apart but that is where the room limits me.

[Hyfi]

Cool Beans Kid.

I see you are running a diagonal setup also. Any drawbacks?

[thekid]

Cool Beans Kid.

I see you are running a diagonal setup also. Any drawbacks?

Not really.

It actually works well with the Time Windows because of their driver configuration.
The Maggies slide forward easily and when I am listening to them they are out in the room away from all the walls as they need to be.

There are only two issues.

Behind the cabinet is a Velodyne subwoofer which gets used with the TW's and occasionally the Maggies. The corner location can make it a little boomy on some recordings so I have to adjust the settings which can be a bit of a pain given its location.

The other issue is that my favorite chair is a little off to the side of the rig so not the most optimum listening position.

However there is a chair in the opposite corner directly across from the speakers when I want to do some serious listening. Anyone who has ever sat there when that system is playing is just amazed.

[thekid]

Here is a better pic of the vintage Marantz receivers

[Poultrygeist]

Tri-powered 3 way open baffles - stupid good and by far my best build yet.

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio/500/medium/P7140010.JPG

[Poultrygeist]

2a3c SET powered Tektons and ss mono-block powered Alpha H-frames. Source is Telefunken tubed CDP.

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio/500/medium/P6030003.JPG

[Poultrygeist]

2a3c single ended triode

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio/500/medium/P6030045.JPG

[Poultrygeist]

Outdoor Axiom Algonquins on the porch. Marcato outdoor sub not shown.

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio/500/medium/P7160009.JPG

[thekid]

2a3c SET powered Tektons and ss mono-block powered Alpha H-frames. Source is Telefunken tubed CDP.

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio/500/medium/P6030003.JPG

Congrats!
That is a really nice tube set-up!

[Poultrygeist]

thanks, kid and yours is looking good too