Hey inmates, need your advice. I have assembled what I feel is a pretty good system, but for some reason it still lacks that "Something" that makes you want to sit and listen for hours on end. The problem is still around on vinyl or CD BTW.
The deHavilland Pre-amp is only a couple weeks old and has helped the sound quite a bit. Still playing with the tubes in it for the best sound.
I'll lay it out here for you to pick over, see if you can spot the trouble.
Gear list:
Cary 303/200 CD player
VPI Scout, Dynavector 20XH Cart.
Rogue Audio Stealth Phono stage.
deHavilland UltraVerve Pre-amp
Berning ZH-270 Amp
Merlin VSM-MM speakers with latest "Super BAM"
Shunyata Hydra 6 PLC with Copperhead Cord.
All components are plugged into the Hydra except the power amp which is plugged directly into the wall.
Outlets are FIM model 880.
Cables are:
Cardas Golden Reference interconnects on everything except phono stage.
Phono had a DIY Cardas 33X4 Cable from TT to Phono stage and Cardas Neutral Reference cables from Phono stage to Pre-amp.
Speaker cables are Bi-Wire Cardas Golden Reference.
All power cords are Cardas Golden Reference except Cardas Twinlink on the Phono stage.
Tweaks are:
All components sit on maple butcher blocks that are supported by rubber/cork/rubber footers between the maple and the shelf.
Cable elevators on the speaker cables.
Room is the deadly "L" shape. System is sitting in the one good location, on the long wall of the "L" (25 ft) so I'm fairly close to it (room depth is 13 ft)
Acoustical treatments:
2 ASC wall panels on the closer side wall at the first reflection points and one behind the listening position. The TV is covered with a blanket for serious listening sessions. Floor to ceiling drapes behind system.
Speakers are 5'3" apart center to center and about 7' 5" from the listener.
Thanks for your input.
TR
Todd's Audio links
