David McGown - Main System (Dave's Own) - David McGown

David McGown 's Main System (Dave's Own) System
IP Address: 72.83.153.42	Last Update: April 09, 2021 at 17:51:42
Amplifier:	DIY PP KT-88 Ultralinear Monoblocks based on Eico HF-89 (Mullard but with 12AX7/5751 instead of EF86) DIY GM70 SET Monoblocks, Tamura output, Slagle interstage, EF280 driver, fixed bias (20W). DIY PP 2A3 (JJ 2A3-40 run at 300B plate disp), interstage phase splitter with D3A driver. DIY 2A3/300B SET monoblocks DIY G. Rankin Bugle 45 stereo amp DIY "MOSikdo" Aikido tube front end (6N1P+6N6P), MOSFET output (25W) using PASS BA-3 output stage
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	DIY Penny & Giles fader passive. DIY passive with Silk TVA.
Speakers:	DIY Elsinore Speakers (designed by Joe Rasmussen, Custom Analogue Audio, JLTi) DIY Basszilla Platinum Edition Mk 2 DIY subwoofers w/ Adire Shiva III and RCM Acoutik DT300 plate amps.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Marantz SA8005 SACD Audiolab 6000CDT Transport Chord Qutest Chord Hugo M Scaler DIY Fanless Intel Atom board Computer Music Endpoint w/JCAT USB + Ethernet cards, Linear power supplies, Roon ROCK,Synology NAS.
Turntable/Phono Stage:	TERES Model 340 turntable Jelco TK-850L Tonearm iFi iPhono3 Black Label DIY Aikido phonostage, DIY PASS Pearl 2 Benz Ruby 3, AT150MLX, Grado Reference Reference, Goldring 1042, Grace F9E, Shure V15V (w/ JICO stylus), Benz Glider 2.2mV
Other Source(s):	McIntosh MR71 Tuner, modified by Bill Thallman of Music Technologies.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas SE11 speaker cable JPS Labs Ultraconductor speaker cable Various Cardas IC's Harmonic Technologies Truth Link I/C Various Audioquest and Monster Cable interconnects Max Rochlin Memorial Digital Interconnect (Belden 1506a)
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Tice (2) Monster Cable HTS-2000 PowerCenters
Tweaks:	Well, the whole system is a tweak Homemade Turntable isolation platform (sandbox) Homemade Amp stands for 300B monoblocks Homemake roller bearings under CD Transport
Room Size (LxWxH):	27ft x 13ft x 8ft
Room Comments/Treatments:	48"x32" panels on side walls ahead and behind speakers using Markertek 4" blade tiles. 6'x4' oriental rugs on back wall behind speakers, w/ 2" homemade fiberglass panels between rug and wall. Speaker placement is about 1/3 out from front wall, sofa is about 1/3 out from rear wall.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, from 11th century through 20th, especially good "authentic" baroque, English 20th century, and Romantic piano. Having great fun with NAXOS catalog. Jazz
System Goals/Comments:	Musicality. Continue to refine homebuilt equipment.
System Strengths:	Great soundstage, BIG spacious sound and smooth overall tonal balance. Fast but clean top end.
System Weaknesses:	Less than there used to be
Video/HT System: None
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Early Music (recorder) Mechanical Engineer (Marine industry) Woodworking Electronics