This is just a quick snapshot of the
system as it currently stands. I'd estimate that I use it about 50% of the time
for music — either stereo CD or SACD, or Multi-Channel DVD-Audio — 30%
of the time for Home Theater and DVD, and 20% for video games. It was put together
over the last 3 years and is essentially complete for now. There are some tweaks
here and there that I'd like to apply, but on the whole I am extraordinarily happy
with the performance of this system for music and Home Theater.
I've listed the gear in a table below. I've also included a picture
of the uncovered gear rack below as well.
Power Amplifier: |
Parasound HCA-1500A 205w per channel Power Amplifier |
Preamplifier: |
Parasound PLD-1100 Stereo Pre-Amp (modded) This is used for Redbook CD Audio and
SACD Playback. |
Speakers: |
4 x Paradigm Reference Studio40's v.2 |
Speaker Stands: |
Osiris Metal Welded - Filled with sand and spiked. |
Sources: |
CD Player/DAC: |
Main: Sony SCD-XA777ES Multi-Channel SACD player.
Secondary: Sony SCD-C333ES SACD 5-Disc Changer
Internal DAC for SACD
Perpetual P-3A (with Dan Wright Level II Mods) for
Redbook CD. |
Other Source(s): |
Perpetual Technologies P-1A DSP/Upsampler and Monolithic P3 Power
supply (modded) |
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.: |
Speaker Cables/Interconnects: |
Better Cables Silver Serpent Interconnects and Better Cables Premier
Bi-Wire Speaker Cables. |
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):
|
Monster HTS-3500 Power Conditioner, PS Audio 20 AMP Ultimate Outlet, PS
Audio Mini-Lab power cable for the UO and CablePlex Power 1 power cords for
the SACD players and the Monolithic P3 Power Supply. |
Tweaks: |
Vibration Isolation |
Room Comments/Treatments: |
None. |
Music Preferences and Comments: |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): |
Beatles, Blues, Classic Rock, Jazz Vocals, Classical (Beethoven) |
System Goals/Comments: |
To Provide me with the best possible system for the money spent. |
System Strengths: |
Imaging is spectacular. Soundstage depth and focus is superb, very
pleased. Picture from the Toshiba 57HX83 is spectacular. |
System Weaknesses: |
Low Bass could use slight improvement, but my room limits my choice of
speakers and/or sub. |
Video/HT System: Integrated |
TV/Projector: |
Toshiba 57HX83 Cinema Series HDTV (ISF Calibrated) |
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers: |
Parasound HCA-1500A 205w per channel Power Amplifier (for front mains)
Pioneer Elite VSX-29TX Receiver as a digital pre/pro for HT and as
amplification for the rear speakers |
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):
|
Paradigm Reference Studio/40 v.2 x 4, Phantom Center, Velodyne CHT-12
Subwoofer. |
Sources: (DVD/VCR):
|
Panasonic RP-91 DVD-Video/DVD-Audio
Player,
JVC HR-S9911U SVHS Deck
Sony SVR-3000 Series 2 TiVo (228 Hours) |
Other HT Gear: |
Malata N996 Multi-Region DVD Player
Zenith DVD-318 1080i Upscaling DVD Player
Sony Playstation 2 Game Console |
Equipment Rack Uncovered: |