Have not posted pics of the cave for a while, so here's an update.
The main changes involve the move to one system for music and video, centered around the Emotiva XMC-1 preamp. I like it so far.
IMG_1608.jpg by
Jose Sifontes, on Flickr
I sold the 100" acoustically transparent screen two weeks ago and ordered a solid-back Elite VMAX 135" screen that arrives on Thursday. Acoustic transparency translates, IMO, into video crappy-ness. The picture degraded tremendously. I hope to recover the original picture in the larger screen with flat backing. I am also installing a proper screen mount that allows for "keystoning" adjustments (which essentially means I can make minute adjustments to ensure the screen is absolutely parallel to the projector DLP source - you would be surprised how easily your brain detects the distortion created by that after a few days).
IMG_1609.jpg by
Jose Sifontes, on Flickr
This is the current stack of equipment. The Emo XPA1L monoblocks are the main amps, I run them in class A full time. The Sunfire 405x 5 handles the other channels (I tried to sell it to buy an Emo XPA-5 but offers tendered felt unreasonable to me given how good a shape this one is in, so Idecided to keep it - why mess with a good thing?). All three RTR decks serve music regularly. The Pioneer 707 handles 4 track 7" reels, the Teac X-2000R processes 4 track 10" reels (and anything DBX), and the Otari is the 2 track source. Not seen in the picture is the fact that the Otari's rear case cover is permanently removed. Ever since I bought the reference tape from MRL labs, I am constantly tweaking that deck, so it is best to leave with the hood open. (obsessive compulsive disorder). On the cassette side the main deck is the Tascam 122 Mkii, with the Nakamichi CR4 as a backup (though I end up using the Tascam more often, for whatever reason). The other decks in the picture are not connected at the moment - a Nak BX-1 and Teac C-1. The Phillips CD-80 is gone - the Oppo 83 serves as transport to the Jolida Tube FX DAC III. The VPI Aries 1 is still the main TT - like it too much to change it, though I may update the arm soon. The VPI line conditioner does what the VPI SDS can do as well, control the speed of the motor to precisely produce 33 or 45 rpm. The media PC is a 2014 Mac Mini running JRiver MC 21 (if you plan on buying one of those, let me know, I can probably tell you what not to do: in short , recent Mac Minis are not up-gradable, memory is soldered in, buyer beware: if you buy one get one with the right amount of RAM).
The main speakers are now GoldenEar Triton 1s:
IMG_1611.jpg by
Jose Sifontes, on Flickr
IMG_1612.jpg by
Jose Sifontes, on Flickr
IMG_1617.jpg by
Jose Sifontes, on Flickr
IMG_1618.jpg by
Jose Sifontes, on Flickr
The center is a SuperCenter XXL that matches the Triton 1s well. The Tritons generate a lot of buzz in the net, with almost as many critics as supporters. It has a great folded-ribbon tweeter that makes me happy. I use them with the socks off and so far like them. The built in subs are driven in "stereo sub" mode by the XMC-1. The preamp does not use Audyssey to balance things out, it uses "Dirac" instead, an alternative approach designed by a company in Sweden that not only corrects frequency but also phase issues. So far so good, still learning to use the software - not ready to issue a judgment. The pre can also work with Room Eq Wizard (free open source software) as an alternative and has two preset positions for loading parameters from REQ Wizard. I use both Dirac and Preset 1 for REQ. The basic pre ships with a basic version of the Dirac software that is function-limited. The version I bought ("Dirac Full") allows me to use my own calibrated microphone (a UMIK USB mic in my case) and also lets me design a house (target) curve. The latter is very cool (similar to Audyssey Pro), and I am having fun designing curves and loading them into the pre to see the effect. Like being able to tell the software to crunch filters out to give me more bass in my room, or emphasize a particular frequency range.
The main lessons for me from this setup so far: Dolby PLII Music and DTS Neo Music can make 2-channel music sound pretty darn good, specially if you lower the level of the surrounds slightly. I still have the option of switching the pre to "Reference Stereo" mode, but I rarely use that any more. An even more advanced pre is coming up in a year, the XMR-1, that will kick things up another notch. Like I said, this is an obsessive hobby.
IMG_1619.jpg by
Jose Sifontes, on Flickr
The "under-50Hz" duties are also supplemented a by a Rhythmik VHP-15 sub (pardon the mess in the pic, but this a working cave, not a showroom
). This sub has turned out ok, and I am keeping it, but for those of you considering a new sub I recommend going with HSU VTF-15 mkii or any of the JL Fathom subs. You will get more quality bass for your hard-earned money that way.
So that is the update, I am sure the room will change in a few months yet again.
Cheers,
OBG
PS: Still amazed no one in the forum showed interest in buying the Amazings. Those speakers were essentially like new with fresh drivers! If you have a chance own a pair of those at some point - they are, well, Amazing.
