The reference system, subject to (frequent) change:
Analog: Acoustic Signature Montana Neo turntable, Origin Live Agile tonearm, Acoustic Signature TA-7000 Neo tonearm, Stillpoints LPI v2 and Origin Live Gravity One center clamps
ZYX UNIverse Optimum, Miyajima Destiny, Koetsu RSP, and Tzar DST moving-coil cartridges
Marantz ST-7001 tuner
Phono Preamps: CH Precision P1-X1, B.M.C. MCCI Signature ULN, DIY Sowter 1990z and Bob’s Devices Sky 20 Step Up Transformers
Digital: Custom music computer {Asus B-250M MB, i3-7100t, 8GB, 256GB NVMe, 2TB HD, fanless CPU cooler, PCI-e USB3 card for the DAC, nVidia GT1030 4k video card, Windows 10 Pro} with JRiver Media Center
Bricasti Design M1 Series II DAC, RME ADI-2 Pro fs r Black Edition AD/DA Converter with external power supply
Preamplifiers: Benchmark HPA4
Amplifiers: Valvet E2 SE, Benchmark AHB2, Conrad Johnson MV-55
Loudspeakers: Alta Celesta FRM-2M, Magico S1 mk. 2, (2) JL Audio e110 subwoofers, Elac Vela speakers from the HT system
Cables: Mogami interconnects and speaker cables, Audioquest WEL Signature, and other analog interconnects, Straightwire USB-F
Power:
Cords: DIY power cords, Straightwire Pro Thunder
Conditioners: PS Audio Dectet, PS Audio Quintet, and DIY Power Conditioner
Dedicated 20A circuits
Other: Shakti Hallograph Soundfield Optimizers
The listening room is L shaped, 12x19x7.5, and I listen across the 12′. The walls and ceiling are double 5/8″ drywall on Z channel, and the floor is carpeted concrete. There are a few strategically placed 2×4 foot decorative panels containing 3 inch “egg crate” acoustic foam. One such panel is located at the reflection point of the speaker nearest the side wall.
The natural sandstone rack weighs over 650 pounds and comes from Lyons, Colorado. The top shelf, which the turntable(s) sits on, is solid 4 inch thick maple.
The Home Theater System:
Marantz AV-7704 Pre-processor
Rotel RMB-1565 Amplifier
Sony S570 Blu-Ray Player
Elac Vela speakers
JL Audio d110 Subwoofers, pair
B&W LM1 for the rear channel speakers
Samsung UN65JY7100 4K 3D Not-so-Smart TV
The Desktop Computer Audio System:
Dayton DTA100a amplifier
Audience The One V4 speakers
Here is a partial list of the music used for the reviews: (this section is updated from time to time)
LPs:
Happy Together, The Nylons
Full Sail, Loggins and Messina, Columbia PC32540
Stampede, Doobie Brothers, Side 1 (all)
“Clean As the Driven Snow”. The Captain & Me, Doobie Brothers. WB Records BS2694
Dire Straits. Take your pick.
Hearts & Flowers, Joan Armatrading
“Foggy Mountain Breakdown”. After Midnight. Sheffield Lab TLP-30
“Witches’ Brew”. Danse Macabre, Saint-Saëns, RCA Living Stereo LP, RCA Victor LSC-2225
“Crest of a Knave”, “She Said She Was a Dancer”. Crest of a Knave, Jethro Tull
The Diary of Alicia Keys, Alicia Keys, Songs A2 (side A cut #2), B3, D1 & D4. J Records 82876-55712
“Painted Desert”, “Takin’ It Back”. Tropico, Pat Benatar. Chrysalis Records FV41471
Thriller, Michael Jackson
Nothing Like The Sun, Sting
CDs:
Thriller, Michael Jackson. Also useful for dialing in subwoofers.
“Make a Mistake With Me”, “Mr. Policeman”, Brad Paisley
mo’, mo’, mo’