Systems

Main System, a Two-channel Audio System by J Harris

Room Size
25 X 12 X 8
System Overview
Since moving my system and listening more nearfield, things have improved massively. The Aesthetix Io and Garrard 301 combination is also completely amazing - a huge upgrade from what I had before. But nobody should discount the impact of the room on the system - 35-50% or more of the sound! I've learned my lesson. Extra carts: Shelter 901, Denon DL-103R (two), Lyra Helikon Mono, London Decca Super Gold, Ortofon GM Mono, Ortofon CG-25 Di Mono... I used to have a Dynavector 10x4 and even though it's trashed I like it so much I keep the box. Same for an original SPU GT - when sent off for final repair the German retailer couldn't do it again never sent back the cart, but I keep the box to remind me how incredible it sounded! Extra arms: Graham 2.2, Ortofon RS-212 (two of them), Rega/OL RB-250. Also have a Graham 2.2 tonearm on which I will mount the Lyra mono cartridge when my carpenter gets around to building me the armboard it needs - I will have 2 tonearms on the Garrard.
Music Preferences
Everything, as long as it's not on CD. There is NO DIGITAL in my system.
Room Description
L-shaped living room with 5 windows at one end, two openings (one the ell) in the right wall. Stereo fires down ell from corner by the windows (moved from its position in the picture - it is now at lower right of image)
Components
Analog Source
Garrard 301 cream color oil-bearing idler drive in custom baltic birch ply skeletal plinth / Ikeda IT-407 12" arm / Ortofon SPU GM Classic cartridge
Preamp
Aesthetix Io Signature phono stage / BAT VK-5SE line stage
Power Amp
Aspen Amplifiers AKSA 100W Nirvana Plus (balanced)
Speakers
VMPS 626Rs (these are now on custom bearded Sound Anchor stands, not the ACI Titans as shown in the photo)
Subwoofer
ACI Titan (not currently in use)
Speaker Cable
Tara Space and Time TFA Return
Interconnects
Kimber Select KS-1120 balanced
Power Cables
Stock on Aethetix (per Jim White) / Stealth AC cord (huge, fat, don't know model) on BAT / Harmonic Technology AC-10 Fantasy on AKSA / Kimber Power Kord Model 10 to power conditioner (see below)
Headphones
Sennheiser HD-600s / Gilmore VR2-SE headphone amp
Racking
ExactPower EP15A AC sub-cycle regulator / Symposium Rollerblocks (tungsten) under Garrard / BBC Zitan Wood conductors under Io / Large Polycrystal Cones under Io power supply / Small Polycrystal Cones under BAT, on butcher-block maple platform / Final L