I need to start posting on here so I thought I would start with my system and a question or two:
Sources:
Digital: Roon run from an iPad via IBM mini PC, output to Cambridge Audio 851D DAC via USB.
Vinyl: Manticore Mantra Turntable (heavily modified) with Rega RB250 arm and Dynavector DV10x-4 Cartridge via Project Phono Box S2 Phono Stage
Amplification: Advantage S2 Pre-amp, Advantage S150 stereo power amp (these are Swedish made by Mike Bladelius who used to work with Nelson Pass, 150W per channel pure class A monsters that can deliver 51Amps of current). Fully balanced devices cabled from the Cambridge DAC with XLR's.
Speakers: ProAc DT8 bi-wired with Chord Rumour X cables. I have been long awaiting Danny coming up with an improvement kit for these, but nothing yet.
BK Electronics XXLS400 Sub Woofer (long throw 12" sub good down to 15hz with 400w class A/B plate amp). Only really use this for a party or a big movie as the ProAcs and good down to 28hz on their own.
Overall sound impressions: Great detail retrieval and famous ProAc imaging and mid range. Staggering dynamics (mainly because of the ridiculous headroom available with the Amp 150w into 8 ohm, 300 into 4 ohm and 600 into 2 ohm, 1800VA torroid and 120000mf of caps on the power supply). The speakers at around £3000 are a huge bargain in the UK (mine were ex display at £980 so even more of a bargain). The system plays nice at low volume but really gets moving when cranked up.
All of my gear is bought used or ex-display to keep the cost down (cost me about £3250 used vs new price of £13000).
If you can find these Amps in the US buy them without hesitation. Mike Bladelius designed a lot of Threshold, Classe and Pass Labs stuff in his past.
Work to be Done: I am planning a crossover upgrade on the speakers and an upgrade of components in the DAC (output stage, power supply and clock) when time and cash allows.
Bye for now.
