System Pics 2015

Ah, interesting. Thanks Mike. I too have a pre-DR Supercap so I'll be interested in your views on that too, despite not seeing eye to eye on the great 252 debate.

I'm considering doing an HH next year and redecorating, while taking the opportunity to put in a mains spur and do one or two or three DR upgrades.

Chord Hugo; ND5 XS [NB - finally got rid of the NAPSC!]

252 [just serviced]; 250.2

SCDR; Blu-Ray player

Martin Logan Electromotion ESLs

[Sennheiser HD650s in the background of pic 2]

[One very contented listener out of shot]

My system is finally back together after being in storage all summer for floor refinishing and  kitchen remodel.  And we just put the carpet back down.  I took this opportunity to abandon my previous "furniture style" rack, and build a new one, inspired by Naim Fraim.  The new rack uses the glass shelves I had before, and materials that were mostly on hand, and cost me little.  It sounds better than the previous one, but not likely as good as Fraim.  This should hold me for a year or two, and I can now upgrade to Fraim one-stack-at-a-time.

The 80" flat screen on the wall is the monitor for my Mac Mini, and serves for music DVD's and YouTube music clips.  (We do not have "cable" or watch TV).  

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The speakers are of my own design:

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View looking back at listening couch, entry way, library loft:

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 The new rack above:

                                   JVC turntable

282                             UnitiQute 24/192       Mac Mini

Stageline                    260.2                         Marchand passive lowpass Xover (subs)

nDAC                         555PS DR                  Threshold S300 (subwoofers)

Nacamichi tape          HiCap's                      NAPSC, DLink,  Thunderbolt drive

The racks and speakers sit on Fraim Chips, which seemed pricey at first - but they are worth it IMHO.

Charlie

That all looks rather wonderful, oh to be any good at DIY. And a turntable from the jockstrap and vest company to cap it all off - you don't see many of those around!

Seconded, the speakers and the "Fraim" looks really impressive. It must take some skill to something as good looking as that!

Another great looking set up!

I have not taken vinyl too seriously  - the TT was in storage from 1990 to about 2004, and the cartridge (old Koetsu Onyx, I think, but not sure) dates to 1988 and was given to me by my friend Mile Nestorovic. It sounds better than one might expect.  Lately I have been hanging around with some local forum members who are vinyl enthusiasts - and I run the risk of further vinyl exposure....

Thanks Mr Fjeld.  Making it look good is a labor of love.  Making it sound good is as great a technical challenge as I have encountered in my entire career.

+1, nice looking rig, nickpeacock.  What are the stands under the Martin Logan's?

Charlie

Nick, how do they affect the sound of the ML's?

Charlie

I recently added an XPS DR to my set up to make a nicely balance 3 box system.  I also loaned some Super Lumina cables to test and whilst they certainly worked well, I felt the XPS was the natural progression for me.

Some nice looking systems Pixies, Nick Peacock, HH and Charlie P! 

HH and pixies, you have elegantly simple systems which must sound very good.  I must admit to thinking about lower box count when I am strugling to reach behind my rack to sort cable issues.  I have also wished for an invisibility cloak to hide the many racks and boxes.

Cheers,

Charlie

Me too 

Lovely!

Thanks Charlie, though I'm sure yours sounds a lot better! Pixies' system is the alternative three box setup to compete with the 272/XPS/250DR and it would be interesting to compare the two setups. It's amazing how good a sound one can wring from three (or even two, or one) box these days - something that was simply not poosible a few years back. There is certainly less dusting, and cable dressing is a breeze. 

I appreciate the kind comments. Yes HH definitely less dusting and a nice bonus of adding the xps was that it only added one extra cable and utilises the power line that was going to the NDX!

That's my thinking too: when I get my XPSDR I can use the Powerline that is currently plugged into the 272. I'll have to rehearse my Burndy massaging technique. 

Just like riding a bike HH- you will having down in no time

What he said...

Having just met Charlie yesterday and hung out at his house with another couple of local guys from the forum here I can say that Charlie has it happening at his place - great sound (he built those beautiful speakers himself), good music, and a great and cozy room to listen to it in. Hobbyists will be hobbyists... Thanks again Charlie for the great hospitality and totally fun day.

Is there such a thing as too much wood?

An 80" monitor screen for a Mac 'Mini'..........Wow, kind of counteracts the 'mini' element somewhat! 

Seriously though, you have created a lovely system and room there, very nice!