Thought I'd put my picture up here for comments - the chap who serviced my LP12 was pretty horrified to be honest, but then he was trying to sell me a Fraim...
Anyway, some context, we moved into the new house 3 years ago and I had managed to put enough money to one side to buy my ideal setup: LP12, CDX2, Nap 250, Nac 282, Superline phono stage, there's a supercap in there, a hicap (which I think powers the superline, I can't quite remember) and the Lingo for the LP12. The speakers (Focal 1028be) sit either side the bifold doors into the garden and required £600 worth of AC5 cable to be buried under the floor to reach them!
I then designed the unit to house everything, based pretty much on what I had bought (actually there have been some small changes since I first bought everything, the superline is new and that space used to have a Pioneer streaming thing which I ditched for a (hidden) Sonos with the Hugo/ W4S combo you can just make out behind the CD's on the left).
As you will (hopefully) notice, the unit was designed to be aesthetically pleasing, the Veebee painting on glass above the TT is a favourite of my wifes (so gets her buy in), the lego built by my 11 year old etc etc. What I didn't do was any research into how this would sound - I also didn't know anything about needing seperate spurs or suchlike, which is frustrating as the house was ripped to pieces so would've been very easy to do.
So my question is, do I really need to consider a change to the layout? Can I get the best sound out of this setup? I was toying with trying to remove the superline and use a smaller phono stage so I could then fit a second supercap for a Nap300. If I did that, I could at least site both supercaps on the shelf either side of the TT, which would move them away from the amps.
There's lots I would do if I was designing it again, not least make the thing moveable as getting all of the wires sited properly was a nightmare, and I can never remember how everything is connected! But it cost a pretty sum and we do like the way it looks, so I'd be loathed to change it unless it really was a no brainer. It's probably also worth noting it's a big room with an odd shape, so again not an ideal listening space anyway.
I think it sounds great, but I have very little to compare it to in terms of experience.
Posted on: 12 October 2018 by MDS
Hi Lambretta
A SuperCap will only power your 282 or SuperLine, not a 300. So I presume you really meant a second SuperCap for which ever of the 282 or Superline is currently using a HiCap. I can see that, being purpose built, your options are constrained by space and why you are thinking of a one-in, one-out approach. That said, from your photo it looks like you potentially have a slot or two where you are currently storing CDs so that could be an option for a second SC. You don't mention it, but you've also got a Napsc in there which comes with the 282. A move to a 252 would free up the space taken by the Napsc but of course a 252 has to have a SuperCap. It would be important to try a 252, though, as some prefer the 282.
I use 1028be speakers with a 300, and moved there from a 250.2, so am well aware of the benefits this can bring and can see why you are attracted to that idea. But to be honest I think I would concentrate on improvements to the source and pre-amp before considering that step.
Your bespoke cabinet won't allow your kit to perform to the same level as if it were on specialist racks eg two racks of Fraim. However you might want to explore some specialist supports for some of your kit. Quadraspire have a range (Qplus) that are designed to go under the feet of high-end kit that is necessarily housed on shelves, furniture etc (not everyone can accommodate racks). Maybe worth exploring that.
Posted on: 12 October 2018 by rjstaines
I think it looks fantastic Lambretta and there is a lot you can do to improve things without doing away with the whole set up. Firstly I'm pretty sure you can squeeze a TT wall shelf inside the gap where the LP12 is this might mean the lid cannot be fully raised or has to removed for playing sessions and then if you move the CD shelves above your black boxes you could isolate them with either Fraim Glass, Cups and Balls or perhaps if your feeling really flush two stacks of Fraim built and fixed into the side board .
When you post pics of your setup on the forum, Lambretta, you open yourself up to a variety of comments, some complimentary, some critical; whereas I disagree with Bob's assessment of how it looks (my boat is not floated), I do agree entirely with his suggestion with regard to LP12 and CD placement. Therein lie very sensible suggestions for improvement.
Many years ago, I had a fully active Linn system which I housed in a home-made construction of black chip board, however it used to change from month to month as I got more and more enthusiastic with my jigsaw and electric drill. When I look back, I wonder how much better it would have sounded on a better support system.
Posted on: 13 October 2018 by hungryhalibut
I’d ask your dealer to lend you a proper stand. Assemble it on the floor in front of the unit, put all the equipment on it, and see what difference you hear. Then you can decide. I suspect the answer is to have the equipment on proper stands on the floor, have the records in a tall unit on the left, and have the CDs and books on wall shelves. That can look good and will very likely sound considerably better.
I cant say I’ve heard of Veebee, but it’s always good to see Johnny Marr’s autobiography.
Posted on: 13 October 2018 by lambretta
Thanks for all of the replies folks, I genuinely appreciate it and don’t mind at all that this setup isn’t for everyone :-)
It’s difficult to see in the photo how the unit fits in with the room space - it’s a big area and has a kitchen, dining and living space. Most of the time, we play 6music through the system when we’re doing other things as a family, I don’t get that much time to sit down, turn it up and really enjoy it (3 little boys under 11 usually put paid to that!).
The shelves are made out of MDF and the floor is concrete, so it’s not like it’s a chipboard setup on a suspended floor! The’ve Been in situ for about 18 months now and haven’t moved a millimetre. There are supports built in that you can’t see in between each piece of kit.
I do like the idea of keeping this setup but potentially improving it, there is certainly room to do something about the LP12, perhaps as suggested a new shelf or the QPlus feet that were mentioned by MDS.
I do also like the idea of testing out a proper rack, just to see if it’s such a big difference that it’s worth me redesigning and building everything!
Interesting comment on the heat - there is a lot of room behind the amps and a large cavity behind the entire unit, they certainly never get hot but I can’t say it’s something I’ve paid much attention to so will keep checking. I leave everything on permanently, which I understood to be the right thing to do? That said it is rarely cranked up very loud, so I doubt the load is significant and perhaps that’s why the heat isn’t building up...
Cheers :-)
Posted on: 13 October 2018 by Timmo1341
OK. Someone has to say it. (Apologies). If you enjoy your system leave it alone. If you want to improve your system do it all correctly. Rip out the unit. Two sets of Fraim. Brain and brawn. Install all in the recommended oft quoted manner. Recycle some of the unit to house what vinyl you can. Get a network player. Store the CDs. Easy.
Sorry, but I have to take issue with your use of the word ‘correctly’. The use of hi-fi stands is a very subjective issue, and whilst having no problem with those who believe such stands improve their system, to have the audacity to tell all those of us who do not conform we are setting up our systems incorrectly is breathtaking in its arrogance. FYI I did an A/B comparison, in my lounge, of my setup on home made built in shelving v Hutter and Fraim. No difference whatsoever discernible to me, my wife or the dealer.
Posted on: 13 October 2018 by blythe
Ideally, the LP12 should be supported other than on that all-in-one cabinet.
However, you live in the house, have a requirement to store your records in an accessible manner and, possibly, keep your other half happy.
At the very least, if it's possible, could you fit a quality hifi wall bracket directly to the wall, to carry the LP12?
That way, you'd have great isolation for the LP12, without sacrificing the convenience and look of your current set-up.
Posted on: 13 October 2018 by TOBYJUG
It's quite an unusual set up. Looks like it would be a young mans wet dream for his bachelor pad, yet by any standards that's a very high end system.
As its in an area of a large room, having a proper support wouldn't be too intrusive.
Get a dealer in and get them to set it all up on a rack/fraim and demo for a while. If there's only a marginal or no difference, you might have saved yourself a fukton of dosh.
Posted on: 13 October 2018 by mpw
I like it the way it is actually.
As long as there is fun to be had , and the music is flowing and the electronics don't get too hot..
Getting the maximum out of your investments in electronics can potentially take the mind away from the music to the hardware. .
Why fix something that ain't broke ?
Posted on: 13 October 2018 by RaceTripper
...
Apart from any effects on the sound, the amps and power supplies must run hotter than they need to, shortening their rather expensive lives.
It looks to me as if the black boxes are not getting inadequate ventilation. I have a Salamander cabinet, but the back is open. I am getting a Fraim in next few months anyway.
I would also worry that the LP12 doesn't get adequate isolation and is prone to LF feedback, which will affect the sound across the range,
Posted on: 14 October 2018 by Mulberry
Hi Lambretta,
I think your last sentence in the opening post is important: you think it sounds great. Please don’t forget that.
Having said that, I also think the support plays an important part in the overall performance of an audio system.
Looking at the way your current unit is built, I don’t think you can do much without tearing down substantial parts. Putting the LP 12 on Fraim Glass and Balls should be something to consider. The Quadraspire feet look promising, but are most likely to tall.
If you are open to a radical approach, this is what I would do: reduce the amount of things in the unit by ripping the CDs and selling the CDX, 282, Superline, Supercap, Hicap and Lingo. Get a Urika and the PSU to power it and the LP 12 and a 272. You can add something like the 555PS later.
The fewer boxes can go into the shelves vacated by the CDs and get either glass or the Quadraspire things below and still have enough ventilation. You would open up some space in your bank account, too 
Posted on: 14 October 2018 by lambretta
Thanks again folks, some great replies.
The first thing I’m going to do is open up the back of the unit to ensure more air is circulating to keep the boxes cool - I’ve been obsessively checking them now and the 250 is certainly getting warm - not hot but it certainly wont hurt to get a bit more air in there. I could also stick a couple of small fans in the back if I need to, you can get some decent cooling options in the home brew computer building world I think so might have a look at that.
I’m torn between putting a wall shelf in or going for the Quadraspire Qplus feet. There is certainly room in terms of height, I have a good 4 or 5 inches to play with even when the lid is open. The feet are obviously the easier solution but I would have liked to hear them first and we don’t seem to have a dealer up here.
Decisions decisions!
I would also like to find someone locally to come and terminate the cables properly, they were originally done when I bought them but one side got damaged and I soldered some new Chord banana plugs on. I don’t really have the right equipment though (thats my excuse) and I expect the soldering could be a lot better.
Cheers!
Posted on: 14 October 2018 by ChrisSU
The first thing I’m going to do is open up the back of the unit to ensure more air is circulating to keep the boxes cool - I’ve been obsessively checking them now and the 250 is certainly getting warm - not hot but it certainly wont hurt to get a bit more air in there. I could also stick a couple of small fans in the back if I need to, you can get some decent cooling options in the home brew computer building world I think so might have a look at that.
The case of a Naim amp is intended to act as the cooling sink, so it's perfectly normal for it to get warm. It will shut down automatically at 70 degrees C, and if this never happens when it's working hard, I don't think you need to worry about it.
I’m torn between putting a wall shelf in or going for the Quadraspire Qplus feet. There is certainly room in terms of height, I have a good 4 or 5 inches to play with even when the lid is open. The feet are obviously the easier solution but I would have liked to hear them first and we don’t seem to have a dealer up here.
A wall shelf in the space you have the LP12 may help, but if the surface it's attached to isn't very solid, it may not. I believe ProJect make a wall shelf designed for less sturdy timber and plasterboard walls, I have no experience of it myself, but maybe worth looking into.
For the Naim boxes, it may be worth trying some Fraim glass and balls to support them, but I'm not sure if you have enough space in those shelves?
I would also like to find someone locally to come and terminate the cables properly, they were originally done when I bought them but one side got damaged and I soldered some new Chord banana plugs on. I don’t really have the right equipment though (thats my excuse) and I expect the soldering could be a lot better.
Definitely worth finding a dealer who can solder some proper plugs on for you.
Good luck!
Posted on: 15 October 2018 by lambretta
The case of a Naim amp is intended to act as the cooling sink, so it's perfectly normal for it to get warm. It will shut down automatically at 70 degrees C, and if this never happens when it's working hard, I don't think you need to worry about it.
A wall shelf in the space you have the LP12 may help, but if the surface it's attached to isn't very solid, it may not. I believe ProJect make a wall shelf designed for less sturdy timber and plasterboard walls, I have no experience of it myself, but maybe worth looking into.
For the Naim boxes, it may be worth trying some Fraim glass and balls to support them, but I'm not sure if you have enough space in those shelves?
Useful info on the heat/ cooling issue, thanks - they've never shut down and like I mentioned earlier, have been turned on for pretty much 18months without ever having a problem.
At the moment, I have holes in the rear panel for cables etc, but you can't see it anyway, so I'm going ot remove larger sections of the panel and that will improve cooling anyway - even if it's debatable if it's necessary i certainly wont do any harm and it's relatively easy to do.
The wall behind the shelving unit is made of breeze blocks, it's part of an extension, so it certainly would provide a solid surface to attach to! Again this is relatively easy to achieve so worth considering.
