Just curious as to the people who like myself have many thousands "invested" in their main system with all the latest tweaks, cables etc and also have a second or even third system.
Did you assemble that with the same love and care and dedication and costly tweaks?
Or did you throw something together from bargain bins or indeed your old leftovers and then sat back and thought...Wow this sounds really good!
And if so did that get you thinking on the main system...lol.
My second system cost way less than the speaker cables on my main system but I am constantly shocked at just how nice it sounds for such a no frills setup.
Linn Classic all in one Tannoy 2 ellipse small floorstanders 20 year old (at least) Jensen 50w 8 inch sub. Monster Cable 12/2 speaker cable bare wire ends. Home brewed power cord just cos I had it laying around.
The Linn just sits on top of a chest of drawers with the Tannoys flanking the chest either side and the lil sub sitting behind the chest.
Janszen zA2.1 Valentina speakers Modwright Oppo Sonics streamer/Dac Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 amp Linear Tube Audio MZ3 pre streaming from 10 TB NAS Audioquest type 4 speaker cable 40’ Cetious Tech Matrix power and interconnects P10 Regenerator
Yea, it is about a 10 minute process to set up. However it serves an entire afternoon/evening session.
I once had a Vincent SV-226 integrated. Wish I never sold it. I would be using it in my 2ndary system now. The Pathos serves well however. It does draw more attention.
Uber, the Vincent is really nice. I was using an Audio Research Vsi55 integrated in this system, but didn't like the amount of heat it put out in this small space. The Vsi55 sounds a _little_ better, but moving to the Vincent was not a "downgrade" in my opinion. I forgot to mention I also have a SVS SB2000 sub sitting next to my computer desk to flesh out the Harbeths.
Do Not think I have ever seen or heard that before.
For when I want to listen by the pool or hot tub I have an el cheapo Bluetooth speaker I takeout and stream from my phone or tablet to on Qobuz or similar. Cheap and cheerful but good enough for the occasion.
Very nice Greg. I always thought those Vincent amps were a great deal and very under appreciated. The Harbeths must sound excellent in near field in that rig. Congratulations on a very nicely executed system.
I don't think I ever actually listed the contents of my second system, as I have more than one. But in terms of sound quality, this is the one I've put the most effort into and listen to in the morning. It's setup in a small room, with speakers close to nearfield.
Vincent SV-237 Integrated Dell XPS 9000 (11 years old and still going strong!) for digital (Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, Pandora, and network share) MHDT Labs Orchid DAC Harbeth P3ESR Special Edition Music Hall 7.1 turntable with Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cart Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena phono stage Onkyo DV-SP205FX SACD player (Japan version with power transformer) Simaudio 430HA headphone amp and an assortment of headphones
@uberwaltz I somehow missed your question regarding my 'rolling out' of my outdoor system. Yes I have the electronics on a stand with large wheels. Roll out the electronics. Place speakers on stands left in place.
Thx! To be honest, I’ve not yet heard either system in final configuration as listed, as each was finalized just today from my local dealer on a good virus sale right before our state shuts down tonight for two weeks.
So I’ll have to wait a few weeks to pick up the 7000n and 851n (pieces I ordered today from local dealer), but pretty excited to at least have something to look forward to in these crazy times.
My second system is in my bedroom: Spendor D1 mini monitors; REL R-328 subwoofer; Cambridge Audio Edge W power amp; Cambridge Audio Azur 851n dac/streamer; Audioquest Powerquest 3 power conditioner; MIT Terminator 4 speaker cables and ICs; Signal power cables and neutrik cable to REL.
My third system is at my work office: Spendor SA1 mini monitors; Sunfire SDS8 subwoofer; Marantz pm7000n integrates amp/streamer; W Audio power conditioner; Signal speaker cables; Pangea power cables and sub cable.
I purposely have not tweaked my second system. No acoustic treatment, and only lightly optimized positioning. It’s on and next to my computer desk.
NAS > Windows Computer with JRiver > Classé CP-800 DAC-Preamp > Marsh A400s > Harbeth P3ESR + B&W ASW610
The Windows computer I owned already. The Classé was moved from my first system. The Marsh, Harbeths, and sub were bought used. (The NAS feeds all the audio gear in the house.)
There is an inexpensive BrickWall surge suppressor also.
Like others, I use the system during the day. It’s also great for previewing recordings I am thinking about buying (usually as downloads).
Just "finished" changing my second rig around, trying to make it near a full vintage system.
Removed the "modern" Pioneer CD player.
Now it consists of an old Sanyo receiver , JCX 2400K. JVC QL-A7 turntable with Glanz MFG 610 cartridge. Akai CS-M3 cassette player. Vienna Acoustics Haydn speakers.
Looks and sounds very nice.
I use it a lot during the day due to it's location in the main part of the house.
My secondary system is rolled out onto my back deck for spring/summer/fall listening. I live in the country so do not disrupt neighbors. It has been evolving over the last few years. Currently consists of:
Apple MacBook Pro with PureMusic, AIFF file playback Micromega MyDAC Pathos Model One MKII integrated B&W CM5 speakers Audioquest King Cobra ICs, Rockett 33 SCs, VDM3 DC
I have also can rotate in a NAD 356BEE or Yamaha S701 integrated amplifier.
It started out as an $20.00 yard sale Kenwood complete component/rack system with a linear track turntable. The speakers were my NHT VT-1.2’s, Bose 501 Series IV and my Carver True Sub 8’’.
I have since traded out some of the components.
Replaced the speakers with Martin Logan’s ESL 8s’’
Still have the Carver True Sub
Replaced the turntable with an JVC QL-Y55F
Replaced the control amp with the Kenwood C2 preamp
>>
Maybe this revelation calls for a new thread....<<
My second system in the basement "man-cave" is a Bluesound Powernode 2, Elac B5 speakers, and leftover 1990s-era XLO speaker cables. Similarly, I am constantly amazed at how good it sounds. Sure, there is nowhere near the detail and air of my main system, but still pretty damn good for a fraction of the cost. It is making me re-think how I will approach future audio purchases and upgrades.
But now I have pieced together a 4th system and I am just totally in shock at how good it sounds. It has me questioning why on earth I am spending thousands upon thousands on other gear?
Very simple rig.
Wharfedale Diamond 220 speakers, $125 shipped. Sansui A-2100 integrated from late 70,s , $75 shipped. Google Chromecast Audio streamer, $40 shipped. Hooked up with el cheapo 3.5mm to twin RCA ic and QED bare wire end speaker cables all lying around in my goody box.
The SQ is simply mind bending for the cost and simplicity. The bass is felt through the floor and gut, hard to believe from those tiny boxes! Mids and treble are clear and distinct. About the only area it is not superior at is soundstage but what can one expect for $240 all in?
Is it synergy or were some of these Japanese integrated amps from the golden era simply that good!
2nd system Family room BAT 300se esoteric dv-60 wilson wp6 a sonus internet radio module for streaming intent radio 3rd system gararge marantz 2252 pair of klipsch lascalas 4th system shop sansui 517 intigrated amp Sansui tu9900 tuner 2 pair klipsch Heresy 1pair of klipsch outdoor aw6 ,backside of shop for firepit
My second and third system are in my man cave. It's a big 1200 square foot sub basement and I love it to death. I'm still compiling system three as I plan to build it around a network streamer. It will be on the opposite long wall of the following.
System two is a mix of vintage and newer gear. Yamaha CA-810 integrated amp Yamaha CR810 Tuner Yamaha TC500 Cassette Deck Onkyo 7030 cd player Pro-Ject Debut Carbon TT Acurus A10 phono stage Wharfedale Diamond 225 stand mounted speakers Sounds great and gives me satisfying listening in mainly a background way.
Just an update on my second system which I am enjoying most days.
I did treat all connections in it to some TC paste about 3 weeks ago as I had done the main system and had plenty to spare.
Now my main system is centered around a listener being in the sweet spot of my sofa and as such sounds superb there but say walking around not so much.
The second system is in a much superior acoustic room and the small Tannoys benefit enormously from being against a wall and having bass output boosted. This system really does not have a sweet spot as such and sounds pretty good anywhere in the room or even the next room.
So during the daytime if I am at home and better half at work it gets played a lot. Evenings I have to retire to "my" room with the main system.
2nd system advanced to first as it's what I listen to most nowadays. Rogue Pharaoh VPI Prime Super Scout Musical Fidelity A3CD (aged) Oppo 103D B&W 803D2 Transparent Ultra SC Audioquest Big Sur ICS
As I had decided for now that my main system was "completed" ( yes I know, we will see!), I decided to revamp the 3rd system in my daughter's room ( now at university in Alaska so I will use,lol).
So consists of.
Sony PS3 for CD, Spotify, Pandora, Netflix. Jvc tt cw ortofon red cartridge. Epos els3 bookshelf speakers. NAD D3020V2 amp/dac. This v2 has a built in mm phono input as well as another analog aux input and toslink and spdif digital inputs,no Usb input though.
PS3 by toslink and Jvc tt into mm phono input.
Now about that spare analog input, maybe I can find space somewhere to add the Nakamichi bx100 tape player I have sitting idle......
Updated my second home office system: Esoteric I-03 Integrated Amplifier Esoteric N-05 Network Player/DAC Still using and loving the Sony HAP-Z1ES Music Server and KEF LS50 Speakers
My first system is now my second system in my rec room:
Group 1: McIntosh C31V A/V controller McIntosh MC2600 power amp McIntosh 7008 cd changer McIntosh Tuner TimeWindow 3 speakers
Group 2: Pioneer SPEC4 power amp SoundCraftsman SP4001 equalizer/pre Boston Acoustic L1000 speakers
Group 3: Rodec Professional DJ Mixer Techniques SL1600MK2 turntable Squeezebox Duet Teac X10R reel-to-reel dbx 224 noise reduction unit dbx 3bx range expander
@wspohn those PSE amps are gold.....but you know that.... Dean is around and working....he and Richard Vandersteen collaboration on the new M7 and now M5 power amps..... they are amazing....
@uberwaltz which is my mobile recording rack...which I will just summarize as a collection of ribbon and other vintage mics, fern and United audio preamps, Mogami cables, Ayre A to D, Wadia A to D, Revox B77 mkiii high speed half track, some word clocks, a Marantz pro Cd burner, Bryston power amp, Sonus Faber concertino and Stax monitor headphones....
I live in an interior townhouse, flanked by people who still work. My bedroom system had to yield to not disturbing the neighbors, so, I have a Magnum Dynalab FM tuner feeding a BP-6c preamp, with STAX Lambda Pro Headphones from the preamp. We have a wonderful 24/7 classical music station (WBJC) nearby, so I can lie in bed and either read or listen. My third "system" is a pair of B&W MM-1 speakers for my iMac so I can listen to classical stations on Internet Radio while I'm writing this input. (The B&Ws have their own DAC, OK for the purpose.)
Charles Very nice sounding system. I think you will like the AT headphones, I just sold mine in favour of a pair of audeze el8 open backs but they were extremely precise and detailed and imho punched way above their price point.
Good call on the Nakamichi deck, I own 3 now...lol. 582, bx100 and lx3.
Can't bear to see my pile of tapes just sitting collecting dust.
Integrated Amplifier: NAD 3140 Integrated Amplifier
Home Theater Receiver: Yamaha RV-V481 Audio/Video Receiver (For Internet Radio & Home Theatre)
Phono Preamplifier: Schiit Mani
Turntable: Technics SL-1210 M5G + Nagoaka MP-200
Cassette Deck: Nakamichi BX-300 (Returning... want a used one in good condition off of eBay.... bought one in the late 80’s, and had the original one for 26 Years)
Music Player: BlueSound NODE 2 (coming Christmas 2018 or early 2019)
And thinking about upgrading the Integrated Amplifier (in time, of course), to a Denon, Harman/Kardon, a Kenwood, or a Yamaha (all older or recent models with Dual-Mono construction.... newer ones are insanely expensive, and they’re not economically feasible for a secondary system).
After this system is assembled, I may never step foot into my living room ever again (LOL)
I suppose I could also rehash the 3rd system too, which is really in my daughter's room and very simple.
Jvc tt, PS3( CD, Spotify, Pandora) just into a Klipsh wall mounted sound bar. Been toying with idea of a cheap integrated/DAC and bookshelf sized speakers.
But the sound bar does sound surprisingly good so I should probably leave well alone!
wow some really fantastic systems out there....I plan to present this thread to the War Department when she asks about my next Audiogon purchase.....
system 2: Basis 1400, Rega OEM300, Delos , NOVa II phono, NAIM Atom, Vandersteen Treo CT mix of Shunyata and Kimber wire Isotek power conditioning...use serious listening ...
system3 aka vintage: Denon DP35 F , Nakagoka Cart, Croft RS Phono, MCD-205 CD, MX-110 Z rebuilt by Modeferi , MC240 into Vandersteen 1ci while I rebuild QUAD ESL-63 This is also my therapy room...hunting/ fishing tackle repair and readiness....
garage rocker...Nakamichi deck, Denon CD, variety of gear NAD, RANE, various tube amps Klipsch Cornwalls...yes they are loud...I can and do triamp them with RANE amps.....rarely..
Just updated my second system Time for a change of its heart, Have replaced the Linn Classik with a Peachtree Audio Nova integrated with tube pre. First impressions, a lot more and tighter bass and just sounds altogether more modern for want of a better word. For now I have turned off the little Jensen sub as it really does not need any bass help imho. A nice upgrade and as I am mostly streaming music nowadays the digital inputs were all I needed.
The Third System is a Mobile Headphone Based System.
Headphones #1: Sennheiser HD-650 Headphones (Same Ones Used In Second System — Home Listening Only)(Music Only)
Headphones #2: Sennheiser HD-598 Headphones (Same Ones Used In Second System — Mobile & Home Theater Listening (For Now)(Mobile Listening Only When The Audio Technica ATH-M50x’ Finally Arrive)
Headphones #3: Audio Technica ATH-M50x (Same Ones Listed In Second System — Multi Purpose Listening (Both Music & Home Theater)(Home Theater Headphones When They Arrive)(Price — $150.00)
Haedphone Amplifier/DAC: xDuoo XD-05
Music Player: Apple iPhone 6S — 64 GB (For Now)(Eyeing Cayin i5 OR Cowon P1 Plenue Down The Road)($400.00 To $500.00)
Charles Sounds tidy system. I have a pair of those AT cans, excellent vfm. Not the deepest bass but very tight and accurate and pretty light on the head to boot. Enjoy!
Just put together a third system but as it is for my daughter for her impending university "vacation" you could really call it her first system. Needed to be extremely compact and versatile.
Cocktail Audio X-12 cd ripper, player, amp. Combined with a pair of PSB Alpha Mini speakers Stock power cord and 10 gauge bare end Monster speaker cable.
ATM it has her Teac TN-300 tt plugged in . Have to say for just around $800 all in it sounds pretty darn good, yes 30wpc is not going to take you too far but she is not going to need much in her dorm room, more the versatility. She can (HOPEFULLY!) plug her ipad in which has a gazillion mp3 files (kids!) and we will be loading it with her fave ripped cds prior to uni. And it has the all important headphone output for late at night sessions.
Not what some will call hifi I know but for her it is going to be perfect.
Gonzalo....I was going to say a Classe ca100 simply because i had one as a spare while my BAT was being repaired and to say it "only" rated at 100w i hardly noticed the difference in power. Now it was a fair bit "warmer" than the BAT but very detailed and airy for sure. And considering you can pick them up for about $500 to $600 used is a very good deal indeed. However in that price range there are just so many choices....
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