Here are brief descriptions of my current audio systems. I will keep this post up to date as equipment changes. Latest edit is 04/23/2024.
Audio Room
Audio Room
- Streaming: For a diagram of the signal path, see second diagram at this link. The details are: Xfinity Gigabit internet service, feeding Xfinity xFi Advanced Gateway, feeding 90 feet of CAT6 shielded ethernet cable, feeding 5 feet of Blue Jeans Cable Cat 6 Patch Cords ethernet cable, feeding TRENDnet TEG-S51SFP 4-port Gigabit Switch with SFP Slot powered by 5V output of Farad Super3 with optional Level 2 Classic DC cable, feeding Startech SFP Module feeding one meter of LC-LC Duplex 9/125µm Corning ClearCurve Single Mode Bend Insensitive Fiber Optic Patch Cable, feeding Startech SFP Module, feeding Lumin L2 Music Library & Network Switch, feeding Startech SFP Module, feeding one meter of LC-LC Duplex 9/125µm Corning ClearCurve Single Mode Bend Insensitive Fiber Optic Patch Cable, feeding Startech SFP Module, feeding Lumin X1 streaming DAC.
- Sources: Lumin L2 and Lumin X1 for music files, Qobuz, Tidal, and internet radio. Roon Labs Poor Man's Nucleus Plus with Farad Super3 LPS for Roon streaming; following Roon's recommendation, this is connected by Blue Jeans Cable Cat 6 Patch Cords ethernet cable to my router in a different room, and thus not physically present in my audio room.
- Interconnects: Benchmark Studio&Stage XLR Cables, 2 meter pair from Lumin X1 to Benchmark amps.
- Speakers: Graham LS8/1 Signature Edition in teak finish or Watkins Generation Four in cherry finish.
- Speaker Stands: Graham Audio dedicated stands for these speakers, as used about 16 inches high. Skylan SP-30 30-inch-high two-post stands with posts filled with hardwood pellets for Watkins speakers.
- Amplifiers: Two Benchmark AHB2 Solid State Amplifiers, bridged for mono operation.
- Speaker Cable: Benchmark Studio&Stage Speaker Cable--SpeakOn NL2 to Locking Banana
- Equipment Stand: Salamander Archetype three shelf 20"-high equipment stand.
- Power Cables: Cable Leader North American 3 or 6 ft 14 AWG Hospital Grade Power Cord Cable 5-15P to IEC320 C13 or GTT Audio Absolute Power Cord MkII for all electronic components.
- Vibration Control: A/V Room Service Equipment Vibration Protectors (EVPs)--usually three or four each of proper load rating under each electronic component on equipment rack, although with a couple of very small and very lightweight items (e.g., the TRENDnet switch) I only use one EVP carefully placed under the item to distribute the load evenly on the EVP's bellows suspension. Large (17" x 12" x 1.5") Bright Star Audio Little Rock on floor under equipment rack to damp local laminate wood floor vibration near where the rack feet contact the floor. Bright Star Audio Little Rock platforms under amps on carpet.
- System Control: Apple iPad Pro M-1 (2021 3rd Generation) running the Lumin App and various streaming services.
- Room: 161" L x 132" W x 103.5" H rectangular converted bedroom with plaster walls, one double hung window on right wall, one door on left wall, and one large closet the whole width of the room behind the listening seat.
- Listening Chair: Drexel velour upholstered chair used without the seat cushion for the Graham speakers, putting my ears at about 34 inches above the rug, even with the lower tweeter of the speakers. For the Watkins, I use the seat cushion, which puts my ears about 37 inches above the rug.
- Room treatment: About 128 square feet of natural white Acoustical Solutions four-inch-thick AlphaSorb Flat Foam acoustic foam covering first-reflection areas of all walls.
- Electrical: Two dedicated 20-amp circuits using 12-gauge copper wire; P.I. Audio Group customized Pass & Seymour 5362A wall outlets, P.I. Audio Group UberBUSSes, P.I. Audio Group BUSS Depot; Caig Labs Deoxit Pro G100L-2DB for all non-soldered electrical connections.
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