my sanctuary

[phunge]

Hello all!

Some questions about my system in the arc forum, thought I would start a thread here with the details.

this is where I like to unwind after work, and watch movies with my family:



The room is in my basement, which I finished about 5 years ago. It has double 5/8" drywall and extensive sound insulation, as well as a solid core entry door, which makes it possible to listen to music or watch movies after my kids go to sleep.

the first rack has all my music equipment:
- Ayre c-5xeMP
- Server (in Atech case)
- arc dac7
- arc ref3 limited

Off to the left is my grace m902 headphone amp which drives audeze lcd3s

I'm quite happy with the sound of 2ch music, though I'm still playing with speaker placement and want to explore some room treatments. Does anyone have any advice on speaker placement and/or room setup to share?

The ref3 preamp is new (to me), replacing an ls26. Next upgrade here may be a new dac, dCS Debussy or perhaps a new esoteric if they update the d05 or d03 with a USB input. I'm in no rush, though, as the ayre sounds great and most of my music is still on silver discs (I've started ripping them onto my server). Definitely interested in exploring high-rez downloads.

Second rack has my home theatre equipment
- ayre dx-7 DVD player
- pioneer elite bd09 bd player
- lexicon dc-1 processor (the weak link, next piece to be upgraded)
- cineversum master (brains for my projector)

Amps are boulder 850 monoblocks (x5)
Speakers are focal alto utopias (x4) plus matching Centre and subwoofer

Interconnects are mostly cardas neutral reference. Speaker cables are kimber select for the fronts, 8tc for the Centre and rears.

The Lexicon dc-1 was my first purchase, over 15 years ago. It started life connected to Bryston amps and paradigm speakers. It has served me very well, and performed flawlessly, but it's definitely the weak link in my system now and is going to be replaced soon. This area has been advancing so rapidly, I've been reluctant to pull the trigger. I've been considering anthem and Bryston, but now a new processor has piqued my interest, the theta supernova. I'd love a Casablanca, but a bit too pricey for me.

Anyways, thanks for looking.

[2fastdriving]

First of all, welcome to AA. Second, wow! Nice room! Incredible I'm sure!

[RoadDawgWest]

phunge
Welcome.
What a system you put together, really NICE!

[KahunaCanuck]

Nice room!

[Alki]

Great system and great room. So sweet.

[thxthx]

Nice... I'd like to unwind in that room too

[Jerome W]

Wow !!!

What a nice room and set up !
For sure, you take very seriously your surrounds. The antithesis of my own HT set up where the Surrounds are little Monitor Audio Bronze 1 while the L/R are either Wilsons or big Rega's....
I would clearly unwind in this room too !
It is good to see more and more Focal fans. Vive la France !

Welcome to AA too !

[Rod#S]

Very, very nice system and room, congrats! I love it that you have 4 Alto's. My dealer has a pair of Alto's and I enjoy them very much

[vinod_david]

Wow, stunning room and setup.

[enzo66]

Wonderful system and room.