The BEST system you've ever built !!!!


What is the best system that you have ever put together , from source to speakers including cables ??? After all the swaps and auditions I'm looking for the final "aahhh, that's the ticket" sound to you and what components took you to Audio Nirvana. {This is a survey of actual auditions, not what you read in a magazine} THANKS,
krellpower1
Sony SCD777ES
Musical Fidelity A300
Audio Physic Virgos
Maybe it is the most modest system so far, I am new in this but I really enjoy this hobby. Great sites, great people.
I was trying a lot of stuff for a while. I still consider myself a relative newbie, but have finally settled on a rig that has made me very content. I have a smallish room (15x18), but it’s treated with sonex panels in critical areas. My speakers are ProAc 2.5,s driven by Audio Research Amps (LS-16 / 100.2), with a Resolution Audio CD-50 as the main source. I found that Synergistic’s Resolution Reference wire and interconnects works well with this, and I use balanced on the source and amps, with shotgun runs to the speakers. Last but not least is the essential PS Audio P300, which powers everything with some room to spare. Early on, I made some fundamental choices (like unobtrusive two way floorstanders & mixed tube and SS). I was also striving toward simplicity, and minimal gear. I have been quite happy with this systems ability to play at lower volume levels, and without having to spend megabucks, it has a very nice sense of delicacy and finesse
Source: Burmester 001 24/96 Belt Drive CD/DAC/Pre
Interconnect: Tara "The Zero"
Amps: Accuphase A-50(2) mono bridged
Speaker cables: Tara "The One"(2pr)
Speakers: MBL 111A
AC Conditioner: Bermester 948
AC Cables: Tara "The One"
Acces: ASC Panels/traps, Walker Audio Super Tune Kits on amps and Walker Audio HDLs on the speakers.

I love this system but have a few additions that I intend to make in the future: Boulder 2010 Preamp(no I'm not joking...this thing is heaven on earth and worth every dime!) and a Burmester 979/980 combo. The choice for the new Burmester 001 over their equally awesome 979/980 combo was that in the short term, I feel the 001 works better with no preamp and I am not quite ready to part with the wad for the 2010 just yet.

This system is all about a smooth and natural timber, massive layered sounstage, great macro dynamics with no lack of detail and micro dynamics. The four biggest performers in the system that I would not replace without some serious consideration no matter how much I have to spend(best first): 1.MBL 111A 2.Tara "The Zero" 3.ASC Traps/Panels(never underestimate room treatment even on an elaborate rig) 4.Burmester 948(Once again, do not underestimate the little things like great AC conditioning!)
Great thread, for some reason I like it better than the virtual systems.
Speakers: Martin Logan Monolith IIs modified with Focal 12" drivers
Amps: Mark Levinson 20.0 Reference Monoblocks for panels and Krell KMA 160 monoblocks for bass
Crossover: Bryston 10B, balanced, 125Hz 24dB per octave
Pre-amp: Mark Levinson 380S
D/A: Mark Levinson 36
Transport: Mark Levinson 37
Phono Stage: Sonic Frontiers Signature w/ NOS (Siemens & Brimar) tubes
Turntable: VPI MK 3
Tonearm: SME IV.Vi
Cartridge: Van den Hul, the Frog
Cables: Audioquest Lapis and Diamond interconnects, except phono cable which is Siltech. AQ Sterling and Clear (4 foot runs) speaker cable.
Power cables: Most I've made with Hubble plugs, outlets, and 10 gauge stranded wire. Source power cables have 14 gauge stranded wire and dedicated EMI/RFI filters.
Power: Dedicated 220V stepped down to 110V via toroidal transformer (2 live poles at 55 volts out of phase to cancel noise).
Room: Dedicated 17 x 18 (not really rectangular) with built in bass traps.
Equipment rack: built into the wall, supported by wall joists rather than the floor for isolation. Turntable is similarly mounted to a wall mount stand of oak rails and granite top.
This system also has a theater, but I won't go into that unless someone asks. It's take a long time and many upgrades to build this system--and I'm still making changes. Judging by how long this thread has been open, some of the early responders have probably upgraded as well. One of the biggest improvements was the built in bass traps and the power. If you are ever building a dedicated listening room, I can't stress these two things enough. $$ per performance is amoung the best I've encountered.
Abstract7, Would you mind giving me more details about your house wiring set-up? I am getting ready to re-wire my listening room and would like your layout in more detail. I have read other threads on this subject,but would like to hear yours in more detail....You can email me direct if you want......Thanks