@millercarbon - great system and great thread! Totally agree that solid value components and tweaks are the way to go. I’ve owned MANY components over the years including a six figure Shindo based system. After much listening and experimenting, I now use SR HFTs, ECTs, Atmosphere, Acoustic Panels, Fuses, Tranquility Bases, Black Box, etc. I started using PPT products as well. I’m finally to the point where I realize the actual components do make a difference but not as much as the room acoustics or how the signal and power are tweaked. Keep up the good work (battle) and congrats!
Home Theater Done Right: Millercarbon's System
Dual use, should probably be the title. Oh well. Finally posted my system. Someone’s always asking about how to do a dual use system. Well, here’s how its done.
Cinephile or audiophile, movies and music are the two things I have loved for as long as I can remember. I want my music to sound as good as possible, and I want my movies to look and sound as good as possible. Everything is a compromise and yet when it comes to these two the compromises are remarkably few. If any. At least that is what my system shows. Because it is a first-rate audiophile sound system, AND a top level home theater.
Whether music or movies an immersive experience is the goal. To lose yourself in the experience. To be carried away.
Studies show viewers consistently rate video quality higher when sound quality is high. Unfortunately the Home Theater industry has chosen to pursue quantity over quality. Which cannot ever work. No amount of surround speakers will ever make up for poor quality. Everyone knows this perfectly well. Being able to convince anyone otherwise is a testament to marketing.
But that’s not my main point here. Rather it is that everything matters. Seemingly minor little things like cryogenic treatment, HFT, ECT, Total Contact, fuses, cable elevators, etc when added together actually make so much difference it is almost impossible to build a truly good system without them.
Removing those tweaks from my system would lower it down to merely average.
Anyway, the system is posted. Enjoy the pics. I am not that good a photographer but Steve Clarke was busy. Tried to get the tubes go glow- how’d I do?
The system evolves. Here for reference are some pics from 16 years ago. https://www.theanalogdept.com/c_miller.htm
Comments welcome. Enjoy!
Cinephile or audiophile, movies and music are the two things I have loved for as long as I can remember. I want my music to sound as good as possible, and I want my movies to look and sound as good as possible. Everything is a compromise and yet when it comes to these two the compromises are remarkably few. If any. At least that is what my system shows. Because it is a first-rate audiophile sound system, AND a top level home theater.
Whether music or movies an immersive experience is the goal. To lose yourself in the experience. To be carried away.
Studies show viewers consistently rate video quality higher when sound quality is high. Unfortunately the Home Theater industry has chosen to pursue quantity over quality. Which cannot ever work. No amount of surround speakers will ever make up for poor quality. Everyone knows this perfectly well. Being able to convince anyone otherwise is a testament to marketing.
But that’s not my main point here. Rather it is that everything matters. Seemingly minor little things like cryogenic treatment, HFT, ECT, Total Contact, fuses, cable elevators, etc when added together actually make so much difference it is almost impossible to build a truly good system without them.
Removing those tweaks from my system would lower it down to merely average.
Anyway, the system is posted. Enjoy the pics. I am not that good a photographer but Steve Clarke was busy. Tried to get the tubes go glow- how’d I do?
The system evolves. Here for reference are some pics from 16 years ago. https://www.theanalogdept.com/c_miller.htm
Comments welcome. Enjoy!
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- 116 posts total
Thanks. Tweaks are just like components, they are not created equal. Some are much more effective and high value than others. The trick is to cover all the bases bringing everything up to around the same level. Everyone has their favorite. Its the speakers. Its the amp. Its the source. Its the room. Its.... whatever. In reality its.... all of it. Together. Like you have found. Like everyone finds when they bother to try. Every little thing, and no one really any more important than any other, because it all adds together. It really is as simple- and as hard- as that. |
Mike (goes by oregon here) came by and heard the system last week. Here quoted in its entirety (and also on the System page) is his review: "From a recent visit"- that was me! I happened to be in the Seattle area, so I made contact with Chuck to see if he’d be available for a listening session. I belong to a group of audiophiles (better known as Audiofoos by our friends and spouses) and I have the pleasure of listening to some very high end systems. Folks who have dedicated serious time and money to get the best music/sound into their lives. Walking into Chuck’s dedicated listening room, I immediately sensed that it was special. ( Kid in the candy store feeling). Our voices had no echo as we discussed equipment and tweaks. His enthusiasm was calm and controlled. I could see that his objective was to allow me to relax and to listen for myself. After we agreed to a few selected LPs, Chuck graciously allowed me to sit in the sweet spot. We listened to a dozen LPs. Never was I distracted from the sound by comments or discussion. I was laser focused, my mind and ears totally engrossed in the music. Excellent tonal balance and wide, pinpoint soundstage! Bass was tight and articulate and seemed to be coming from everywhere, but well integrated with the music, band, performance. Never boomy or out of control. Crystal clear highs and vocal midrange brought the band into the room, or, when my eyes were closed, I was transported to the venue. In my opinion, Chuck has achieved audio nirvana- that thing about being drawn into the music and hearing more and more detail, hearing the inflection of the voice whether it’s pain, joy, or spite (Cry Me a River). Horns were smooth, never harsh. The sound was wide and big, speakers disappeared. Room is surrounded by 4 small subwoofers and one in front. Lots of tweaks that is common among the most dedicated audiophiles I’ve known (personally, I’m kind of lazy and I don’t have the patience). But, it is truly impressive how everything works and one realizes the it is the sum that makes this system sound fantastic. Chuck knows exactly what works. Look closely at his system notes for details. Each time he played an LP, he carefully attended to each record and a process of order. Cleaning the stylus, demagnetizing... Of course, I am not an expert, but I am a music lover. I loved what I heard. If you are ever in the Seattle area, invite yourself to Chuck’s place. He might be available and you can hear for yourself the results of one crazy, seriously dedicated audiophile. Thanks Chuck. I hope to hear the music again. Mike millercarbon- You are welcome any time. Hopefully next time warmed up, and in the evening, when it will be even better. https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 |
- 116 posts total