System #96 (Summit)

Craig · 03-11-2006, 08:31 AM

1. Craig
2. Tampa, Florida
3. Summits
4. 2006
5. Harmonic Technology AC-11 power cords on the Summits
6. Electrocompaniet EMC1 UP SE CD player, 4.7 SE Preamp, AW-220 Mono Amps, Slimdevices.com Squeezebox 3, Chang Lightspeed 6400MkII Power Conditioner, Audience Speaker Cables, Harmonic Technology Magic Link One XLR Interconnects.

Over the last 3 years my system has evolved into this. I started with Ascents then moved those to the HT system, traded in a pair of Aeons for Odysseys then those for Sonus Faber Cremonas which were recently traded for the Summits. I plan to stay with the Summits for the long haul.

The Electrocompaniet system is very nice with a warm and smooth enveloping sound for SS. However, I made the mistake of auditioning tubes with my Summits and to make the story short, I just ordered an Art Audio Jota Extended Power 300BLXS tube amp for the Summits. Yes, I'm going with SET Tube power for the Summits. Actually, a borrowed 15 watt Cary CAD 300SEI integrated tube amp followed by a 16 watt Art Audio Carissa convinced me that a Class "A" SET tube amp is the direction I wanted to go with these speakers. Note: I'm into Vinyl but that setup is temporarily on hold.

The Slimdevices SB3 is an incredible highly versatile source component for just $300. I won't get into all the details of what it can do and how well it sounds on this post but I highly recommend it if you want to get into the high-res music server/internet radio thing. That's the box sitting on the plant to the right. It talks to the computer and is remotely controlled. The sound quality is all in the execution. A DAC or volume controlled CD player with digital input specifically for the SB3 is in the upgrade plan.

Craig · 03-11-2006, 11:08 AM

A couple more pics.

SugarMedia · 03-11-2006, 12:21 PM

Craig, Me likey.

Joey_V · 03-11-2006, 02:20 PM

Hot stuff there... me likey too!

Reverb · 03-13-2006, 04:39 PM

Damn Craig,

You got a jungle growing in your living room

, and what looks like leopard print sofa in the corner.

Nice setup.

Craig · 03-13-2006, 06:00 PM

I'm using the leopard as a low budget bass trap. My wife is still wondering were the pillows went.

cvj · 03-25-2006, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

The Slimdevices SB3 is an incredible highly versatile source component for just $300. I won't get into all the details of what it can do and how well it sounds on this post but I highly recommend it if you want to get into the high-res music server/internet radio thing. That's the box sitting on the plant to the right. It talks to the computer and is remotely controlled. The sound quality is all in the execution. A DAC or volume controlled CD player with digital input specifically for the SB3 is in the upgrade plan.

No doubt the plant's foilage adds a certain esoteric enhancement to the overall sound of your impressive system :-)

Has your wife tried watering the speakers or the amps yet???

Robin · 03-26-2006, 11:18 AM

Craig,

You've got a beautiful Summit system there, Wow!
You say you have your Ascent i's in a separate HT system, is that correct? If so can you tell me (us) more about your other HT system? Any photo's of your HT system as well?

Your two channel Summit system is really beautiful...

Craig · 01-26-2008, 05:16 AM

I've made a few changes to the system, furniture and room acoustics since I lasted posted our system so here is an updated photo. The system uses a Wadia 581i going direct into the 220w mono amps and is about as simple as you can get without using an integrated amp.

I've added a pair of ASC bass traps in the corners behind the speakers and made acoustic panels, one behind each speaker and 2 large 2' X 6' foot tall panels on the right wall to reduce the offset effect of being much closer to the that wall than the left wall.

These panels were made by attaching two 2' X 3' canvas picture frames at each end to make one large panel frame. We covered them in black faux suede and then used these to display handmade silks I brought back from Thailand. The idea was to try and make them look more like room decor and much less like a recording studio.

I have two foam dispersion panels hidden behind the woven window shade. You can see the square outline of these when the light shines in the window but they're not visible at night or with the curtains drawn.

I also have a couple of GIK 244 traps we recovered in the black faux suede and will be draping Thai silk over those.

Toe in of the speaker is slight using the Jim Powers method. I like to toe it in just enough to focus the imaging and no more. By doing it this way I maintain more soundstage and depth.

The audio rack is also DIY and was made with the help of an expert carpenter friend. The legs are oil rubbed teakwood and the horizontal braces are clearcoated lacewood. The shelves are custom cut granite resting on MDF board. For spiked feet I used a set of the heavy duty ML spiked feet I won at the "'07 Martin Logan Get Together". I love this rack.

Vinyl would be a nice addition but that requires a whole set of additional components to add to the system including a preamp.

The systems sounds great but I'm always trying new things. I may update this post next week when it changes again if not tomorrow.

MiTT · 01-26-2008, 06:10 AM

Craig, those room treatments look absolutely stunning to me. Did you do anything on the backside of the frames (stuff it with foam of fiberglass insulation or anything similar). I'd really like to see a close up. I'd also like to see a close up of the rack, it looks beautiful too!

What made you go back to the Electrocompaniet's in favor of the Art Audio?

Great looking setup!

Rich · 01-26-2008, 06:56 AM

Craig,

You guys might just win the WAF award for best integration of a great hi fi system into the living room. Looks as good as I know it sounds.

Craig · 01-26-2008, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiTT

Craig, those room treatments look absolutely stunning to me. Did you do anything on the backside of the frames (stuff it with foam of fiberglass insulation or anything similar). I'd really like to see a close up. I'd also like to see a close up of the rack, it looks beautiful too!

What made you go back to the Electrocompaniet's in favor of the Art Audio?

Great looking setup!

Here's a close up of the rack. I'm currently working on it's twin 3 shelf rack. After waiting two weeks the granite shelves are now ready and may be able to finish it tomorrow. The second will be good for an analog setup.

Thanks for the compliments. Getting her input on the design choices seems to help with the WAF ratings.

Craig · 01-26-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiTT

What made you go back to the Electrocompaniet's in favor of the Art Audio?

I still have the Art Audio Jota. I change between the Art Audio and the Electrocompaniets AW220s every few months. The Electrocompaniets seem to do a better job overall with these speakers and a listening test with some friends over had the same opinion. For solid state amps these AW220 amps come pretty close to having warm sounding tube qualities with good bass to boot.

These speakers will play fine with the Art Audio but I'm pretty sure that a reasonably efficient pair of cone speakers will bring out more of the Art Audio's 300BXLS sonic virtues. But that is why I've been searching for a more powerful SET amp for the Summits. However, it seems to be an exercise in futility or too cost prohibitive.

Therefore, I think my best option is to find a good matching cone speaker to use with the Art Audio and have a second system with a nice lush warm sonic 300B SET tube type voice or at least a different flavor from the electrostat and SS system. I like steak AND lobster.