My stereo system design and implementation are FINISHED!

[bobfa]

 

Quote

MY SYSTEM IS FINISHED😄

 

 

Here is a summary of the changes and some notes.  The system design is shown in my profile!

 

 

 

 

• The most significant change is the addition of a Chord Hugo TT2 powered by a Farad 3 LPS.
•  I have removed the turntable and set the Google Chromecast aside for now. Neither of them got any actual use.
• I am expanding the server's storage using an 18TB drive to store up-sampled files generated offline. 
• I am using "Snake Skins" from American Recorder to bundle the signal cables to the speakers. 
• There are also subsequent minor tweaks with the speakers and stands. 
• I have removed the NUC and the touch screen from the system to clean up the look and work out Roon Windows Touchscreen issues.  
• My control point iPad is stored in the Victrola when not in use.  

 

For the first time in decades, I am feeling a sense of closure.  There is nothing wrong, nothing I want to change.  That is NEAT!

There is a lot of meta-data to fix and albums to sort.  Selective remastering is also a rather lengthy process. Some new SFPs are arriving next week for the Adnaco devices.

  

Here is a gallery of images:

 

 

 

The Pareto music server and HDplex Power supplies in the basement rack

 

 

The Puritan Audio Labs filter and the Adnaco link and Shanti power supply

 

 

System View from the adjacent Dining room.

The left speaker side view with the new cable managment

Right speaker front view

Right speaker rear view and cables

Hugo TT2 DAC and Farad power supply

 

 

Bluesound Node 2i and the speaker remote

 

 

 

[botrytis]

So clean looking. 

 

Would love to hear.

[new_media]

What a clean installation! Love what you did with the cabinet.

 

I'm using a repurposed desk for my vinyl rig right now, but I'm looking for a console similar to what you are using.

 

What is the cable running into the air vent?

[sphinxsix]

Neat! I also like the reduction of the right channel first reflection with the plant, did the same myself once!

 

 

2 hours ago, bobfa said:

For the first time in decades, I am feeling a sense of closure.

 

I hope it will last.

 

 

[bobfa]

The Plant and the opening to the Dining Room might help with first reflections.  

 

The plant just looks nice!

 

 

[ASRMichael]

Looks beautiful! Well done! 
 

I look forward to the day when I can say I’m done. On a journey with AA (Audio Anonymous). 
 

Hopefully soon! 
 

P.S. don’t forget the anti-static carpet spray!! 

[John Dyson]

3 hours ago, bobfa said:

 

 

 

Here is a summary of the changes and some notes.  The system design is shown in my profile!

 

 

 

 

• The most significant change is the addition of a Chord Hugo TT2 powered by a Farad 3 LPS.
•  I have removed the turntable and set the Google Chromecast aside for now. Neither of them got any actual use.
• I am expanding the server's storage using an 18TB drive to store up-sampled files generated offline. 
• I am using "Snake Skins" from American Recorder to bundle the signal cables to the speakers. 
• There are also subsequent minor tweaks with the speakers and stands. 
• I have removed the NUC and the touch screen from the system to clean up the look and work out Roon Windows Touchscreen issues.  
• My control point iPad is stored in the Victrola when not in use.  

 

For the first time in decades, I am feeling a sense of closure.  There is nothing wrong, nothing I want to change.  That is NEAT!

There is a lot of meta-data to fix and albums to sort.  Selective remastering is also a rather lengthy process. Some new SFPs are arriving next week for the Adnaco devices.

  

Here is a gallery of images:

 

 

 

The Pareto music server and HDplex Power supplies in the basement rack

 

 

The Puritan Audio Labs filter and the Adnaco link and Shanti power supply

 

 

System View from the adjacent Dining room.

The left speaker side view with the new cable managment

Right speaker front view

Right speaker rear view and cables

Hugo TT2 DAC and Farad power supply

 

 

Bluesound Node 2i and the speaker remote

 

 

 

 

Looks nice --

however kindly and respectfully - stereo/hifi systems are almost never 'finished' :-).

 

[Rexp]

You appear to have the Node connected directly to the speakers via SPDF rather than to the Chord DAC, what was your thinking here? Thanks! 

[bobfa]

It is part of the testing and systems design.

 

The speakers will auto switch to a new input after fifteen seconds of silence, so I do not need to switch inputs on the DAC manually.  Google Assistant is linked to Bluesound so you can voice activate the system.

 

In addition it is interesting to see what the performance is using that audio path.  Just start with the speakers and the Node 2i and you have something VERY nice.

 

 

I will have to try SPDIF to the TT2 one day soon.  Rainy weekend, we will see!

 

Bob

 

[Jeff_N]

Sweet setup. Those speakers look so cool.

 

On 4/9/2021 at 4:20 PM, new_media said:

What is the cable running into the air vent?

 

I was also wondering about that.

[bobfa]

Bundle of cables running beside the air vent has the following:

 

• Ground wire for the Puritan Ground Master
• Fiber Optic cable for the Adnaco to the server in the basement
• Spare Fiber Ethernet cable
• Spare copper Ethernet cable

 

They are wrapped in a SnakeSkin wrap.  It is the simplest way to get the cables to the basement without drilling holes in the middle of the floor. It was easy to slide them next to the vent!

 

 

I am really happy with the look!  Also I added a logical diagram of the system to my profile.

 

 

[Confused]

The system looks superb I have to say.  I feel relaxed and ready to listen to something just from looking at the photographs!

 

I notice that you are using a Puritan Audio PSM156 "mains purifier", as they call it.  By coincidence, I have just been reading some very positive reports of this item on another forum.

 

Clearly any sound quality influences of such a device are going to be highly system and mains quality dependent, but I was wondering if you had any comments or observations to make on the product?

 

Personally I think it looks like a very nicely engineered "foo free" type of item, but I was wondering if you had any thoughts?

[bobfa]

@Confused 

I have done some basic testing with basic mains filtering systems.  I found that the PSM156 was better, it was a step up from the Transparent P6.  I really like the fact it filters each outlet individually.  

 

I have also done some basic testing with their power cords.  In my last test I used three cords to the Farad3 feeding my DAC and the Puritan cable was better.  I am sure that I could make this even better, but when does it stop?  Is it madness?  Puritan has some new power cords.  I am thinking about working with the distributor to test a couple.

 

A while back I had a dedicated circuit put for the system.  I now need to do that for the server in the basement.  I have to think about what I want to do down there for Mains filtering.  I have a Transparent P2 and their HP power cords to the two supplies.  Should I upgrade there?  Just not sure.

 

So the system is “finished.” I am happy, but I may have some other changes around the edges.

 

bob

[GregWormald]

12 hours ago, bobfa said:

So the system is “finished.” I am happy, but I may have some other changes around the edges.

 

bob

Very nice. I bet it sounds good too. I wish mine was as neat.

 

Although—I'm reminded of this:

“Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times.”
― Mark Twain

 

[Gavin1977]

How is the TT2 fed... from the bluesound?  I ask because I’ve also just got a TT2, and a new version of the node has just launched.

 

Love your system, I feel at ease and a sense of conclusion just looking at the photos!

 

 

[bobfa]

8 hours ago, Gavin1977 said:

How is the TT2 fed... from the bluesound?  I ask because I’ve also just got a TT2, and a new version of the node has just launched.

 

Love your system, I feel at ease and a sense of conclusion just looking at the photos!

 

 

The TT2 is fed via and Andnao PCIe to USB from my server.  There is a diagram and info on my profile.

 

The Bluesound is a separate feed to the speakers (coax digital). 

 

I have added my turntable back and that is not in the diagram.  It is unbalanced analog to the Five 17 ‘s