So I finally moved into my own place, just renting for now but it's still nice to have my own space. Thought I'd share the music & movie set up.

 

TT - Musichall MMF 7.1

Cartridge - Garrott Brothers P77i

Phono - Avid Audio Pulsus

Network Streamer - Cambridge Audio CXN V2

DAC - Holo Audio Spring DAC Level 2 V1

Preamp - Modwright Instruments LS100

Power Amp - DIY Holton

Speakers - Lenehan Audio ML1 Plus R

Power Conditioner - Isotek Aquarius / PS Audio Detect

Cables - Lenehan Audio / Cardas / Nordost

Soundbar - Yamaha YSP 1600 MkII

TV - Hisense PX55 OLED

Blu Ray Player - Sony UBP - X800

Looks very nice and neat!

Very nice, well done!

Thank you for all the appreciation.

 

Thought process behind the set up was simple, best available (new or used) equipment I could afford. It's been a work in progress for about 3 years now. 

 

I wanted to limit the price per component at about $2k or under so that one component doesn't massively outperform the other, which I believe is the fundamental temptation of upgrading. I know at this point I can't possibly afford to go to the next level in terms of upgrading to get any meaningful improvement in sound quality.

 

I'm still curious if/what difference the matching Modwright Instruments KWA 100SE would make to the system (I'm aware there's one for sale, no funds at this point in time unfortunately) but that's something I will explore in the next year or so.

 

I'm actually very happy with everything, only other component I'd consider upgrading is the speakers. I've been in love with the Hulgich Audio Maestros ever since I heard them at the Hifi show back in 2017, again funds permitting.

 

Other than those two, I might have tweaks here and there but nothing major planned at this point in time.

 

Please feel free to leave your thoughts etc.

I like your system. Is very balanced in all areas. Congratulations.

Nice set-up.  What difference did the Holo Audio DAC make over the CA DAC?

8 hours ago, HA_Nick said:

I like your system. Is very balanced in all areas. Congratulations.

Thanks Nick, I'll probably hit you up in 2021 for a pair of Maestros!

6 hours ago, Kaynin said:

Nice set-up.  What difference did the Holo Audio DAC make over the CA DAC?

Never tried the DAC on the CXN. The Holo only made a slight difference from my Audio GD Ref 7 I had previously. Single biggest difference was the power amp. Had an integrated previously that could be used as a pre and introducing the power amp was a light bulb moment.

That's some quality gear you've got there, thanks for sharing. 

 

Love the styling of those newer ML-1's

 

Look nice in that gloss black too.

19 minutes ago, Cardiiiii said:

Thanks Nick, I'll probably hit you up in 2021 for a pair of Maestros!

No worries, I’ll be waiting

kind regards 

Nick

 

Very neat setup.

Have you considered some isolation platform/feet for your components on each of the shelf?

Should give it a go, as they offer tremendous amount of bang for buck.

I like it, congrats!

On 23/01/2020 at 12:00 PM, cyberkank said:

Very neat setup.

Have you considered some isolation platform/feet for your components on each of the shelf?

Should give it a go, as they offer tremendous amount of bang for buck.

Hey mate, I have. Was looking at the Isoacoustics Orea range. But I think I'll do that at a later date when I've got a more permanent set up. When I move into my own house, I've got an idea for a larger hi-fi rack, so will incorporate isolation then. 

10 minutes ago, Cardiiiii said:

Hey mate, I have. Was looking at the Isoacoustics Orea range. But I think I'll do that at a later date when I've got a more permanent set up. When I move into my own house, I've got an idea for a larger hi-fi rack, so will incorporate isolation then. 

sound good. I had good results with the Isoacoustic GAIA for my speakers. No doubt their other products will yield good results.

Picked this up off a seller on gumtree for $150. It's a pretty cool rustic looking unit. Probably holds around 200 ish records. 

On 20/01/2020 at 8:21 PM, Cardiiiii said:

Thank you for all the appreciation.

 

Thought process behind the set up was simple, best available (new or used) equipment I could afford. It's been a work in progress for about 3 years now. 

 

I wanted to limit the price per component at about $2k or under so that one component doesn't massively outperform the other, which I believe is the fundamental temptation of upgrading. I know at this point I can't possibly afford to go to the next level in terms of upgrading to get any meaningful improvement in sound quality.

 

I'm still curious if/what difference the matching Modwright Instruments KWA 100SE would make to the system (I'm aware there's one for sale, no funds at this point in time unfortunately) but that's something I will explore in the next year or so.

 

I'm actually very happy with everything, only other component I'd consider upgrading is the speakers. I've been in love with the Hulgich Audio Maestros ever since I heard them at the Hifi show back in 2017, again funds permitting.

 

Other than those two, I might have tweaks here and there but nothing major planned at this point in time.

 

Please feel free to leave your thoughts etc.

Thanks for sharing your 3 year journey. Looks great and i bet it sounds that too!  That the LS100 is looking quite homely in the setup.  Its all about the journey, take time to appreciate it for a while before embarking on an upgrade. 

For anyone interested in the vinyl rack, here's the link from Gumtree, no affiliation with the seller.

 

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/rosebud/other-books-music-games/vinyl-records-storage-/1238840529

I think this will be my new listening position. I previously sat on the couch which formed an equilateral triangle with the speakers (2.5m). Now. Sitting about 5 meters from the speakers and the speakers are still 2.5m apart. I'm enjoying this position more. 

simple,clean and beautiful...

 

I want to know about your DYI HOLTON power amp, what is the spec , how much it cost in total ,spares, casing ,devices to solder , if possible?

 

thnx

Edited June 13, 20205 yr by Nope

Very nice system there! @Cardiiiii  Good to see that the LS100 is looking nice and comfy in that rack.  I need to seek out a record rack like yours as all of mine are sitting on a shelf.

1 hour ago, Porkbuns69 said:

Very nice system there! @Cardiiiii  Good to see that the LS100 is looking nice and comfy in that rack.  I need to seek out a record rack like yours as all of mine are sitting on a shelf.

Thanks mate. Picked up the record rack from a guy on gumtree. Will be looking to add the matching power amp in the near future. Did you get your SGR's back from the upgrade?

1 hour ago, Nope said:

simple,clean and beautiful...

 

I want to know about your DYI HOLTON power amp, what is the spec , how much it cost in total ,spares, casing ,devices to solder , if possible?

 

thnx

I actually bought it off a member so can't actually put a number on the build cost. All I know is it puts out 150W into 8Ohms.

On 11/02/2020 at 2:57 PM, Cardiiiii said:

I think this will be my new listening position. I previously sat on the couch which formed an equilateral triangle with the speakers (2.5m). Now. Sitting about 5 meters from the speakers and the speakers are still 2.5m apart. I'm enjoying this position more. 

Where did you get the couch?

3 hours ago, The_Doctor said:

Where did you get the couch?

Think it was from Amart or one of those types of furniture stores.