2-channel system done for the time being

[billbillw]

I've posted a few things here and there over the last year about my evolving 2-channel system. Well, I'm finally to a point where I'm happy. The system was recently moved to a new room as we are making room for our baby (due in November). The system looks more at home now, and sounds better too (corner loading helps the Monitor 5A deliver a little better bass response).

My vinyl playback components are also finalized: I finished changing the tonearm on my Alexandria and did the maintenance kit upgrade, which replaces the springs, bushings, sleeves, and dampeners with new, better designed parts. New bearing oil is also part of the kit. What a difference! I am completely happy with this setup now. Rumble? What's that? Surface noise? Pushed way down! Distortion? None to speak of. Now its time to listen instead of worrying about upgrades! Well, maybe a moving coil cartridge sometime down the road...

I've updated my system showcase with a bunch of new pictures, in case anyone is intersted. (EDIT: This is now outdated. Updates to the showcase are on the way)
Showcase page

[danger boy]

Looking really good there... i'm sure it sounds really good with the peerless tweeters. for a bit more bass.. if you run across a pair of monitor 7's with the same peerless, you may want to consider them too. While the 7's aren't heavy on bass either.. they do always amaze me how much bass they are capable of when needed. ha ha ha.

[reeltrouble1]

Nice TT, okay, now the hard part, enjoying the interludes between the bug bites.

Congrats on the baby.

RT1

[billbillw]

Congrats on the baby.

RT1

Thanks,
That is actually the only reason I'm not going to Polkfest this year. Can't leave my wife alone right now...

[Toka78]

Nice setup! Glad to see another Shure M97Xe fan...I just built a system for a friend of mine and used the very same cart. One of the best values around, for sure.

[BlueMDPicker]

Very nice! Enjoy!

[cfrizz]

You have 2 terrific setups there Bill! Congrats on the baby.

[SCompRacer]

2-channel system done for the time being

Thats what I say when I am out of two channel audio funds.:D

Nice setup Bill. I remember that TT when it popped up on the gon. What kind of bearing oil do they supply in the kit?

[RuSsMaN]

Stellar.

Rock on.

[schwarcw]

Congrats Bill! Your system looks super! I've never seen that turntable before, looks like a real beauty. Good luck and happy listening!

[Fireman32]

Beautiful system. Enjoy and congrats on the new baby

[speakergeek]

Very nice indeed! Those 5As are great.

[billbillw]

Thats what I say when I am out of two channel audio funds.:D

Nice setup Bill. I remember that TT when it popped up on the gon. What kind of bearing oil do they supply in the kit?

I'm surprised you remember it, since it was only listed for about 10 hours. I bought it within a couple hours of listing and the seller removed the listing the next morning. It was a steal in hindsight. Ones that have sold since, went much higher.

The oil, not sure, it is pre-packaged into a little syringe. Some type of light thin oil, probably synthetic. It didn't have a petroleum smell.

[SCompRacer]

I'm surprised you remember it, since it was only listed for about 10 hours.

Audiogon New Today is my home page when I am wanting something.:D I work third shift and have a bud that works days for near 24 hour coverage.

[billbillw]

Well, you guys were right. Things don't stay static for long...
3 months later and I've already replaced the Monitor 5A with a pair of Mirage M-3 and now to feed them properly, I've moved to the world of separates. Got a B&K Pro10 MC and matching amp on the way. Merry Christmas!

[reeltrouble1]

And the beat goes on.

Congrats, I have enjoyed all the B&K gear I have owned, good stuff.

RT1

[billbillw]

Thanks RT1.

I swear, the rest of my system IS staying put for quite awhile. I'm completly happy with the vinyl, cd, and tuner portions of my system. If I hadn't gotten that sweet deal on the Mirage, I'd probably still be happy with my Sony integrated, but alas, the Mirage are a bit too power hungry.

I've yet to see anyone really talking bad about the B&K separates. Their Pro10 (or MC101) pre and ST series amps are often referred to as "Giant Killers."
Usually the people upgrading from these pieces are going up the chain significantly and spending 3-4 times as much.

[steveinaz]

Nice setup man, beautiful house too.

[smglbrth]

You'll like separates, although I'm always wanting a little more in the power department. For now though I have to stick with what I have but I'm not complaining on the quality of B&K, I just wish I had the money for the 200WPC version of the ST.

Those 5A's are killer, as is the rest of your equipment!

Congrats on being a new parent as well! When you get to number 4 you kind of get used to it...

[haimoc]

Beautiful system setup.

[98thumpin]

looks good nice setup man