2. analog
  3. 165633-119399

My System's Weakest Link - What Say You...

First off, McIntosh bashers need not respond.  The synergy of this system is outstanding.  

I think I have my system pretty well fleshed out now, and love what it is doing for me.  But, I have my eye on my weak link.  I have a few thoughts, but I'm Interested in objective, and somewhat random comments from some insightful folks here.

My Habits:  Love listening to vinyl most of all. Don't know exactly but have over 3000 LP, I think, and keep getting more.  Obviously do lots of streaming too via Tidal > Roon. Also on thousands of CDs of varying quality.

My Room: Open main floor Floor plan to the kitchen and formal dining room.  Open space has 9 foot ceilings, with fabric chairs and carpeting.  No need for any room enhancement identified.  Still sounds great.  Lucked out on that one.

Anyway, where is what I have:
  • (1) McIntosh MT5 Turntable
  • (2) Sumiko Palos Santos Cartridge
  • (3) McIntosh MP1100 Phono PreAmp
  • (4) McIntosh C1100 2-piece PreAmp
  • (5) McIntosh D1100 DAC
  • (6) McIntosh MCT 500 CD/SACD Transport
  • (7) McIntosh MVP 901 A/V Player
  • (8) McIntosh MC2152 70th Anniversary Amp
  • (9) McIntosh MPC1500 Power Controller
  • (10) Sonus Faber Lillium Speakers
  • (11) Roon Nucleus
  • (12) Sonore Signature Rendu SE w/ Optical Feed
  • (13) All Connected via Clarus Crimson interconnects, power cables and Balanced Cables
  • (14) Will avoid the details on isolation, AC outlets, etc. for now.
Choose a number, product or idea.  Have fun with this one.

"Long haired, freaky people, need not apply" or dismiss my enjoyment of McIntosh.  [btw - anyone remember that song quote?]

pgaulke60
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
No. 10 is what I would change. For the money the largest pair of Ohm Walsh speakers would be an ear-opening experience. 3 - D imaging from any spot in the room! No need for subs. I have a smaller pair and they indeed have the magic of placing the performers right in the room! Leave all the rest of your system be!
ngiordano
55 posts
 
I dont see Buttkickers on your list , obviously money is no object for you , I have 2 buttkickers mounted to the springs of my sofa and give you an extra layer I never thought possible, Dont knock it till you try it, im at about $13k on my system total and I probably have more clean bass than you Im not bragging , I also have 2 PB16s SVS , Im setup for more theater but come here for ideas, you guys spend boatloads of cash but cant watch a movie on it , its a hobby for me too and I dont mind parting with the cash im not cheap at all , if i want something and see a need for it I have it , I went to the finest showrooms in my area to try to get excited about 2 channel but I get great sound coming from my Center . Why would you want to intentionally hear voice sound coming from 2 speakers 2ch  its not natural  by nature , we go thru all the trouble of converting zeros and ones back to analog to send it to 2 speakers (2 voices) , Im sorry guys a High end center and a nice amp sounds like the performer  is singing to me center stage the way it should be , call me a noob I guess 2 ch overrated I said it. 
ngiordano
55 posts
 
Buttkickers dont have to be for movies , I listen to music and am blown away how good it sounds and feels. I use LFE units 9hz  but they do sell Concerts for the aristocrats in the room. does anyone else use butt kickers let me know, Im pretty sure Millercarbon uses them  cause I see 2 Dayton sa-1000 amps in his system photos and there only good for buttkickers . 
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,626 posts
 
@pgaulke60,
Without hearing your system I would have no idea what a weak link would be. Looks well thoughtout to me and bassed upon your comments such as "No need for any room enhancement identified" I won't go there. I'd be very interested in knowing your thoughts on what you think the weak link is?
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
With good subwoofers you do not need buttkickers.
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