Your reference system?


What is or was your reference system that you have heard and why?

In recent years mine have been:

1) VAC amplification running Magico Mini speakers
2) Conrad Johnson amplification driving Quad ESLs
3) all mbl system driving mbl 111s


128x128mapman
The Infinity IRS V system at PS Audio is definitely a reference system. (if you haven’t heard it, take a trip to Boulder so you can listen to it.)

But at home I need to make do with what I have, which is:

JRiver Media Center running a room correction filter in the integrated DSP engine

An Oppo Sonica DAC

MiniDSP 4 X 10 HD crossover

three Stereo Amps (Aragon, Adcom, and Pass Labs)

A set of Infinity RS1b speakers

plus a pair of KEF B200 drivers in three-tube transmission line cabinets for mid bass couplers

plus an Infinity Modulus Servo controlled subwoofer.
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My main system for loud listening (88-100 db at listening place):

Bluesound 2 digital out -> Dspeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 -> ATC 150 SL active.

Will eventually change the Anti-Mode for a Trinnov or an Anthem ARC.

The ATC makes you relax at 95-100db. What would beat them? Maybe the 300 version.

Total cost $7,500 bought used. That also included an ATC preamp I don’t use..
What was selected by Dave Gilmour, Diana Krall, Tom Petty, Doug Sax, Sting, Roger Waters, Gordon Holt, Telarc, Mark Knopfler, Ian Anderson, Enya, Beck, The Rolling Stones, Jack White, Kate Bush, Joe Satriani, The Killers, Coldplay, Twenty One Pilots, Omar Hakim, Beka Fleck, Deadmau5, and chosen by over half of the top recording studios in the world.

I rely on a huge number of experts who know more about tonal accuracy and reference sound then I ever could in a million lifetimes. When it comes to “reference” quality you can’t rely on your limited knowledge and experience and personal taste - you got to respect the opinion of industry legends and recording titans.