My System

I currently have two audio systems in my house. The reference system is as follows:

• Front End
  • Analog
    • Turntable: VPI HW-19 Mk IV, with SAMA and SDS
    • Arm: Graham 2.2
    • Cartridge: Shelter 501 II
    • Phono Preamp: Pass Labs XOno
  • Digital
    • Source: Logitech Transporter
    • DAC: Pass Labs Digital 1
    • CD Recorder: Fostex CDR-300
• Preamp: Pass Labs Aleph P, remote version
• Amps: Pass Labs Aleph 2 Monoblocks
• Speakers: Thiel CS 1.6s
• Cables
  • Interconnects: Gotham Audio GAC-4/1, terminated with WBT-style plugs from Parts Connexion
  • Digital Interconnect: Gotham Audio GAC-2 AES/EBU
  • Speaker Cables: Gotham Audio GAC-SPK 2x2.5mm
  • Power Cables: Homebrew, based on DH Labs AC Power Cable and Wattgate connectors
• Stands
  • Paradigm Premier Equipment Rack
  • Billy Bags Amp Stands
  • Arcici Lead Baloon Turntable Stand, but with a 1.5" granite slab on top

The other system is for more relaxed listening.

• Front End
  This is shared with the main system. I move it down there for serious listening but mostly keep it upstairs. Serious listening tends to mean vinyl, though this combination has completely changed how I feel about digital.
  • Logitech Transporter
  • Pass Labs Digital 1
  The D1 also receives a 96/24 digital signal from the Fostex in the main system, which acts as an A/D converter, so that vinyl can be listened to in this system.
• Amp: Adcom GFA-5800 (designed by Nelson Pass)
• Speakers: Thiel CS 1.6s (again)
• Cables
  • Interconnects: Gotham Audio GAC-4/1, terminated with WBT-style plugs from Parts Connexion
  • Digital interconnects: Canare DA-206 AES/EBU; Gotham Audio GAC-1 S/PDIF
  • Speaker Cables: Gotham Audio SPK 4x2.5mm
  • Power Cables: Generic

The following table charts the evolution of the main system. More or less accurately.

Year	Pre-amp	Phono pre	Amplifier	Turntable	Tonearm	Cartridge	Digital	Speakers
1991	NAD 3225		Adcom GFA-545II	B&O RX-2		B&O ??	Technics Garbage	B&W Matrix 1 Series 2
1993	NAD 1600			Thorens ???	Premier MMT	Sumiko Blue Point Special	California Audio Labs DX-1
1994	Classé Thirty		Krell KSA-80B
1996	Krell KRC-2	Krell KPE		VPI HW-19 Mk III w/ PLC	SME IV			Thiel CS 1.5s
1997			Pass Labs Aleph 5	VPI HW-19 Mk III w/ SAMA, PLC		Benz-Micro Glider	Meridian 508.20
1998	Pass Labs Aleph P (non-remote version)	Krell KPE with dedicated PS
2000		Pass Labs Aleph Ono		VPI HW-19 Mk IV w/ SAMA, SDS
2002			Pass Labs Aleph 2 Monoblocks					Thiel CS 1.6s
2005					Graham 2.2	Shelter 501
2006		Pass Labs XOno
2008	Pass Labs Aleph P (remote version)
2009							Logitech Transporter Pass Labs Digital 1