" ALL CHANGE " Listening room changes

[Audio Al]

Hi

I decided to make some changes in my listening room
The problems were as follows
I have quite a lot of kit and not enough racking to put the kit on , Also most of the racks I already own are up too waist height , so to put a CD in the CD player is a hands and knees job , and getting a bit older I now have to plan how to get on my hands and knees the plan how to get up again :D

This is how the old listening room looked
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?19987-My-System

Moving on too the new alterations I decided " In for a penny in for a pound " and decided to re decorate and re fit the room

Started off like this , plain painted walls
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2484.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2484.jpg.html)

Then on too some steaming and scraping
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2491.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2491.jpg.html)
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Lots of this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2492.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2492.jpg.html)
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Accumulate the required items for the job
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2498.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2498.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2499.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2499.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2502-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2502-1.jpg.html)
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Chose wallpaper

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2487.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2487.jpg.html)
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Decided too go with this one
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2505.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2505.jpg.html)
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Next on too the re wire and some extra plug sockets
Fit some plug socket mounting rails too the wall

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2507-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2507-1.jpg.html)

Yes they are going to be at just below waist level

And obtain some plug sockets
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2508-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2508-1.jpg.html)
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26 Doubles :D
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Fit and wire the plug sockets using 4mm conduit cable
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2524-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2524-1.jpg.html)
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Run a length of 60 amp armaflex cable from under the stairs through under the floor to the opposite wall , What a Pigging job took nearly all day had to half dismantle the house taking off doors and lifting carpets
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2525-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2525-1.jpg.html)
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2523-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2523-1.jpg.html)
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Cut a access hole for the cable to come up into the listening room
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2522-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2522-1.jpg.html)
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Fit and wire a RCD consumer unit so its safe and easy to isolate the entire supply when not in use
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2530.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2530.jpg.html)
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Now on too the racking ? what to use ? do I build it ? or do I buy something ?
Have a look on evilbay , and low and behold what do I find about 10 miles from my home ?

8 bays of this with 5 shelves per bay :-
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2528.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2528.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2527.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2527.jpg.html)
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Its made from heavy aluminum extruded uprights with fixing to the wall at the top , each shelf is on sliding brackets and can be positioned anywhere on the uprights , I have positioned the lowest shelf just high enough to get my speakers under and at a convenient height to put my TT's on , leaving 3 or 4 shelves per bay above for amps CD players , Tuners , Cassette players , 8 Track , Reel too Reel etc
Plenty of room for some box swapping as well
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The racking was a mare too fit and level as each shelf needed too be set individually, still not finished lining everything up but will get it sorted in the next few days , Then its time to start putting my kit on and wiring it up
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All fun and games :D

[Puffin]

Fantastic job! It will look like a showroom when all the kit is in place.

[brian2957]

Thanks for sharing this with us Al . Looks like you've made a humongous effort to do it properly . I'm a big fan of getting the mains right so I'm sure you will reap the rewards . The room / shelving looks fantastic BTW.

[Audio Al]

Yes the mains supply comes direct from the incoming supply before it goes to the house consumer unit
I also fitted a earth rod for this phase

I had a qualified sparks come round to connect up to the mains and test the system with his £1000 test box :eek:
It could check everything , resistance through the sockets , it also could introduce faults and make the trip go . Quit a bit of kit :)

[The Grand Wazoo]

Looks good Al - it's the only way you could house your gear really, isn't it?
A question about the shelving: Do you think it would be worth placing the feet on a hard surface on the floor? It looks like they are just on the carpet, which might give in differing amounts depending on the load you place on the shelves. If the tops are fixed to the wall, you might end up with those carefully leveled shelves looking wonky as hell.

[Audio Al]

Hi Chris

Yest the uprights do sit on the carpet , I left the rack assembled for 2 days before fixing it too the wall and the weight has compressed the carpet , Don't want to cut 7 holes in the carpet in case I remove the units at a later date and then would need all new carpets

All the shelves are fully adjustable so not a problem leveling them , Will need to move some to get my R2R in

[Macca]

I'm loving the massive overkill with the power sockets. You can never have enough of them. I suspect with your tons of kit on display it is going to look awe-inspiring.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Great - just checking!

[Tim]

That's not something I would like personally Al (the direct opposite in fact), but credit where credit's due, that's a mighty fine effort and deserves a round of applause.

:clapclapclap:

:cool:

[Firebottle]

Cracking job Al :thumbsup:

I do like the juxtaposition of the vertical wallpaper stripes and the horizontal lines of the racks. Great!

:cool:Alan

[Gordon Steadman]

I wonder how the meter will react if you switch them all on at the same time!!:eek:

What kind of switch box are you going to use? The Croft doesn't seem to have many inputs.

[Roy S]

You haven't left room for your telly!

Nice job Al

[Magna Audio]

Like the sockets all lined up - proper job!

[Mika K]

Nice job. Just can't wait to see this ready and every piece of kit stacked there properly.

[Thing Fish]

Very nice Al. Neat job...:)

[Alex_UK]

Awesome, Al! Can't wait to see Pishanto Palace once it's finished! ;)

[Audio Al]

Started to install the Hi Fi components , They are not yet in the final resting place as I need to decide what TT goes with what amp etc

Slight problem , the lower shelves are a couple of inches too low to get the speakers and stands under :doh: , will have to sort that tomorrow

1st photo

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2531.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2531.jpg.html)
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2532.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2532.jpg.html)
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2533.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2533.jpg.html)
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Update tomorrow :)

[brian2957]

When you opening to the public Al :lol:

[Roy S]

That's brilliant Al but careful you don't end up like this

1qNeGSJaQ9Q

[The Grand Wazoo]

Next on too the re wire and some extra plug sockets.....
.....And obtain some plug sockets ......26 Doubles :D


Should have ordered 27 double sockets Al, your telly lead is a bit stretched!

[Audio Al]

That's brilliant Al but careful you don't end up like this

1qNeGSJaQ9Q


Mmmm :eyebrows: Just need some 500KW Tubes :eyebrows::eyebrows::D

[Thing Fish]

Shame to see that 301 sitting naked. Best you give it to me to re plinth...;)

[Audio Al]

Shame to see that 301 sitting naked. Best you give it to me to re plinth...;)

Its a recent purchase Dave , Will have a go at making a plinth when I get time ;)

[Audio Al]

When you opening to the public Al :lol:

Now Thats an idea :eyebrows:

[Audio Al]

Should have ordered 27 double sockets Al, your telly lead is a bit stretched!

Not a Problem Chris , its only in that socket temporarily , will move it to the other side of the room , More sockets over that side :)

[Marco]

Lovin' ya new room, daftee... It's suitably mental for a veritable nut case, like you (and I mean that in the nicest possible sense)! :eyebrows:

You should connect all the equipment through a comparator, and then with the simple flick of a switch, you could listen to how music sounds reproduced with different kit! ;)

Marco.

[Macca]

1st photo

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2532.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2532.jpg.html)
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[:)

Reminds me of the amusingly named 'Beaver Radio' showroom in Whitechapel, Liverpool circa 1985. A comparator would be a great idea, no clue where you would get one though.

[Audio Al]

Looks slightly different now I have some of my speakers in the line up
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2577.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2577.jpg.html)
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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v240/bigboobs/IMG_2578.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bigboobs/media/IMG_2578.jpg.html)

No room for the Ram 100 , Braun 3 way towers , pair of 57's and the Tannoy's , looks like they will have too make guest appearances :eyebrows:

Note the Technics under going surgery :(

[pjdowns]

Wow Al,

That's a mighty busy Hifi room :)

[Audio Al]

Cheers Paul

It keeps me smiling , I don't do smoking , drugs , or drink so I have no vices , Oh hold on maybe Hi Fi :lol:

[Tim]

That's about 3 ~ 4 times the amount of kit I have owned in my entire life Al :stalks:

Good job fella :)

[Gordon Steadman]

I think there may be some that would suggest that there will be a little interaction between the various speakers in the room.

Not one of the things I have heard much about these days. I recall that even a telephone in the same room as the speakers was frowned upon at one time. I guess I have always been cloth eared but then I never really found the coughing, spluttering and munching a turn off at the concert hall.

Must have been listening to the music or something:eek::mental:

[Wakefield Turntables]

Al,

I think you need to get that 301 setup, it makes a nice change from listening to the 1210 every so often, mines spinning Sgt. Peppers at the moment. ;)

[pjdowns]

Cheers Paul

It keeps me smiling , I don't do smoking , drugs , or drink so I have no vices , Oh hold on maybe Hi Fi :lol:

LOL I am guessing Hifi is one :)

So I suppose the big question is, how does it all sound now you've transformed the room?

[Audio Al]

So I suppose the big question is, how does it all sound now you've transformed the room?

Good enough for me , I am not senior daftee ;)

[Tarzan]

Cheers Paul

It keeps me smiling , I don't do smoking , drugs , or drink so I have no vices , Oh hold on maybe Hi Fi :lol:


Maybe you should as it would be cheaper?:ner:

[Rare Bird]

Don't worry Al your not alone :eyebrows: thank god i have a lock up to stash it all away out of sight :lol:

[steviej233]

Bloody hell that's one heck of a collection you have got there! :stalks:

[Audio Al]

Bloody hell that's one heck of a collection you have got there! :stalks:

It is rather nice ;)

[TimJ]

:wow: very nice set up & great work

[ceejaydee]

What a fantastic set-up that enables you to enjoy your collection both visually and aurally.

Could lose days in there with the appropriate piles of vinyl, CDs, cassettes and tape :thumbsup:

[Andrew B]

Great setup Al. I've known so many people who chop and change kit largely because they get bored with just one rig. Keeping a few bits is the best cure! 10/10 for your implementation too. I wish I had your talent for cable management too.

[keiths]

Very impressive Al. Do you have to say "Open Sesame" to get in through the door? :)

[Jonboy]

Don't know how i missed this thread, you and i will both be on the program hoarders soon :eyebrows:

Keep up the good work, looks like you'll need more shelves though :D

[pjdowns]

you and i will both be on the program hoarders soon :eyebrows:

Yeah not sure that's entirely a good thing Johnboy LOL ;)

Although having a lot of kit would remove potential boredom as suggested by Andrew :)

[Jonboy]

Although having a lot of kit would remove potential boredom as suggested by Andrew :)


I like to chop and change between amps just need to sort out some proper shelves or racking like Al's to display it all

[DiveDeepDog]

My votes for a Garrard DJ setup, both decks in one plinth :lol: