hidalgo
08-08-2016, 13:04
Shamefully I’ve been lurking here on-and-off since sometime in late 2012 (after discovering the ‘Beresford Banter’ forum), but tonight I thought I should finally say ‘Hello!’.
My sound system is office based, where I unfortunately spend much of my time, but why not make the most if it! I started with an entry level system, always seeking out components that punch above their price points. Over time I've gently upgraded some of these components and added others as opportunities arose, but in many ways the current setup is still quite modest and true to its origins:
Usher S-520 monitor speakers (original piano black, bi-wired with Anticables)
REL T7 subwoofer
Redgum Audio black series RGi60ENR 120W/ch amplifier
Beresford Caiman SEG DAC (temporarily replacing my older Caiman MKII) with 12v battery power
Beresford ASYNCH-1 USB to optical converter with 5v battery power
Apple Mac mini 2011 running iTunes and BitPerfect
I’ve tried swapping out the brilliant Usher S-520 speakers over the years, but always come running back to them! Maybe one day I’ll find a suitable monitor upgrade (any suggestions?). Replacing the Usher’s standard brass bridging plates with proper bi-wires last year made a huge difference, with the highs opening up and losing any trace of glare. Such a worthwhile upgrade!
The other most valuable tip I’ve discovered thanks to the Beresford gear/forum is using a combination of batteries and optical to keep equipment off the mains power and electrically separated from each other. I don't think optical TOSLINK receives enough respect in this regard!
And finally, but most importantly is the music! My tastes are wide ranging, maybe a little eclectic, but always evolving. Any Enigma fans? Currently I’m more than a little obsessed with Erased Tapes Records and their collection of avant-garde/contemporary classical artists like Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds, et al.
So, that’s a start, sorry for the long-ish read! But thank you kind folk for all threads of knowledge I’ve already gleamed from here over the years.
My sound system is office based, where I unfortunately spend much of my time, but why not make the most if it! I started with an entry level system, always seeking out components that punch above their price points. Over time I've gently upgraded some of these components and added others as opportunities arose, but in many ways the current setup is still quite modest and true to its origins:
Usher S-520 monitor speakers (original piano black, bi-wired with Anticables)
REL T7 subwoofer
Redgum Audio black series RGi60ENR 120W/ch amplifier
Beresford Caiman SEG DAC (temporarily replacing my older Caiman MKII) with 12v battery power
Beresford ASYNCH-1 USB to optical converter with 5v battery power
Apple Mac mini 2011 running iTunes and BitPerfect
I’ve tried swapping out the brilliant Usher S-520 speakers over the years, but always come running back to them! Maybe one day I’ll find a suitable monitor upgrade (any suggestions?). Replacing the Usher’s standard brass bridging plates with proper bi-wires last year made a huge difference, with the highs opening up and losing any trace of glare. Such a worthwhile upgrade!
The other most valuable tip I’ve discovered thanks to the Beresford gear/forum is using a combination of batteries and optical to keep equipment off the mains power and electrically separated from each other. I don't think optical TOSLINK receives enough respect in this regard!
And finally, but most importantly is the music! My tastes are wide ranging, maybe a little eclectic, but always evolving. Any Enigma fans? Currently I’m more than a little obsessed with Erased Tapes Records and their collection of avant-garde/contemporary classical artists like Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds, et al.
So, that’s a start, sorry for the long-ish read! But thank you kind folk for all threads of knowledge I’ve already gleamed from here over the years.