Keith's system

[keiths]

Here are a couple of snaps of my down-sized system shoehorned into my dad's living room (I'm his carer).



As you can see, speaker placement is far from ideal, but there's literally no where else for them to go.

At least I've now got everything properly supported (after introducing my 5 shelf Target rack to Mr. Hacksaw) and spiking the previously spikeless speaker stands which has improved the sound no end.



Top shelf: Inca Designs Katana SE CD player;
Second shelf: Arcam Diva A85 integrated amp;
Third shelf: Trends Audio UD10 USB to SPDIF converter and DIY/Modded CS4397-based DAC (inc. LM4562NA opamp, Mundorf output caps etc.)
Bottom shelf: DIY Millet 'Starving Student' hybrid headphone amp, PSU for DAC, DIY mainsblock;
Speakers: Mission 771e;
Headphones (not pictured): Sennheiser HD595.

A linux PC is in a cupboard under the TV (not pictured) just the the left of the left speaker which plays FLAC and other lossless files using XBMC media centre via USB. There's also a Humax Freesat HD box.

Cables include Mark Grant Belden BNC to Phono digital cable between the Trends UD10 and the DAC, Ecosse Diva between CDP and Amp and DAC and amp, Ortofon SPK200 speaker cable and DIY shielded mains cables.

There are a few sets of Russ Andrews oak cone feet and a few DIY parallel mains filters plugged in to adjacent sockets (basically just an X-Class suppression cap across live and neutral and Y-class caps between earth and live and neutral and live).

Listening position is about 2 metres away from the speakers.

Plans for the future include a Beresford Caiman DAC, replacing the Ecosse interconnects with Mark Grant HD1000s, trying to find a better small speaker that would work in the same position (I have a pair of Mission 753 floorstanders, but they don't work at all well in this room) and getting a cheap turntable (quite fancy a winter DIY project restoring something like a Goldring Lenco GL75, making a massive plinth and mounting a better arm) - but I don't really have the woodworking skills or tools and I've no idea where I'd put it once I've finished it!

[DSJR]

753's need space between you and them for the multiple drivers to even begin to integrate together. A good two way is better by far IMO.

Looks really good and very tidy. Just make sure that the fireplace isn't going to spew old soot etc on top of it all. We need one of those inflatable thingies in ours

[keiths]

Just make sure that the fireplace isn't going to spew old soot etc on top of it all. We need one of those inflatable thingies in ours

I must admit I was a bit worried about soot etc. However there was no trace of any soot in the fireplace and the chimney looks well blocked off.

I might still move the components on to the bottom 3 shelves only just to be on the safe side.

[Macca]

Love the finish on those speakers - looks very classy

[s70rmp]

Very nice looking system, looks like s cozy room.

[goraman]

Very nice,If you get a big class A passlabs amp the fire place will still function in heating the house!!!!!!

[petemosby]

Good way to use the fireplace. NICE

[keiths]

Good way to use the fireplace. NICE

Yep. It was just wasted space - the plants that are now on the left of the rack were in the fireplace before.

Anyone any thoughts as to what small, cheap speaker I could replace the Missions with? Would have to work in the same location. Room is approx 4m x 4m x 3m high. Primarily looking for a bit more bass extension and 'scale' - I'm happy with the Missions in every other area.

There's a pair of Rogers LS2 on Fleabay (currently £55) - any good?

[goraman]

Yep. It was just wasted space - the plants that are now on the left of the rack were in the fireplace before.

Anyone any thoughts as to what small, cheap speaker I could replace the Missions with? Would have to work in the same location. Room is approx 4m x 4m x 3m high. Primarily looking for a bit more bass extension and 'scale' - I'm happy with the Missions in every other area.

There's a pair of Rogers LS2 on Fleabay (currently £55) - any good?

Look at Epos.

[Thermionic]

Very neat and tidy and I like the crocodile in the jungle effect!