Showing (off) your dCS setup - description and photos

wow- first AN amp I see here :slight_smile: how does it sound? and- of course- why no AN speakers or Devore :wink: ?

For some context, my use case for the system is for the consumption of streaming video (Netflix, Disney+, etc) and streaming music (Spotify, Apple Music Lossless, etc.). The system is connected to my desktop PC and my listening distance shifts around from 1.0m to 1.5m in a 20sqm bedroom. And lastly I realized over time I lean towards warmer sounding systems as a personal preference.

As far as sound, I have to admit I found the DCS system really harsh and unbearable when it was new while paired with my Gryphon Diablo 120. Now it sounds almost about where I want it. I get the detail and more instrument definition without the ear ringing after long listening sessions. The tubes definitely helped. The change in tone and high end extension was noticeable as soon as I swapped out the Gryphon. I also swapped to Audio Note copper cabling to help with the forwardness problem of the DCS system but I don’t know if it was the cabling or just simple break-in that took away the last hints of harshness away.

Re the speakers, I had the Harbeth’s for awhile already and I think they are almost the perfect size for a desktop environment. I used to have the Devore O93’s years ago but I decided I wanted to scale down the physical footprint of my system so I had to sell them. Haven’t considered AN speakers yet… Well I don’t want to get tempted to spend more money too. Hahaha :joy:

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cool- thanks !! so could you test AN Cobra vs their other amps? (Meishu, Jinro…)?

The Jinro is very tempting but luckily for my wallet its physical size (really long which needs special consideration when it comes to placement) and the tubes (211 tubes not as widely available as EL34s) it uses isn’t very practical for my listening habits.

I still dream of it though :smile:

Totally strange is the power on/off switch at the back??? just image one has to cross the hot 211er tubes to switch the amp off…

Audio Note speakers are truly phenomenal but are at their best only when placed in corners. The best system I may have have ever had was an all Audio Note system, but with young kids it was not ideal, so I sold it off and simplified. My current system is the other best system I’ve ever had :grinning:

I also have the Harbeth P3ESRs (non XD) and I absolutely adore them.

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I’m devastated. After months in which I’ve carefully planned all steps to upgrade my dedicated power cables from the mains to the system with new 16 awg Furutech cables and brand new rhodium Furutech inlets while moving the entire rack to the side wall, when the day came on Friday my electrician was able to create a short circuit. Luckily enough the system was all disconnected but he was able to blow two power conditioners worth 15k. On top of this, to add insult to injury, I’m not going to be able to hear my system for two or three weeks until I replace those units. So bad :hot_face::fearful:.

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That’s a sad story, I hope your electrician is well insured…

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Sorry to hear.

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I am sorry to hear this, Franco. You are a lawyer, so you can manage the liability side of this, but it is very bad for trust in business, as well as not being able to enjoy your system.

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Many electricians work with.live circuits. Rightly or wrongly, it does pose potential risks. I always disconnect everything from power mains. I recently wired two more quads of dedicated circuits and I shut everything down and unplugged everything before the electrical work was started. Of course the electrician thought I was being overly cautious.

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Let me absorb some of that pain for you - how heartbreaking Sir.

The day will come and this will be “sorted.”

Best to you,

Bob

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This guy inadvertently connected the phase and neutral wires together! Also he didn’t test the wires with the tester before switching it on.

I’ve been told that this type of short circuit iis very dangerous and a fire can happen.

Luckily enough, the audio system was not connected but the short circuit blew three power transformers and a very expensive audiophile fuse.

What is strange is that this is the same electrician who built the entire electrical circuit in my apartment, which I am very happy with. Very senior guy. I don’t know why he did it. I suspect too much confidence and some sloppiness too.

do you think AN speaker work with non AN amps as well?
I understood that they love their all-AN-end to end-chain thing…

Yes! They are very efficient. Main concern is placement in corners for optimum SQ.

But in general with Audio Note, the more of it that is in the chain the better. But it is certainly not a requirement.

Thanks Andrew- I have my speakers almost direct/very close to the wall- not very happy with… Guess many customers buy big spekers and put them in front of a wall due WAF :wink:
Apart from that, I love high-efficiency speakers like Devore O/93 f.ex.

Audio Note speakers are designed to work in the corners, against walls. They sound fine away from those too, but they’re designed for corner placement.

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Here’s a pic of my current setup, followed by the same setup with puppy protection, followed by Tango, my puppy.





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Puppy-proofing is a hard one, eh?

Ours now loves sitting with me and listening. Less of the watchful eye required…

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Beautiful system @miguelito.

I noticed on your Instagram that you had moved the Audio Note to a floor stand to make way for the turntable. Looks like you’ve gone all in on vinyl recently (?) Are you happy with it?

R