For my Blu-Ray/HD-DVD player, I soldered in an Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX. The BD/HD-DVD player didn't have a regular IEC, so that's why I went with the internal mod. It takes me about 10-15min to get the AM Pulse Gen ZX soldered in, so it's very quick and straight forward.

vman71 October 21, 2008 11:53

Hi Musicfile, I really like the Z-Der Blocks. They have added yet another improvement in the sound department. Clarity, details, air & space, and quiet/black background have all improved just a little more, which is what I was looking for.

vman71 October 09, 2008 11:25

First movie watched after these changes and tweaks was I, Robot on Blu-Ray. Definitely the best my HT has ever looked and sounded! I can't wait to watch more Blu-Ray and HD-DVD movies and concerts. While I can't truly isolate the individual effects of each of the changes and tweaks, the cummulative effect is just amazing!

vman71 May 27, 2008 14:45

System edited: A few changes to the system, that hopefully take things to a new level. First, the entry-level Denon was replaced with a Sumsung duo Blu-Ray & HD-DVD combo player that uses the outstanding Silicon Optix REON HQV chip-processor. The power cord to the HDTV has been changed out to a Bybee power cord that uses copper ribbons and slipstream purifiers. Next, the Sunfire preamp and Sunfire amp have Ridge Street Audio Z-Der Blocks for power factor correction. Lastly, the Samsung duo player will get the addition of an Audio Magic Pulse Gen ZX (I'll solder that in this weekend). I'm hoping that these tweaks bring a new level of audio and video performance.

vman71 May 23, 2008 12:37

Hi Ryder,

Congrats! Please post some feedback after you get it connected to your system. If it's anything like when I connected my very custom and highly modified Audio Magic Matrix power conditioner into my system, the audio benefits will be immediate. If you can, another great thing you can do for your system, is to add dedicated circuits (1 minimum and 2 for better results).

There's alot of benefit to be had if you can just get clean, stable power to your system.

vman71 May 20, 2008 11:03

Hi Ryder,

I bought my PS Audio UO with the Bybee's already inside, so I can't comment on the before and after. What I can tell you is that I'm very happy with it. It does a great job by doing what it does to make the noise floor lower, give the background more blackness, and add a little to the midrange. I actually just bought an older Bybee PC to add to the system.

vman71 May 19, 2008 11:11

System edited: Updated pictures of the Man Cave.

vman71 January 08, 2008 00:50

Glenfihi - Thanks! I think it turned out pretty nice. I'm not sure if I would do the completely built-in again. It does create some limitations. However, for my current set-up, it does seem to work nicely.

Timrhu - Thanks also! I have to confess, I did clean up for the pictures. It has become more typical of a "Man Cave" since the initial pictures. I'll post some updated ones later this weeked. The lighting turned out better than I expected in terms flexibility. The ceiling lights are on dimmers and I use those mainly for movies. The wall sconces provide just the right amount of light for 2 channel listening.

Thanks again for the compliments. I'll post some new pics soon.

vman71 January 04, 2008 13:24

System edited: All set and sounding great! I replaced the L/R IC's between the preamp and amp and the L/R speaker cables to Argent Audio Pursang S.

vman71 December 17, 2007 15:28

Shadorne,

Thanks for (and I appriciate) the comments, suggestions, and compliments. I agree that speaker placement is very important. I just moved my sub to a new position and the bass seems both tighter and deeper. I do plan on completely closing up the gaps where my center channel sits and where the TV is. I'm in the process of making the correct angle pieces to angle my center channel directly at the main listening position. I also have to paint the two lower shelves.

I thought that a 71" TV was going to be too big for my room (main seating is 11ft away). Now that I've watched about 15 or so movies, for me, it would have been a mistake to go any smaller. I'm really happy with the theater experience that I get with this TV.

I'm really happy with the way things look and sound. I'm writing a review right now for a great tweak that I just installed in my CD/DVD player. It's called a Pulse Gen ZX from Audio Magic.

vman71 August 08, 2007 13:19

Bigamp,

Thanks. I'm just using a cheap Rocketfish (the one they sell at Best Buy) HDMI cable. It was only $10, I want to learn more about HDMI before spending anymore money on an HDMI cable. It does the job for now, upconverts to 1080P. When the format war is won and prices are reasonable, then I'll step up.

vman71 July 02, 2007 11:17

HT Update:

My HT system has finally arrived! I originally planned for a 60-65" HDTV and ended up with a 71". My seating distance from the HDTV is 12ft, so the 71" is the perfect size. Once I spend some time with the Samsung 1080P DLP and Denon DVD combination, I'll comment more on their performance. I also got a new sub cable (Synergistic Research Phase 1 with MPC).

I've chosen to go only with 1080P upconversion via HDMI and not Blu-Ray/HD-DVD because of price and the format war. When the prices come down to reasonable levels and the format war has ended, then I'll jump in.

It has taken a long time for things to come together, but good things have come because of it. New high res pictures will be up by the end of the weekend.

2 Channel Update:

I regretably sold my beloved Plinius 8100 and have in it's place, a John Hogan 6sn7/76/300b S.E.T. amp. The Plinius was just awesome and perfect for my system. The John Hogan amp was something I couldn't pass up, as there are no more being made by the late John Hogan.

I will one day, own another Plinius integrated amp. The John Hogan S.E.T. amp is incredible. The sound of my 2 channel system is the best it's ever been. I'm pretty confident that the John Hogan S.E.T. amp will be with me for many years to come.

A few minor changes are in the plans:
1. Two new Audio Magic power cords
2. Another pair of IC's for the rear channels of my 5.1

vman71 June 29, 2007 17:14

Update following a few changes to the 2 channel system. The addition of a pair of two Stealth custom power cords and the Bela Canto DAC2. The two Stealth custom power cords are connected to the CDP and the DAC from the power conditioner. The DAC now sits between the CDP and the integrated amp.

I'll sum up the improvements by saying it's another step closer to the magic of tubes. Dead quite background, improved clarity of details, improved air and separation of vocals and instruments, wider soundstage, and improved (more tube-like) midrange. I'm basing my comment about the improved midrange as compared to the glorious midrange produced with my restored Eico HF-81 integrated tube amp.

I'm very happy with my 2 channel set-up. It sounds dynamically exciting and musical. I'm really enjoying it!

vman71 March 22, 2007 12:27

System edited: Added a few things to the 2 channel set-up. I added a Bel Canto DAC2 and inserted a pair of custom Stealth power cords. I'm going to let them settle in for a few days and then do some listening.

vman71 March 20, 2007 16:01

Actually, my room configuration isn't going to work with the Klipsch Chorus II's in the rear. I'm going to have to find a small pair of Klipsch speakers that I can mount on the wall.

So the plan is to eventually have this set up in my bedroom for lite listening:
- EAD CDP
- Eico HF-81
- Klipsch Chorus II's

The Man Cave would then primarily be used for HT.

I think you're right, in that there are compromises when having 2 channel & HT as the same system.

The Eico HF-81 is my first exposure to tubes and it absolutely amazing. Since I will not be getting rid of my Klipsch speakers, I've decided that I'm going to sell my Plinius and get a SET amp.

vman71 February 27, 2007 19:19

Mjcmt,

Thanks. I really hope to have a HDTV by mid year and really start enjoying the HT side of this system. I'm very happy with my Klipsch speakers for 2 channel and HT. The dynamics and volume I can run through the Klipsch are just awesome for HT.

The Eico HF-81 is just incredible with the Klipsch. I cannot believe how great the two can sound together. The Eico HF-81 is my first venture into tubes and it has been a real eye opener. I'm equally amazed at how great something 50+ years old can perform. The Plinius 8100 is for when I really want to rock out. So I switch back and forth between the two, for light listening I will use the Eico.

A little clarity of what amps are driving what speakers:

For 2 channel:
Light listening- Eico HF-81 driving the Klipsch KLF-20's
Louder listening- Plinius 8100 driving the Klipsch KLF-20's

For HT:

Sunfire Cinema Grand II (225 x 5) driving all the Klipsch speakers.

Front: Klipsch KLF-20
Center: Klipsch KLF-C7
Rear: Klipsch Chorus II
Sub: Klipsch RSW-15

I will try and post some additional pictures very soon.

Mike

vman71 February 15, 2007 15:01