This is my reference system because it sounds fantastic and I never change it. The Cary was purchased in 1996 and replaced a Pioneer receiver which sounded very Ho Hum. It was instant magic and any attempt to upgrade power cords, power conditioners, interconnects, speaker wire has resulted in worse sound. So, I leave it alone.
The only changes over this time period were a new TV, custom cabinet (which sounded a bit better) and new carpet.
The system has a certain zip to it that is addictive. The room is 10x14 and bass is -3db at 31hz so it fills the room. Overall frequency balance is excellent.
The speaker grille has a cut out baffle for control of tweeter dispersion so placement close to the sidewall is not a problem. I'll post a photo of the speakers with the grilles removed. The frequency balance is close to perfect, both by ear and db/test recording measurements.
