Description

This system has been evolving for over 25 years. I have never had a great deal of extra cash to put into audio equipment, but this has achieved a fine synergy, with about the widest frequency response and most natural sound I have ever been able to achieve.

The Infinity 4.1t's are really wonderful in an understated way; they sound very natural with all types of music, and are never fatiguing or harsh, and they image pretty well, with a solid soundstage, with the caveat that the soundstage is always behind the plane of the speakers.

The Job 150 monoblocks are Goldmund's new 'budget' line, and internally are essentially 150w monoblocks in plain grey generic enclosures, fronted with massive heat sinks ans a single green power led. They are about 6" width x 3" high x 8" deep, and weigh something like 15 lbs. each. You would think they were solid blocks of lead! (see http://www.jobsys.com/job150doc.htm for more info.)

I replaced the generic power cords with PS Audio X-streams and they are simply glorious! (but nothing to look at...)

The rest is all solid quality stuff, and the HK T-60 table has long been acknowledged to be an outstanding table for a mid-fi manufacturer, and HK's best. I like the fact that it is a semi-automatic, and I don't have to jump up when the side is done.

The Pure AV PF60 is a new and very welcome addition. It has significantly improved the clarity and detail of the system, particularly for CD's, although I do not run the monoblocks through it, but have them straight into the wall plates. (see http://catalog.belkin.com/PureAV_detail.process?Product_Id=178925 for more info.)

I am interested in reactions to this system, as I would like a bit more 'alive' sound, but I believe I would have to find different, probably far more expensive speakers to achieve this without sacrificing a pretty flat and neutral 20Hz-20kHz response with the tight deep bass that the 4.1t's provide in abundance.

The interconnects are all mid-fi cables, nothing fancy, like Tributaries DCA 100's, and Kimber Kable Timbre's from the CD to the preamp and such.

Question: Would better cables (i.e. ones in the ~$100 price range in the Agon classifieds) really make any noticable difference in this system?
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Infinity Intermezzo 4.1t
    With integrated 850W BASH subwoofer amps. (bought as Demos)
    • Harman Kardon T-60
    a really solid semi-automatic from the 80's. Excellent micro-race tonearm by Ito.
    • Audio-Technica USA AT20S
    Shibata diamond
    • Rotel RCD-1072
    Big discount
    • Tube Audio Design TAD-150
    Paul Gryzbeck's budget wonder!
    • Goldmund/Job Job 150 Monoblocks
    I've never seen these mentioned on Audiogon, but they're great!
    • Denon TU-600
    Later 80's, but still sounds fantastic.
    • Pure AV (Belkin) Power Conditioner PF60
    a recent and welcome addition.
    • Soundlink Red Dragon speaker cable
    Real Heavy braided 4-conductor stuff...
    • PS Audio xStream Preludes
    (on monoblock amps)

Comments 1

Nicely balanced set-up!
I would like a bit more 'alive' sound
Given yr power amplification, this (i.e. laid back sound) could be due to:
* room: overdamped. (if applicable clear drapes, heavy furniture fm the path b/ween spkr & listening pos)
* pre-amp; check tubes or, try another pre
* (most likely): spkrs. Great sounding, as you note, they weren't designed for high "explosions". They offer a more laid back -- rather than in yr face -- sound. Spkrs like A-Physic, Triangle, Avalon & many others, offer a more "lively" sound.

Although I doubt there will be earthshaking differences, you can try different wires (try, do not buy -- yet). Go for single core rather than multistrand -- or spaced strands (like Nordost) on the spkrs. Normally you can use unshielded cable for the spkrs.
Cheers

gregm

Showing 1 post