In preparation for a possible relocation to Raleigh into a house which does not have as much flexibility for the development of an audio/video area, I have recently reconfigured my current system to mimic what I might implement in the new location.

Since my primary interest is in listening to two-channel classical music, I have focused my efforts toward what might be the best results for music reproduction in my potential new location. Accordingly, I have implemented the following setup.

The center of my system is my Cambridge 851A Stereo Amp. All of my music is digital files (FLAC with a few MP3 files), stored in a dedicated PC Laptop. I use either MusicBee or MusiChi as my library managers and players (mostly MusiCHI). Files are sent from my PC to my Cambridge DAC Magic Plus, which has both Balanced and Unbalanced audio outputs. The Balanced outputs are connected to the Cambridge 851A. The unbalanced outputs are connected to my Paradigm DSP 3400 Sub.

The Cambridge 851A has "A" and "B" speaker outputs. The "A" outputs are connected to my Triton Ones (Front Left and Right). The "B" outputs are connected to my Triton Sevens (Rear Left and Right). The Cambridge also has a Preamp Line Level Output. This output's signal level varies with the Cambridge's Volume Control Setting. This output is connected to the Triton Ones' Left and Right LFE inputs.

This entire setup is essentially a "2.3 System", augmented by the Rear Triton Sevens. I have the Left/Right Signals to the Triton Sevens reversed - meaning that as I sit in my listening position, the Rear speaker on my Left is playing the Right Channel Sound and the Right speaker is playing the Left Channel Sound. In my setup, this arrangement leaves the Left/Right sound properly focused from the Triton Ones, while the Sevens provide additional sound presence in the room.

Sending a variable line-level signal from my Cambridge Amp to the Triton Ones' LFE inputs results in a pleasing augmentation of the bass. I have the Ones' LFE level controls set to the "neutral" 12:00 position.

The unbalanced line-level output from the DAC Magic Plus provides extra bass as needed via the Paradigm Sub. I have adjusted the level and cutoff controls on the Paradigm to low-level "9:00" settings. in addition, I have a remote shutoff for the AC Power for the Sub. I use this sub to augment the bass when listening at low sound levels and to augment the deep bass when listening to recordings with thin bass levels.

This setup is providing a very pleasant listening experience in my present digs and can be implemented in the more-limited-options space if we move.

Having the variable-level Preamp Line Output option in the Cambridge Amp is a critical element of this setup, with regard to providing controllable bass levels in my situation. I never listen at high Volume Levels, so I do not experience bass overload with the added bass from the double connections to the Triton Ones. And, a goodly portion of my listening is done during our morning "coffee time" when the overall Volume Level is low to please my Bride.

I hope these musings are of interest to at least some folks. As always, comments are welcome.

Happy Listening,

Art

After a goodly amount of listening to my latest configuration, I have concluded that, not only will this configuration probably be the best I can do in Raleigh, but, surprisingly, it is proving to be a very pleasing configuration for my current digs in Johnson City.

It is the simplest configuration I have used since many years ago, with a minimal amount of signal processing. I am enjoying the sound across a wide variety of musical offerings. The "double bass" augmentation I have implemented in the Triton Ones is very effective at the volume levels I employ.

Reversing the Left/Right inputs for the Triton Seven rear speakers is providing just the right amount of sound augmentation in the room without. attracting attention to their locations when I am in my PLP.

I am using the Paradigm Sub only when listening at very low volumes - or, occasionally when I am playing a very bass-thin recording.

For those interested in use of spikes with their Tritons -- I am employing my 1/4 x 20 screws to elevate my Sevens and my Ones. In both cases, I have implemented a "reverse tilt" -- that is, the front of the speakers is more elevated than the rear. Sound is still focused without having the sense that the speakers are pointed at me. Also, I have the speaker angles set for a more indirect sound presentation.

Happy listening,

Art

This is the Art we know and love, the experimenter!

Art, so glad all is going well with Sheryl, and wish you the best with your procedure.

Keep on keeping on! Golf will be waiting for you.

Rick

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the encouraging words. It seems that we are in the clutches of the medical community - perhaps almost inevitable now that we are about to be 77 and 74 respectively.

I have now discovered that I have irregular heart rhythm - and have probably had it for at least 3 years. Not causing me any problems and I would not be aware of it except for an EKG which was performed on Monday as a result of some comments I made to my GP. Now I'm scheduled for several heart and circulations tests to check for issues related to arteries, etc. Meanwhile, I continue to walk the golf course every day (18 holes today).

I'll also have a stress test sometime after I heal from the hernia surgery.

Otherwise, all is well. Sheryl continues to slowly approach full recovery. She is doing everything she wants to do, but gets tired more quickly - otherwise, no issues.

On we go....

Best,

Art

Medical Update:

When the anesthesiologist saw my comments about occasional brief spells of "a light headed feeling" (comments made to my GP which resulted in the EKG), he refused to apply any anesthesia until after all of my heart scans are completed. He was not concerned about the "abnormal EKG readings" -- but rather my anecdotal comments. Thus, my hernia surgery, scheduled for today, has been indefinitely postponed. Instead, I am now scheduled for a stress test tomorrow morning and the two scans for Tuesday October 30.

Meanwhile, golf every day, yard-cutting, etc. continues. I am looking forward to finishing all of these tests, rescheduling the hernia surgery and generally regaining control of my life.

Happy listening to all,

Art

Hey Art, thanks for the update and praying that the doctors made good, wise, right decisions and take great care of you!!!!
Pls keep us informed, thanks and enjoy your golf!!!!

God Bless,
Wayne