Below is a summary of the Main System and its operational components in December 2023.
The main changes from the last incarnation are the exchange of the left- and right-most Artesania Exoteryc racks for HRS EXR racks, the addition of Jorma Unity interlinks and speaker cables, and the reintegration of the analog turntable section from the former Secondary Setup into the Main Setup.
The core of the main system consists of the CH Precision C1.2 DAC, L1 preamp, A1.5 power amp with the Grimm MU1, Antipodes Oladra, and Taiko Audio Extreme servers and the Aqua La Diva M2 CD Transport, with Magico S1 MkII speakers. Apart from the Jorma Unity interlink between DAC and preamp, all interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808, both balanced and unbalanced. The speaker cables are the Jorma Unity.
All CH Precision components are placed on an Artesania Exoteryc rack with Carbon Fiber Linear Arms. All digital sources are placed on two HRS EXR racks. Review components will be assessed on a vacant spot in one of the HRS EXR racks or on an Artesania KSH2 Krion shelf coupled via Artesania Carbon Fiber Linear arms to an Artesania Aire Floor Platform. In essence, the Aire is a lower Exoteryc rack, and it sounds identical.
The power for this system is delivered by a dedicated run of solid-core installation wire, sourced in the Breaker Box from a Siemens Sitor Cylindric Fuse Cartridge and ending in three GigaWatt G-044 single Schuko Wall Sockets behind the audio system. I use three metal-cased power distributors: one for the main system, one for analog, and one for review components. The power distributors have a shielded metal case and use simple linear brass strip conductors, but they work predictably and provide solid connections.
Loudspeakers
Magico S1 MkII
Pre Amplifier
Power Amplifier
DAC
CH Precision C1.2
Aqua Formula xHD
Music Server
Antipodes Oladra
Grimm Audio MU1
Taiko Audio Extreme
CD Player / Transport
Network Renderer / Streaming Endpoint
Turntable
Cartridges/Stylii
Audio Technica AT-OC9XML
Denon DL-103
Denon DL-103R
Phono Stage
Record Cleaning Machine
Clearaudio Matrix Silent
Degritter
Interlinks
Driade Flow Link Reference 808 RCA and XLR
Jorma Design Unity
Loudspeaker Cables
Digital Cables
Jorma AES/EBU
Jorma BNC
USB Cables
Final Touch Audio Sinope
Mad Scientist Black Magic Gold
Vermouth Reference
Ethernet Cables
ValueLine OEM CAT6 cables
Audio Group Power Installation
Siemens Sitor Cylindric Fuse Cartridge with standard silver-plated fuse for live and solid silver rod for neutral
GigaWatt G-044 Schuko Wall Socket (three main outlets)
Standard unshielded 2,5mm solid core copper installation wire
Power Distributors
Pawalle TP-80 (very heavily modded, not recommended in standard form)
Power Cables
GigaWatt LC-2 EVO (CH C1.2 DAC and Aqua LinQ)
GigaWatt PowerSync ULTRA (CH L1 preamp)
Belden 19364 with Bals schuko and Oyaide 004 connectors (Remaining components)
Equipment Support
Ansuz Darkz T2S
Ansuz Darkz T2
Ansuz Darkz S2T
Ansuz Darkz C2T
Artesania Exoteryc Audiorack
Artesania Carbon Fiber Linear Arm Upgrade
Artesania Aire Floor Platform
Artesania Organic Line Modular Rack
Artesania Organic Line Modular Floor Platform
Artesania ISDIWB Beech Wood Isolation Discs
Artesania Digital Server Platform
Artesania KSH2 Krion shelves
Ansuz Darkz T2S
Finite Elemente Cerapuc and Ceraball Universal
HRS EXR Audio Stand
Stillpoints Ultra SS V2
Room Treatment
R.T.F.S. SiRRAH
R.T.F.S. Big Block
R.T.F.S. Ceiling Vane
GiK 244 Broadband Bass Trap
Hard Wood Stiffening Bars glued onto the windows
The story of my most recent room acoustics improvements is intended for a new installment in the HFA Setup History. Alas, I have yet to find the time to write it as I have to prioritize regular reviews. In short: each of the 8 ceiling-to-floor glass window sections has 4 horizontal hardwood bars glued on using Bison Polymax kit. These bars are then stabilized using thick wood bars that are screwed into the left and right frames. What this achieved is a strong reduction of the glass panels’ 40Hz resonance that killed much of the right speaker’s low output and also introduced very annoying phase effects at higher bass frequencies.
See Also
All HFA Reference equipment and accessories frequently used for reviews: Associated Equipment
Overview of all Audio Setup Snapshots
In-depth overview of how the HFA systems developed over the years: HFA Audio Setup History
Ranking Order of reviewed components with appointed Awards: HFA Awards page
Hi Christian,
What is your opinion on ARC REF6/150SE combination with Magico s1 mk2? I see you have Magico s1 in your room and you reviewed ARC amps..
Are you planning to do S1mk2 review?
I’ve never heard these amps combined with the S1s. However, I did hear them with the latest S3 at a show with the Wadax Studio Player as the front end, and the combination sounded marvelous.
Unless I miraculously find the time, I will likely not be doing a review of the S1s. However, if I manage to make a comparison between the S1 MkII and the latest S3 (“Mk3”), I will definitely report on that.