Thanks, TJ!  Like you, we tried really hard to build a listening room that's also a living room.

cymbop January 13, 2021 16:52

Just dropping in to check out your system cymbop. Wow!  Looks amazing and a fantastic place to enjoy music and life in general. From your comments it looks like your foster care of the B&W has become a full fledged adoption. Pretty great. Do you ever compare them to the Zu?  Do you still have the Zu somewhere?  Surprised they did not make it into your secondary system if so.  I picked up my amp for repairs and the tech had heard good things about Zu speakers. I haven’t had the pleasure personally. I am on the hunt for something new but I am leaning toward something like an Altec 604 in a custom cabinet.

tjkurita January 13, 2021 02:46

Russ's system is one of the most enjoyable and musically gratifying systems I have ever heard.  Music is at the center of life in that home and he and his wife are such wonderful people to know who truly appreciate great music.

zephyr24069 May 31, 2020 22:23

Thanks for sending it, Toro!  Your print has found a happy home.

cymbop March 08, 2020 19:05

Cymbop, seeing that Phish poster on the rear wall just cemented my aspirations in becoming an interior decorator - my wife agrees after seeing that picture. In all seriousness, Phish looks great in your living room!

toro3 March 07, 2020 03:29

Very nice looking system, thanks for sharing!!

sebrof September 05, 2019 03:01

Ketchup, It's funny:  I don't listen to much recorded Phish on the hifi.  In terms of studio recordings, Billy Breathes is tops though I have a soft spot for most of Fuego as well.  For live recordings, a big yes on the Island Tour in '98 and generally anything in '97.   But perhaps my favorite of all is the outtakes from the 5/7/98 Bearsville Studio sessions.  Give a listen to Limb by Limb and NICU as works in progress!

cymbop March 15, 2019 14:38

Nice system!  What are some of your favorite Phish recordings?

ketchup March 09, 2019 18:53

Boy-lah, I made the panels from OC-703 fiberglass and wrapped them with custom fabric.  The little orange screw-in discs on back are from ATS.  I have picture-molding across the top of my walls, so moving the panels around was a cinch.  I started with the placement at first-reflection points and then tuned by ear.

cymbop November 30, 2016 20:16

Good to hear about your new space. Mind describing your fibreglass damping panels more? I'm after some diffuser options in my space too!

boy_lah November 15, 2016 04:27

Russ,...thank you very much for hosting again yesterday! Your system has come a long way over and above how much fun it already was to listen to more than six months ago, much more musical, organic and compelling to listen to, not just in the sweet spot, but around the house.  Your dogs are also just way too cool,...when the jazz starts, they show up in the listening room and want in on the fun!   See you over here very soon,...thank you for a great session!!!

zephyr24069 June 13, 2016 20:13

It was a blast indeed, Zephyr. Can't wait to hear your rig in the near future.

cymbop January 23, 2015 21:51

Cymbop: Thank you for opening your beautiful home and system and hosting a great listening session last evening. I loved the simple elegance of the system, how it was set up, the care taken to do so and the way it sounds both musically and with regards to 'in the room' effect and imaging. The tracks played were also alot of fun and great music to boot! The dogs are great listening partners and they made the experience complete! I look forward to reciprocating very soon and then repeating the cycle with more recordings to be shared. Thank you!!!

zephyr24069 January 23, 2015 15:45

Tboooe: It's great to see you back in the hobby(!),....I'll leave some comments on your new systems thread.

zephyr24069 August 27, 2014 09:20

Thanks for getting in touch with me on the SC area thread that I started up recently...you have one elegant and well thought out system; you must be very happy with how it sounds. How do you like the Zu's and the Audio Arts cables? You are truly fortunate to have a pair of the Matrix 800s to dive into for any period of time; they have always impressed as a speaker whose design and sound stands the test of time. Love the Buddha as well!

zephyr24069 August 27, 2014 09:20

CT, He'll take the 800s back in a day or a year. Who knows! I kind of like that; it reminds me not to take them for granted, even for a minute. I enjoy every evening I get to spend with them.

Gadman, the PWD can be found at half MSRP since PS Audio will be coming out with a DSD DAC in a few months. I can't recommend it highly enough. Last night I listened to Tony Rice's collaboration with Norman Blake and it completely stole my face. I was swept away by the feeling that I was in the room with the performers. The PWD gets music right, period.

cymbop March 04, 2014 20:44

Congrats on the perfectwave-that is an awesome piece of kit! I am actively searching for a new DAC and AMP combo-getting tired of my all in one integrated.

gadmanrdh March 02, 2014 14:04

Hi Cymbop - when do u need to give back the matrix 800's ?
Mine have made this long winter much easier to deal with.
Nice space and system. Your dog looks really friendly.
Happy Listening - Cheers

ct0517 March 01, 2014 20:04

System edited: Big System Edit: I've become the temporary custodian of a pair of B&W Matrix 800 speakers. They are sensitive enough to be driven quite capably by my little tube integrated, which is kind of a hoot. Also picked up a PS Audio Percectwave DAC MkII, and it is a game changer. Frequency extension through the stratosphere, but in a completely liquid and non-fatiguing manner. I can hardly stop listining lately.

cymbop February 27, 2014 14:59

Hey Chris, yeah: I got the Zu's about 1.5 years ago but neglected to update my system page until now. For $1200 speakers, they are very, very good. I understand that Zu will unveil a Mk. II Omen in the next couple of weeks and will offer an upgrade kit with nano driver, tweeter, and capacitor. I plan to jump on that when it's available.

Buddah sits there to 1) remind me that this is all about being present and experiencing music, rather than fretting over gear and 2) cover the amp's blue LED that beams in my face while I'm listening in the dark!

cymbop June 18, 2013 18:30

Oh, that door to the porch stays well-locked. :-)

I like the PPP and have had zero problems with this unit for two years now. My prior home had two dedicated lines, and the integrated amp sounded better straight into the wall -- more lively and lit up. For digital, it's great.

cymbop June 18, 2013 01:03

I love how people have to step over your speaker cables when the enter the house. A true audiophile!

How do you like your PS Audio power plant? I am thinking about adding for my digital sources.

tboooe June 17, 2013 23:52

nice new digs! I remember seeing your old system, I recognized the W4S, SVS pair, and Buddah :)

Did you have Zu's before?

Great looking system ,I'm sure it sounds fantastic!

chriswilson June 17, 2013 21:15