I thought it might be interesting to share details of my reference system to give a better understanding of my priorities.
As a manufacturer, the rationale behind the choices differs somewhat from those important to consumers, even if we may end up sharing a similar sonic outcome. Transparency, neutrality and consistency are what I most need.
- Transparency gives me the ability to easily discern any changes being made
- Neutrality helps give an accurate steer on product voicing to suit the majority of users rather than try correct tonal aberrations for a minority
- Consistency means that I can ‘read’ what is going on quicker and more predictably.
To this end, I need equipment with a low noisefloor, rock solid reliability and no overt colouration. System downtime for repairs / upgrades and burning-in really eats up product development lead-time, so I’m pretty much a buy and hold sort of guy. My reference system for the past 3 years has been:
- Taiko SGM2015 server
- T+A dsd dac (modified)
- HE1000 v2 headphones (for 99% of my listening)
- Berning Quadrature Z monoblocks
- Wilson Benesch ACT speakers (modified)
- Sistrum stand
The server will however imminently be replaced by the new Extreme model. Rather than change too many sonic variables at once, I will use it initially with the existing T+A dac however this will be upgraded to something altogether more serious in the Autumn. I also have a Berning Pre One standing by in anticipation, which will receive a few mods to optimise it for single source usage.
As a manufacturer, the rationale behind the choices differs somewhat from those important to consumers, even if we may end up sharing a similar sonic outcome. Transparency, neutrality and consistency are what I most need.
- Transparency gives me the ability to easily discern any changes being made
- Neutrality helps give an accurate steer on product voicing to suit the majority of users rather than try correct tonal aberrations for a minority
- Consistency means that I can ‘read’ what is going on quicker and more predictably.
To this end, I need equipment with a low noisefloor, rock solid reliability and no overt colouration. System downtime for repairs / upgrades and burning-in really eats up product development lead-time, so I’m pretty much a buy and hold sort of guy. My reference system for the past 3 years has been:
- Taiko SGM2015 server
- T+A dsd dac (modified)
- HE1000 v2 headphones (for 99% of my listening)
- Berning Quadrature Z monoblocks
- Wilson Benesch ACT speakers (modified)
- Sistrum stand
The server will however imminently be replaced by the new Extreme model. Rather than change too many sonic variables at once, I will use it initially with the existing T+A dac however this will be upgraded to something altogether more serious in the Autumn. I also have a Berning Pre One standing by in anticipation, which will receive a few mods to optimise it for single source usage.