Alpha Recording System (ARS)

Inside the system

Two Technics 1200-series decks feed an ARS MODEL9900 rotary mixer. The main speakers are sealed GR-Research X-CS Encores, each using two M-165 woofers around a central tweeter. The design is rated at 90 dB sensitivity with a nominal 8 Ω impedance. A Sansui BA-2000 provides amplification, with Threshold 400A and S/150 amplifiers also in the collection and rotation. One KEF KC62 and two KC92 subwoofers support the sealed mains, while miniDSP processing addresses troublesome room frequencies. A kick-sub position sits behind the bar, although its model assignment is unspecified. With several bass sources in a compact room, their placement, level and timing are central to integration with the main speakers.

Inside the system

Reloop turntables feed an ARS Model 9100B rotary mixer, with McIntosh amplification also in the system. The turntable and amplifier models are unspecified. The ARS mixer is the most precisely identified component in this vinyl-oriented front end.

Inside the system

The Main Room combines OJAS × NNNN ON2 and NNNN Gage 125 loudspeakers with McIntosh C55 control electronics, Powersoft Unica amplification and Rupert Neve Designs and Manley processing. The signal-processing equipment includes Neve MBT, P2MB and RMP-D8 units and a Manley Massive Passive stereo valve equalizer. The booth offers ARS 9900BW, 5000 and 3500LE equipment alongside an AlphaTheta euphonia mixer, Technics SL-1200G-S decks and Pioneer CDJ-3000 players. An Isonoe five-band equalizer, Benchmark DAC3 HGC and NNNN monitoring broaden its control and playback options. The Blue Room follows a separate OJAS chain: TAD loudspeakers, a Super-sub, Phonoplayer 1200G, April phono stage and April PSET 300B amplification. The contrast between the extensively processed Main Room and the dedicated valve-amplified Blue Room is a defining feature of the installation.

Inside the system

Haruo Nomura built the main loudspeakers, partnered with a McIntosh MC275 VI power amplifier and C22 control amplifier. A separate Tannoy Autograph Mini system uses a McIntosh MA5200. Technics SL-1200G and Luxman PD171A turntables, an Accuphase DP-550 and an Alpha Recording System MODEL-9000 supply playback and mixing.