The journey to assemble the very best system possible given money and space constraints has been a rewarding challenge for over 35 years. The current collection of components delivers an incredible sense of musical realism with wondrous instrument textures, dynamics and soundstage. My goal is to not simply listen to reproduced music but to create the sense I am a part of it. Attending a Red Rocks concert this summer sitting second row center, I turned to my wife and enthused I just experienced a new goal for my 2-channel! If only
Similar to many audiophiles, our living room is also the audio salon. At one of the local furniture retailers the salesperson was making an effort to sell us an entire room of new pieces. I explained to her we would consider her offering IF she could create a design where all audio components were invisible when not in use. As you can see from the picture she produced a design that delivers the highest WAF.
Generous thanks are due many that have enabled my quest for audio nirvana: first, to the many Agon mentors who so kindly offer their insight, experience and advice. Next, to the local dealers that will not rest until complete customer satisfaction is realized. And finally to the resident electronics (specifically tube) wizard that has made humpty-dumpty whole again so many times over the past 20 years. At one time I provided simultaneous shelter for 24 toobes resident in the various components.
Since I spend significant time every week playing classical music I rarely listen to it. Im not sure any system could give me the same thrill as sitting on stage playing the classics with 60 other musicians. The majority of my vinyl is rock, blues, acoustic, female vocals, jazz and instrumental music. If youve ever wanted to experience the inside of an acoustic guitar, pick up Leo Kottkes Guitar Music LP. This is one of my all-time favorite reference albums and every time I listen it takes me to magical destinations.
As you can tell from the equipment listing I do not own a CD player and have no plans to acquire one. For me, toobes and vinyl are clearly the path to salvation. Certainly, Ive heard systems that use a digital source capable of sounding every bit as good as analog. I just dont want to expend the $100 K+ it would take to achieve it.
I've owned this table for 10 years and love it. I asked the dealer why it was discontined as it is an excellent price-performer. His response - it was the only all-wood table Kuzma made - too much trouble.
Kuzma Stogi
Very similar to the Reference arm.
EMT JSD Jubilee 5
An incredible improvement over the Glider. But then is should be for 3X the price.
Audible Illusions Modulus 3A
Upgraded the output tubes to Amprex Bugle Boy's. WOW!!! what an improvement.
Herron Audio VTPH-1mc
Wanted a warmer midrange and Keith suggested Telefunken tubes. OMG, what an improvement. May upgrade to the plus version at some point
Balanced Audio VK-55
This is the most recent addition and enabled the syngery of all the components to realize their potential.
Audio Physic Scorpio
Cherry cabinets are just that. Every component upgrade takes these babies to new levels of performance.
Harmonic Technology Magic 2M
Will probably upgrade to the Magic II's at some point
Sound Strings Alpha Gold
Pre-amp to Phono-amp. Love these
Harmonic Technology Pro-9
These really opened up the sound
DeMarzio Power
Another outstanding price performer. Used in all electronics.
Walker Extreme SST
If you are a serious audiophile this is a no-brainer, cost-effective tweak.
Premier Record Cleaner
Great first process - elimates static and prepares the LP for the Zyme
Buggtussel Vinyl-Zyme Gold
Second step in the process
Onzow Stylus Tip Cleaner
This stuff is weird - but it works.
(3) Porter Ports Wall Outlet
When the electrician connected the dedicated 20 amp circuit to thses puppies big improvements were gained
SST Pucks Puck
These made a jaw-dropping improvement. They now reside beneath every component.
present system WADIA 571/521 TRANSPORT / DAC PASS LABS XA 30.5 POWER AMP WILSON AUDIO SASHA SPEAKERS TRANSPARENT AUDIO REFERENCE POWER, INTERCONNECT AND SPEAKER CABLE.
Rballdude, I came over to look after your remarks about the VK-55 the other day. I know you're right about going analog, I don't think I've got the energy to do it though:)
I'm going to check out your Kottke recommendation. I saw him in a small outdoor theatre in Arvada, I think late 80's/ early 90s and he did a great solo show.
I just got a pair of scorpios and am curious about the VCF inster that you tried. Do you still use them? It looks like you have carpet. And you prefer them to spikes? Great looking set up by the way!
Congratulations on your speaker choice. I've yet to hear the Scorpio II's. Given A.P.'s reputation, I'm sure they are substantially improved with the new drivers. I've only used two amps with the Scorpio's - both tube. My original amp was the Beard P35 that I owned for 17 years and did a fine job with my previous speakers. Didn't drive the Scorpio's well at all, though. The first amp I brought home to try was the BAT VK-55...end of search. This was a match made in heaven. Everything I could ask for and then some. Your experience may be different as you only referenced a CDP and I do not own one. My only source is analog. However, I would strongly suggest you try the VK-55. It matches so well with the Scorpio's I expect it will be the last amp I own, at least as long as I use these speakers. If possible, demo the amps you are considering in your home.
HI. I HAVE THE AUDIO PHYSIC SCORPIO II AND WADIA 301 P CD PLAYER. IT HAS TAKEN THE BETTER PART OF 2 YEARS FINDING THE RIGHT SPEAKER. I AM NOW IN A MESS LOOKING FOR THE BEST AMPLIFIER IN THE SUB $7000 RANGE. I LISTENED TO THE AUDIO RESEARCH VS 115 AND VALVE AUDIO BLACK WIDOW PRE /POWER COMBO AND OTHER AMPS. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE?
