Taking it up a notch: Cary SLI-80, Cambridge 840C, Clearaudio Performance and Proac D2 speakers. Room treatments have helped a lot, as has power conditioning, even after installing dedicated outlets. My listening room is the main living/dining room in a condo. Most components were purchased as demo units at local audio stores. This is my second real system after my terrific NAD 742/Arcam 73T/Paradigm Studio 20 combo.
Do you still have this system. I was admiring your choice of equipment. Cary tube integrated, CA cd, Clearaudio tt, and ProAc speakers. Not much to improve on here.
I agree the 4tc has excellent balance w/ 8tc a little bass heavy in some systems. I had the best sound w/ one run of 8tc used as a bi-wire w/ 6 or the 8 leads for the lows and the other 2 leads for the highs. Yes you are spoiled in Chicago. I've frequented all the audio salons you mentioned. I got Van L. to bring on the Cary line just after I left and he will negotiate w/ you. He is a Kimber dealer too.
Good luck w/ your system.
(I only list my vintage system on A'gon, but I have a higher end system w/ Audio Elec (Cary), PS audio, and DIY high-end speakers that is not complete enough to include yet.)
I've had Cary products off and on for years and think that Kimber Kabling is a great match w/ Cary. Cary wires their amps w/ Kimber hook-up wire too. I'm currently using a Audio Electronics (Cary's sister company) Super Amp 2 tube power amp and it too sounds great w/ Kimber cabling as well.
I had Cary's CD308 cd player a few years back and their players throw an amazing 3D soundstage. Their cdp may be a nice upgrade down the road.
(A side note, I'm from Chicago and now live in NC. I lived in Uptown and Mayfair Pk. and worked at Van L. Speakerworks for a short time. Chicago is one of the best cities IMHO)
