OK! I have replaced almost every component in my previous system and then some, must be one of those mid life crisis thingy. What can I say? When you get bitten by the audio bug, there is no cure, is there? All comments are welcomed.
The hype is true in every sense. You cannot find a smoother and yet detailed CDP for < $5k. It weaves a sonic fabric that is not unlike the Audiomeca's but because of the tube output stage, it is a little more rounded. This is the one to beat.
AudioMeca Mephisto II
Almost sounds like a vinyl, one of my best audio investments. It's a back up now.
APL 3910
Alex Paychev creation, I still have not heard a better digital source at the same price. This player actually put my plan go move into analog on hold.
Harmonic Technology Magic Link
I have them through out my whole system, gotta thank Brian of the Analog shop for introducing them to me. They beat Cardas Golden Cross (warm but lacks detail and too much coloration for my ears) and Acoustic Zen Silver REF II (extremely analytical, at the expense of musicality) easily on my system. Good value for money.
Supratek Syrah
This new addition really brings my system to a different level.
NBS Master III
These go between the Supratek and the Power 3's. Got a good deal for them.
Dynaudio Contour 3.3
Upgraded from dynaudio contour 1.8MkII, I still believe Dynaudio makes great speakers, no fanfare, no frills, just GREEEAAAAAATT speakers.
Harmonic Technology Pro9 Plus
This single grain crystal thing is really magical, opens up the soundstage, add space and air between each instrument and vocal ...
Shunyata Taipan
Use this on the CD player and Pre amp
Sonic Frontiers Power 3
I have finnaly taken the plunge to move from solid state amplification to tubes.
McIntosh McIntosh 501's
Like the warm sound of 501's
PS AUDIO Power Plant Premiere
AC re-generator capable of pumping out 1500w
PS Audio Ultimate Outlet
Good for isolating the small signal stage (digital front end and the pre-amp) from the high current amplifier
looking great, but you're still miles from electric nirvana. When you're ready, can that Ultimate outlet, and go for dedicated cryoed lines, with excellent power conditioning like the Shunyata Hydra or, my favorite, Audio Magic. peace, warren
System edited: I have changed every component and then added some more, please comment if you would. I need to also get some pictures posted, maybe I will have a digital camera for my Christmas....
System edited: Just welcomed a new addition to my system, the Dynaudi Contour 3.3. You could see the description of the resultant improvement in my system description.
Dedicated circuits are great. I have done the same. Dirty in = dirty out. This is your first step: and it's a good one. It may well be all you need, but it wasn't for me. Those electrical/mystical, evil little nasties, that are picked up on the way to your house, do not disappear with a dedicated line. See what your dedicated lines bring you; and let your wallet take you from there. peace, warren
Warrenh, Thanks for the tips on power conditioner. I just checked out your system and you certainly have a very good one. What do you think about dedicated circuit for the equipements? I have just made arrangement to have dedicated circuit wired from the braker box directly to my music room, one for the amps and another for the CDP and pre-amp. Gonna costs me ~$300. Some guys that I know here swear by that.
Sounds great to me. I'm very big on cleaning up the little nasties in electricity. I see you feel the same way, hence, your PS Ultimate outlet. YOu may want to consider moving up to some serious electric conditioning. I use the Audio Magic Matrix for my analog and the Stealth Mini Digital for my front end. I thought I had arrived before these additions. Now I'm there. The Audio Magic was the one for me, but there are, certainly, other conditioners out there, that do a great job. You may want to consider some for your "humble" system. peace, warren
