Description

I got started in Audio in the early 60s when I was doing graduate work at the University of Chicago. I use to go to the outlet store of Allied Radio and buy components to try and then assemble them into systems to sell to fellow students. This led to a long career in what you might call Semi-Pro audio. I have been a factory authorized dealer for many brands but never with the intention of making a living at it. I have loved music and audio all my life and have wanted to share this with others. In the old days I was always trying something new, I obtained Stax and Spendor direct from the manufactures and showed them to the person who became their first importer. I have liked the British sound since using the Quad 57s but not to the exclusion of other speakers. I have not listed my interconnects because I have a large number of them and because I can't remember what some of the unlabeled ones are. I like Siltech, Van Den Hul, Kimber, Mapleshade and others, they do make a difference but they can drive you crazy. I would not spend a fortune on them but get good ones. Use Stax and Senheiser 650 headphones.
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Components Toggle details

    • Meridian 206
    CD Player
    • Meridian 200
    Cd transport
    • Audio Synthesis DAX
    DA Converters
    • Meridian 263
    DA Converters
    • Denon 304
    cartridge
    • Magic standard
    Hybrid preamp by Foster Blair
    • Audio Synthesis Ben Duncan
    preamp
    • Audio Synthesis PAS-02
    passive preamp
    • Meridian 605
    3 pairs
    • Musical Fidelity M-3 Nuvista
    int. amp
    • Tandberg 3026A
    power amp
    • GamuT L5
    Floor Standing Speakers
    • Spendor S-100
    speaker
    • Spendor SP-1/2E
    speaker
    • Spendor SP-1
    speaker
    • Spendor SP-2/2
    speaker
    • B&W 805
    speaker
    • REL Acoustics Stadium 111
    sub
    • REL Acoustics Stadium 11
    sub
    • Nelson-Reed 1204
    subs
    • Hsu Research HRSW-10
    sub
    • Hsu Research HRSW-12
    sub
    • Bob's Devices Cinemag
    Step Up transformer
    • Conrad Johnson Primer 350SA
    Solid State Power Amp
    • Basis Audio 2001
    Basis turntable
    • Graham Engineering 2.2
    2.2 updated from 1.5
    • Audio-Technica USA 33EV
    MC phono cartridge
    • Linn LP-12 Sondek
    Linn Lp 12 with Grace 707 tonearm
    • Audia Flight
    Line stage
    • PS Audio Quintet
    Power Conditioner
    • Quad FM-4
    Tuner
    • Van den Hul The First
    Have several generations of The First including latest.
    • Cardas Golden Reference
    One of the best if you want natural sound; does not kick up the highs like many others.
    • Oyaide GPX
    Power cables, 2 with red plugs, one with white
    • Musical Fidelity V-DAC
    DAC with Little Pinkie PS
    • PS Audio PPP
    Power Conditioner
    • SR MIGs
    vibration reducing supports
    • Metrum Octave
    NOS dac
    • Rega Rega RB 1000
    Moth version.
    • Riggle VTA Adjustor
    Sets correct VTA
    • Townshend Allegri
    Transformer coupled passive preamp

Comments 67

Showing all comments by kennythekey.

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As you may know I've been using Cardas for many years. About a year ago, I picked up a Crystal interconnect that I tried from my Tron Seven phono to my amp. Not much of a perceived difference, if any.

I was told by the maker of my amp, Sam Kim, that the way his amps are designed cables do not make a difference, as long as you're at least using a good one. Meaning, not a $6.99 model. He started to explain to me why that was the case with his design, but his English is poor. It was something he designs into his circuitry that others do not. I will be seeing him in Montreal the first of April and will get the reasoning behind this.

Anyway, Sam is sending me a set of simple interconnects that he builds and uses when testing and fine-tuning customers' equipment. I will be comparing them against my Cardas and Crystal to see if there is any noticeable difference.

I want you to know that I do hear differences in equipment with different cables, so don't think I'm one of those disbelievers.

kennythekey

Regarding your posts on my "Cables for High Efficiency Speakers" thread...back at you...My you have been busy Stan! You had this comment about my Flexi-Rack.

This is my first time on your System thread and I am amazed at what you have collected over time. Wow!!!

It's no wonder that you have cautionary opinions about cables, as you must have experimented with so many.

Your room looks fanatastic too, but I'm stuck with my smallish Living Room, so no treatments and next to no re-arranging.

My brain is changing regarding cables, because I'm starting to hear that it may be a design-specific element built into a component, that decides whether different cables will actually sound different/better or not. May be dangerous ground? Anyway, that's a different thread.

Great System(s)!!!

kennythekey