I started just wanting to upgrade from low-fi. And a friend recommended AudiogoN. After a couple of months of searching and comparing I settled on the amp and speakers mentioned above. I found both as demos from AudiogoN dealers. I couldn't be happier. Absolutely incredible what a transformation for even a old non-audiophile piece of equipment. A few months latter I upped the CD player from an old mass marker Sharp to a Rega Planet also found on AudiogoN as a Dealer Demo. We started with no money and ended the same but I am extremely pleased with where we have come. Not only the audio results are fantastic but the engaging nature of the glowing exposed tubes and the top loading of the CD player make the whole experience VERY engaging. Thanks to all of you who helped in my decision making process! (Sedond, Audiokinesis,Trelja, Pls1, Sean...)
See if you can find a rotel 971 cd. They have this incredible pacific microsonic hdcd chip, which is also used in the arcam 7se / 8se and the copland 266. They all share this extraordinary sound. Pacific cant explain what they did, but these are all cd players that hold their own against the very best. You might be able to pick one up for a couple of hundred.
