Description

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 A’gon 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. I’m 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 you’ve ever wanted to experience the inside of an acoustic guitar, pick up Leo Kottke’s 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, I’ve heard systems that use a digital source capable of sounding every bit as good as analog. I just don’t want to expend the $100 K+ it would take to achieve it.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Kuzma Stabi
    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.
    • Loricraft PRC-3
    Must have for analog junkies
    • AIVS Ultra Pure Water
    Replaced RRL

Comments 7

Showing all comments by jimmy3993.

View all comments

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!

jimmy3993