These were my first 'serious' stereo purchase. I bought these in 2009 at a local dealer that had a new pair they found. Buying them as new-old-stock allowed me to get them for an absolute steal, but still receive a brand new pair with all packaging, etc.
Overall I really enjoy the sound; each upgrade has shown itself through the speakers well. They sit roughly a foot off the back wall, and about seven ft apart with a tiny bit of toe-in. They blend quite well with the Dynamo's crossover set at about 55hz. When the time comes to replace the speakers, I will most likely move them to a 2nd system as opposed to selling them.
What I would replace them with: PSB Imagine B, Dynaudio Focus 110
What I dream of replacing them with: B&W 800 series, Wilson Audio
I purchased a pair of 7' runs of Transparent's 14awg bulk cable with the speakers; when I went home I discovered I was given 14' runs. The extra length is nice, I can half each channel and use the extra cable to truly bi-amp my speakers... once future plans take shape. I'm using some nifty Vampire Wire bananas I got from a local dealer. I'll most likely stick with the brand if/when it becomes time to bi-amp
I found an original Dynamo on Craigslist in great shape with all accessories for a whopping $100 The sub has been a dream, and fits the room very well. I get great results with volume a bit over 1/3 and the crossover at about 50-55hz. Future plans will be an Auralex Subdude II. Also, my amazing girlfriend keeps saying it would look better with a 2nd sub for the other side... so that just might happen :)
This was purchased on a price-to-features ratio. I found an unbeatable deal on a brand new unit, and I like the fact that it has a phono pre, main in/pre-out, dedicated sub out, and a decibel based/digital volume. This is now used solely as a pre-amp. I am glad that I had the hindsight to get a unit with a dedicated sup out and pre-out, it has made integrating my newly found Adcom a dream. This unit will fondly be missed when I find a true pre-amp to replace it, but it will most likely be downgraded to the backbone of a great 2nd system as opposed to selling it.
My most recent purchase: whenever I go to thrift stores, I always peruse the electronics section... and always walk away disappointed. The Audio Gods finally smiled down upon me; I found this Adcom in near-mint condition for a mind-blowing TEN(!)dollars. In the weeks after I brought it home, I did a bit of research. The GFA2535 is a bit of an oddball; it is basically two GFA535II's in one chassis. What's unusual is that one of the amps can be a bridged 200W mono... but only one(?) I'm hoping to find a pre-amp with two sets of outputs, I can truly bi-amp my speakers with this unit. If it ever becomes time for a switch to HT, I will most likely get a matching GFA535II for the fronts and use this amp for all other channels. I plan on holding onto this amp for quite a while. Ironically, I had been on and off drooling over a GFA545II for a while before I found this. The amp is built like a tank, and has a lot of technology from the original GFA555 Nelson Pass designed. I have spent countless hours on Audiogon dreaming of having separates, and stumbling upon this gem has really made that possible!
I picked this up on Halloween in 2010 via a local agon exchange (Thanks again Erik!). The unit was in great condition and still had the dbl boxes. I did however receive an aftermarket power cable that was a very stiff no-name that didn't fit well. I replaced that with a PS Audio Jewel series I got a deal on.
I was, still am, and probably will always be thrilled with the sound quality. I am also a total sucker for the thick aluminum faceplate *drools*. I am always overjoyed when I see mega-buck systems that have one of these keeping up. I have the generation without a power switch, the auto on/off feature has been great. My only gripe is that having one optical and one coax has been an issue as both of my transports have optical only... but I was able to work around that.
What I would replace it with: probably nothing, unless I ever got a HT processor that I could run HDMI through. I also like the Peachtree iDecco
What I dream of replacing it with: PS Audio PWD with Bridge
Got this a few black Friday's ago when it was $90. How did I survive before this??? Streaming my iTunes library is easy and great listening solo and especially parties. I also use this for Netflix streaming, which is my only "television" source. I am running the opitcal out to the DL III and the HDMI to my television. Fun fact: this is my first and only Apple purchase What I would replace it with: nothing really What I dream of replacing it with: I think a Mac Mini would be a lot of fun, or a PS Audio bridge with a PWD :)
Bought this for myself for Christmas in 2012. My hand-me-down Sony DVD player *finally* broke. I am glad to now have a 1080p source for my television. I play games casually, I had a N64 and PS2 growing up. The graphics and game play on the PS3 still blow my mind; a PS4 is many, many years away. Skyrim currently accounts for most of my solo gaming, the soundtrack is great through the system. The girlfriend and I enjoy playing Diablo III in co-op. I will say the slim generation is quite slick looking, for some reason it reminds me of a stealth bomber. Flat black, not at all boxy looking, and a few LEDs. I run the optical out to a opt-to-coax converter, and then run the coax to the DL III. The HDMI goes straight to the TV. What I would replace it with: another PS3, that generation. The 'super slim' models are ugly What I dream of replacing it with: Oppo Digital
Got a great deal on a brand new unit. I absolutely *love* this thing. We had an old Technics (I think) in the basement growing up, and I had about a dozen or so punk rock/ska records that my friends and I would enjoy. After a few years off I got the hifi itch and picked this guy up... holy s--- this has been fun. I have tweaked the table several times with a new speed box, cartridge, and slip mat. Having done all of these had made me think less and less about what turntable I would replace it with, I sooner drool over new cartridges and phono pre amps.
What I would replace it with: nothing really, unless it somehow broke and I needed to. Then probably another debut...blue or green this time.
What I dream of replacing it with: Pro-Ject Xperience (olive wood), Clearaudio Concept
- Herbie's Audio Lab Way Excellent II Turntable Mat
Do you have a Project/Rega/Music Hall?? BUY THIS. NOW
I was so frustrated with how many times the stock felt scrap would cling to records. Buying this fixed that 100%. The material is a weird type of spongy rubber that grips like glue but also allows me to remove records while spinning if desired. I also like the looks.
I have found the best cleaning method is to remove the mat and give it a good rolling with a clean lint-roller.
Seriously, this is essential for folks with similar turntables. Just get it over with.
Bought this at a local dealer, on sale, when they were still $200. This made an enormous improvement over the stock OM5E that came with my Debut. I absolutely love the sound and looks of the cart. I was able to mount it myself, although I had to wait a while to get the larger counterweight needed.
My only gripe is the terribly designed dust cover. It is super awkward to mount and could very easily damage the needle. Fortunately I keep my 'table covered all the time, so I never need to use it.
What I would replace it with: lots of options in the general price range. I look forward to eventually trying other options from Ortofon, Audio Technica, Denon, Clearaudio, etc.
What I dream of replacing it with: high-end Ortofon or Clearaudio
- Project Audio Speed Box II
Bought this after the cartridge swap, yet before the mat swap. This makes spinning 7"s easier. I also like the tiny little design. I would like to eventually get a Project phono pre box, I think a little rack of these boxes would look super slick....a rack within the rack :)
1080p 120hz LCD. The 40 size fits the space and compliments the small equipment well. I find it annoying how size obsessive televisions have become. The set is a 120hz model, which at time looks a little... odd, but through the setting you can adjust the level and sensitivity of the automotion, really a great feature to customize. 4HDMI and a wealth of other in/outs prevents needing an AVR.
I've mounted the set with a fixed low profile unit and concealed the cables with a flat plastic conduit. For a quick afternoon project, it really looks fantastic.
- Salamander Designs Archetype
Got a 3.0 in black with an extra shelf off amazon on sale to the extent of receiving the shelf for free basically. I love the four shelf, it spaces out quite nicely. I really love being able to infinitely adjust the shelves.
What I would replace it with: nothing, but maybe someday I'll add the giant spike feet
What I dream of replacing it with: maybe a Synergy series stand with metal sides if I get a lot more gear
I got a great deal on a new-in-box local deal here on agon (thanks again, Tim!). This provides a great defense against apartment living. I am currently one of 6 units a building, down from 8.
Great build, and I also dig the rainbow outlets. How the hell did I fill this thing up so fast??
These were my first 'serious' stereo purchase. I bought these in 2009 at a local dealer that had a new pair they found. Buying them as new-old-stock allowed me to get them for an absolute steal, but still receive a brand new pair with all packaging, etc.
Overall I really enjoy the sound; each upgrade has shown itself through the speakers well. They sit roughly a foot off the back wall, and about seven ft apart with a tiny bit of toe-in. They blend quite well with the Dynamo's crossover set at about 55hz. When the time comes to replace the speakers, I will most likely move them to a 2nd system as opposed to selling them.
What I would replace them with: PSB Imagine B, Dynaudio Focus 110
What I dream of replacing them with: B&W 800 series, Wilson Audio
I picked this up on Halloween in 2010 via a local agon exchange (Thanks again Erik!). The unit was in great condition and still had the dbl boxes. I did however receive an aftermarket power cable that was a very stiff no-name that didn't fit well. I replaced that with a PS Audio Jewel series I got a deal on.
I was, still am, and probably will always be thrilled with the sound quality. I am also a total sucker for the thick aluminum faceplate *drools*. I am always overjoyed when I see mega-buck systems that have one of these keeping up. I have the generation without a power switch, the auto on/off feature has been great. My only gripe is that having one optical and one coax has been an issue as both of my transports have optical only... but I was able to work around that.
What I would replace it with: probably nothing, unless I ever got a HT processor that I could run HDMI through. I also like the Peachtree iDecco
What I dream of replacing it with: PS Audio PWD with Bridge
Got a great deal on a brand new unit. I absolutely *love* this thing. We had an old Technics (I think) in the basement growing up, and I had about a dozen or so punk rock/ska records that my friends and I would enjoy. After a few years off I got the hifi itch and picked this guy up... holy s--- this has been fun. I have tweaked the table several times with a new speed box, cartridge, and slip mat. Having done all of these had made me think less and less about what turntable I would replace it with, I sooner drool over new cartridges and phono pre amps.
What I would replace it with: nothing really, unless it somehow broke and I needed to. Then probably another debut...blue or green this time.
What I dream of replacing it with: Pro-Ject Xperience (olive wood), Clearaudio Concept
- Herbie's Audio Lab Way Excellent II Turntable Mat
Do you have a Project/Rega/Music Hall?? BUY THIS. NOW
I was so frustrated with how many times the stock felt scrap would cling to records. Buying this fixed that 100%. The material is a weird type of spongy rubber that grips like glue but also allows me to remove records while spinning if desired. I also like the looks.
I have found the best cleaning method is to remove the mat and give it a good rolling with a clean lint-roller.
Seriously, this is essential for folks with similar turntables. Just get it over with.
Bought this at a local dealer, on sale, when they were still $200. This made an enormous improvement over the stock OM5E that came with my Debut. I absolutely love the sound and looks of the cart. I was able to mount it myself, although I had to wait a while to get the larger counterweight needed.
My only gripe is the terribly designed dust cover. It is super awkward to mount and could very easily damage the needle. Fortunately I keep my 'table covered all the time, so I never need to use it.
What I would replace it with: lots of options in the general price range. I look forward to eventually trying other options from Ortofon, Audio Technica, Denon, Clearaudio, etc.
What I dream of replacing it with: high-end Ortofon or Clearaudio
1080p 120hz LCD. The 40 size fits the space and compliments the small equipment well. I find it annoying how size obsessive televisions have become. The set is a 120hz model, which at time looks a little... odd, but through the setting you can adjust the level and sensitivity of the automotion, really a great feature to customize. 4HDMI and a wealth of other in/outs prevents needing an AVR.
I've mounted the set with a fixed low profile unit and concealed the cables with a flat plastic conduit. For a quick afternoon project, it really looks fantastic.
- Salamander Designs Archetype
Got a 3.0 in black with an extra shelf off amazon on sale to the extent of receiving the shelf for free basically. I love the four shelf, it spaces out quite nicely. I really love being able to infinitely adjust the shelves.
What I would replace it with: nothing, but maybe someday I'll add the giant spike feet
What I dream of replacing it with: maybe a Synergy series stand with metal sides if I get a lot more gear
I got a great deal on a new-in-box local deal here on agon (thanks again, Tim!). This provides a great defense against apartment living. I am currently one of 6 units a building, down from 8.
Great build, and I also dig the rainbow outlets. How the hell did I fill this thing up so fast??
