Who is also an audiophile?

[raydm6]

Not an audiophile per se but...

Not an audiophile per se but...

I was into mid-fi solid state stuff most of my life (NAD, Philips, ESS) but in early 2000 got into flea-powered single ended triode (SET) amplifiers and really love the sound of tubes.

Current setup: for an amplifier, I own a modified Decware Zen Select SE84CS (1.8W/channel), CAL Audio Delta Transport & CAL Audio Alpha DAC (18-Bit tubed 2x 12AX7's), Promitheus Audio TVC Reference 1 (transformer volume control), speakers are specially made for this amp and are Parker Audio MK1 95's in an MTM configuration (sensitivity 95 db @1w/1m).

I use an assortment of copper and silver interconnects and roll power, input, and rectifier tubes to change the signature of the sound (tone controls if you will).

SET topologies can be seductive, provide amazing imaging and midrange, and bring you a row or two in front of the performers. But they have their minuses as well.

Luckily, my audio GAS is not as bad as camera gear GAS 😛.

- Ray

 

[amoebahydra]

I do not consider myself as an audiophile, I listen music after work to relieve tense after work. The equipment I am using:

Linn Sondek LP12 Turntable
Linn Ittok LVII tonearm
Koetsu Onyx cartridge

Ortofon T3000 MC Transformer
Marantz 7 stereo Console (tube preamplifier)
Marantz 8b amplifier

KEF LS3/5a BBC Class 2 monitor (35th anniv Limited edition) on Foundation pillar

Michell GyroDec SE Turntable
Ortofon RMG-212i tonearm
Ortofon SPU-Royal cartridge
Ortofon SPU T-100 MC Transformer

SME Series IV tonearm
Benz Micro Ruby 2 cartridge
Benz Micro PP1/T8 phono Preamplifier

Mark Levinson Nr.37 CD Transport
Meimyo DAP-777 Digital Audio Processor

Sony JA30ES MD Deck

Magnum DynaLab FT101 Tuner

Mark Levinson Nr 380 pre-amplifier
Mark Levinson Nr 331 dual monorail power amplifier

ProAc Response 2.5 speaker

 

[Turtle]

I was disappointed to find that noise canceling headphones did nothing to stop the voices in my head.

 

[historicist]

I don't know if I could ever count as an audiophile as I have no intention to buy expensive cables, but I like listening to music a lot and a good hi fi makes a big difference. I'm trying to keep my gear-head tendencies under control, though 😉

I've got:

Marantz TT-15 turntable
Denon CX-3 Receiver
Sony TA-E86 preamp (resting)
Sony TA-N86 power amp (broken)
Technics SB E-100 and SB-6000 speakers.

 

[bmattock]

I was disappointed to find that noise canceling headphones did nothing to stop the voices in my head.

I don't mind the voices in my head that much, but I wish they'd speak English.

 

[Nokton48]

A few years ago I decided to upgrade my Yahama system. I just added and completely restored these NS-690s and they are sonically fabulous. I am getting ready to put very expensive audio grade German caps into the crossovers and they will be even better. The first version NS-690s, little brother of the legendary NS-1000s. Couldn't justify the cost or size of the NS-1000s. The speaker stands I had custom made to size by a great Guy out in Colorado.

Just ordered a refurbished Pioneer RT-707 Reel to Reel Can't wait to get it!
The Pioneer will fit in the space just above my Yami turntable. Small footprint for a RTR.

 

[CMur12]

Nice-sounding system, Nokton48! I like those older reel-to-reel tape decks - definitely a good analog source.

I'm an audiophile wannabe/mid-fi in reality:


Musical Fidelity A1 Integrated Class A Amplifier
BBE Sound Processor

Marantz DV 9600 universal disc player (CD, SACD, DVDa, DVDv, etc. I have quite a few SACDs.)

Athena AS-F2 tower speakers (probably the weak link in this system, but better than one would expect)

Musical Fidelity X-CANv3 headphone amplifier
X-PSUv3 power supply

Grado 325i headphones
AKG K701 headphones

- Murray

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I am definitely not an audiophile despite 2600+ cds, 1300+ albums, 3 stereo systems, 4 guitars, one each violin and piano. Seriously, I am not an audiophile.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I have an old stereo system, does that count?

Pioneer SA 9500 II
Pioneer TX 9500 II
Pioneer RT-707 reel to reel
Sony TC-K75 cassette
Sony PS-X60 turntable w/MA 2002e
Infinity Column II speakers

 

[jazzwave]

In living room
Logitec Touch+Synology music server, AudioGD DAC, 300B single ended tube amp, Spendor speaker.
My fav Radio stream is BestSmoothJazz (Rod Lucas) radio, London.

Other room
Asus laptop, DAC, Bottlehead Crack tube headphone amp, Sennheiser HD600.
I listen this audio system when doing photo edit in Photoshop.


~ron~

 

[madNbad]

Love those Spendors! Had a pair of LS35/a until I lost the space to a home remodel. If you like jazz check out WWOZ New Orleans and WEMU out of Eastern Michigan University.

 

[nrb]

Audiolab 8000a, Onkyo Integra, Supra interconnect, QED speaker cable, Wharfedale 10.
I think it is a nice sound for classical and voice.

 

[Wouter]

I would really like to be instructed on quality audio. I´d be grateful if someone could indicate a starting point for the learning curve. Thanks in advance!

 

[dee]

Back in the day , it was chasing the best sound for Opera .
I still have EAR 509s gathering rust and dead Magnaplanar SMGas
But I have given up a bit as hearing has dee teriorated.

I found a Linn Classic Movie in close out at John Lewis Department Store.
It appears that they were thinking of a Linn department , so it had been forgotten about it .
My old Rega deck well outlasted my Pink Triangle / Helios / Grace F9e , as have my tiny RCL Small Loudspeakers .
I use headphones with the Rega and Linn , which suits me fine now .
However , the Pink Triangle man is rebuilding my PT , which should show an improvement .

dee

 

[Nokton48]

I have an old stereo system, does that count?

Pioneer SA 9500 II
Pioneer TX 9500 II
Pioneer RT-707 reel to reel
Sony TC-K75 cassette
Sony PS-X60 turntable w/MA 2002e
Infinity Column II speakers

Nice looking RT-707 RTR. How do you like it?
I have one coming very soon.

 

[jazzwave]

Love those Spendors! Had a pair of LS35/a until I lost the space to a home remodel. If you like jazz check out WWOZ New Orleans and WEMU out of Eastern Michigan University.

Thank you for info, I love my Spendor LS3/5, serviced me for almost 12 years. Thinking to replace with Harberth Super HL5plus or Monitor 30 but the budget conflict my Photography hobby..:bang:

~ron~

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Nice looking RT-707 RTR. How do you like it?
I have one coming very soon.

I was going to ask where you're getting yours from.
I'm the original owner, so I like it a lot. Been saved all these years from many a 'Clean out the house!' episodes with the wife.

 

[Nokton48]

Here. He buys old tape recorders and CLAs them. A bit more than I really wanted to pay, but he reduced his price before the auction ended, so I went for it. I've been researching this one on the audio forums. Very little not to like.

I really didn't want to buy one of the as-is units I see so many of, I just want to plug it in and start recording! My son is is a Rock band, and he is extremely interested in having access to this. 🙂 My Wife approves too.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/201679528471?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I think you'll be real happy with the way it performs.
Mine sat for 20+ yrs as life got in the way of using it much. It fired up and plays like new though. The only thing on mine that doesn't work is the counter as that is run by a belt. I have a new belt but haven't opened it up to put it in yet.

 

[Nokton48]

I think you'll be real happy with the way it performs.
Mine sat for 20+ yrs as life got in the way of using it much. It fired up and plays like new though. The only thing on mine that doesn't work is the counter as that is run by a belt. I have a new belt but haven't opened it up to put it in yet.

Yes he has sold quite a few of these refurbished RT-707s and everyone seems very happy with their purchases. I noticed he replaced the counter belt, among other things. He is also throwing in a copy of the Beatles "White Album" as a bonus. I did also buy an original metal Pioneer take-up reel. I need some RCA connecting cords of sufficient length and I'm good to go.