Filling out the sound

Randy...the other one that comes to mind is Linn, Cambridge Audio and I think Naim (also UK-based). Any reason why you want all the components from the same manufacturer? I would think that one-stop shop brands probably have core strengths in one or 2 categories but offer less than optimal offerings in other areas just to provide a full suite of products. Just a supposition...In the US, there are holding companies that own a portfolio of different brands in different categories. I am thinking of Harman which owns Revel and JBL speakers, Mark Levinson electronics, AKG headphones, Harmon Kardon electronics, and Lexicon electronics among others. But they have different looks and design principles etc...Hope this helps.

Getting back to your system, do you have a local dealer of the Rega products that you can consult. Part of their aftermarket service is to help clients with system install and dialing in. They could help you better place speakers in your room and maybe suggest some room treatments. Good luck.

Cmalak - Components from the same manufacturer? System synergy, cosmetics, and wife/childproof…weak, I know when ultimately the objective is good sound. Not that what I have is awful by any means, just a bit short of the robustness and sweetness of my previous tube driven setup. Hopefully I will return to that someday – for know I’ll survive.

BTW, I’ve embarked on a rebuild of my vinyl collection and have been picking up some 180 gram records. Gosh do they sound great in comparison to my “oldies”; a step in the right direction of pursuing a better sound.

Thanks again for your help,
Randy

I think one brand systems are a great way to go (I used an all Linn system for about 20 years). I tried Conrad Johnson and McIntosh tube gear about 25 years ago, but just wasn't happy with their relative weaknesses in pace, rhythm and dynamics--beautiful tonality, but the music lost its life and energy. Products from Rega, Naim, and Linn were more to my liking. More recently, at the urging of a local dealer, I took home some Rogue tube gear to try out, but again, the music seemed to fall apart temporally to me.

One other brand not mentioned above that makes almost a complete system (no turntable) is Quad. I'm curious to hear what their lower-end (99 series) components sound like with one of their small, stand-mount speakers.

Jrtrent – Thanks for the pick-me-up! Not often do I see one coming to the defense of solid state products.

Maybe the CJ system I had was not as great as I seem to recall, although I’m sure it was very good in many ways. It’s kind of like how legends grow through time…

One other factor I have failed to mention in previous postings is that my hearing isn’t what it once was. I am 49 and annual audiograms administered here at work show some loss of ability.