My stereo


I have completed my "forever" hifi system yesterday with the addition of the AI Modulus 2C. The pre-amp has been repaired and it lives again. This is shortly after getting the Vandersteen 2Ce Sig II speakers and four identical Kenwood L-05M mono block power amps. I play digital audio content off Quboz through my SMSL DO100 Pro DAC with digital volume control. The 32-bit digital volume control on the DAC allows me to control volume with the remote and reduce the level of the input, making the pre-amp function with modern sources, in a more modern way (one volume control instead of two on pre-amp, with remote control). This system is very important to me as it gives me an escape into the land of music exploration. Now that I've gotten everything working I am going to leave it alone. No touching tubes, wires, or anything like that. I'm using WBC Mogami 2964 cables throughout. 6 foot interconnects from pre-amp to amps. 0.5 foot between DAC and pre-amp. I also use a Furman AC-215A power conditioner with everything.

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/183408276@N03/54050899581/

olds1959special

Hey there @freediver, First off, I am old😂...old enough to know a bitter audiophile when insulted by one for no good reason.  Second, what's wrong with being a gear head? Even though we older audiophiles/gear heads have slowed down our purchases a bit, doesn't mean we want to stop pursuing audio excellence for the rest of our able days.

This is the essence of being an audiophile, so lighten up Francis.

45+ years of this hobby for me.  In recent years, I've upgraded everything.  Spent the last several months tweaking with cables.  With the possible exception of an upgraded dac, I think I'm done.  

Tweaking with cables has been interesting.  I have a new digital coax cable on the way to me.  My cd player into my dac isn't quite as good as streaming.  Thought I'd try a better cable, but it may also be that the streamer is using an I2S input.

Congratulations on a setup that you enjoy! It's great to get to a place where powering up the system and playing music gives the pleasure, without any nagging daydream of "what if " I made a change over here...

On the other hand, I'm a happy tourist that likes to sample gear. So I continue to assemble systems, and enjoy the idea of a bedroom or second system as a way to rotate pieces. I might find a combination that surprises me. This style also ensures a decent set of backups if something heads off for service.

I am also retired and trying to stay within a budget, more or less. Would I like a set of Quatros? Sure I would. Meanwhile, there's music to enjoy.