Why did you choose the components and speakers that are in your system?

Technics 1200G:
I really, truly wanted a nice belt drive. You know, thick and heavy platter, external power supply, no dust cover...something that just screams "I am an audiophile!". I was coming from an aging but perfectly functioning Technics SL1200-MK5...I wanted something different...kooler. Once again, I chickened out...I’m ashamed. But damn it sounds great! Best mistake I ever made! I still look at nice belt drives though. What’s nice is the detachable headshell...I have wood, magnesium and aluminum ones, Makes it fun. And the gold plated interface between tonearm and headshell is very legit...not an afterthought. The whole thing is bulletproof.

Don Sachs Model 2 Preamp:
Way too many people saying it blew away something that costs way more. He made mine with the old, first-gen full wood casing but has the full wave rectifier and all the new improvements. Like the 1200G, it is a legitimate end game unit.

Salk Songtowers:
Once the best part of my system...it’s now on the weaker side. It’s not super technical or precise...but it doesn’t do anything really bad either. It sounds good no matter where it’s placed. It’s the most forgiving speaker I’ve ever owned. It’s also the oldest component. The search is on for a replacement.

Primaluna EVO 400
I ordered a Don Sachs Kootenay. Waited forever for it and it arrived damaged and died shortly after. I sent it back to be repaired but asked for my money back because Don was being a bit of a jerk about the whole affair. Yikes, it sounded great. The Primaluna Evo 400 is close but not quite as detailed as the Kootenay. But it’s WAY more fun to play with tube rolling and it’s close enough. It also has a meatier sound than the Kootenay. Yes, I made another mistake...but I not worrying about it too much.

Project Phono Box RS
I was too cheap to buy the battery assisted power supply for $700. The 18v wall wart it came with produced an awful hum that I could not fix. Luckily someone on eBay makes a super quiet 18v outboard power supply with a grounded 3 prong receptacle...made specifically for the Phono Box RS for under $180.

I may not have super high end stuff. But I have a 6th sense about how to treat a room...and that goes a long way. The room is the other half of the equation...literally.

Lucky at a garage sale. Found a marantz 2285 and JBL L100s playing at a sale. Asked if they were for sale and he said no. I gave him my card and said "if you change your ming, call me" Well almost 2 years later he called. Got all of it for $350

I buy/bought based on quality of sound, timbre, tone, warmth, no fatigue, and of course, looks! If I’m going to be parked in front of my hifi for years and years to come, It must also look aesthetically pleasing. My turntable for instance is gorgeous in walnut with its carbon fiber arm. The tannoys have a beautiful real walnut finish and an almost antique looking etched placard with the tannoy logo and high frequency control panel. My sugden integrated is the epitome of simplicity. Just a power button, volume control, and an input selector. My rack is not a rack, it’s a piece of furniture purposed for my hifi and looks great.

Start with speakers for clarity, sound stage, timbre; add sub for bass/punch; clean source very important; powerful clean amp; critically - room correction

I listened to many speakers - selected Linn 20 years ago also considering the benefits of active amplification which then leads to Linn amps/Aktiv configuration.  Great Linn speakers like the Katans, and the amps can be found used at reasonable prices

SVS SB3000 sub hard to beat

MiniDSP SHD as pre-amp with built-in streaming and DIRAC is incredible bargain for the sound quality

For less than 5000, the above system is as good as any I have ever heard!

Have Fun and Enjoy!!

I personally like efficient speakers.  I bought Crites because they were 1/3 the cost of other choices.  I was used to horn sound.  I also wanted a class A amp.  Several small wattage amps available at reasonable pricing.