jmcgrogan25,504 posts05-27-2016 10:10amJust like the OP, I don't believe I can name a single favorite component. I have had a few favorites over the last few decades.
I would say my favorite CURRENT component is my VAC 160i SE integrated amplifier.
Very true. Likewise, I would say my favorite current components are my Magico S5 Mk2 speakers. They are the best loudspeakers i've ever owned, even if my listening has been constrained thus far to my Dealer's showroom. A close second would be my Jorma Prime & Statement cables. |
Jeff Korneff 45 SE integrated amp; the best piece of gear I've owned.
I wish i I didn't sell it. |
My yba passion 100 integrated hands down!
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My Acoustic Zen Crescendo speakers. They are not fussy and have a full bodied sound that is so inviting. At both low and high volumes they just sound right to me. |
it's tie
Timbre TT-1 DAC
S.A.P. Anniversary mono blocks |
Koetsu stone body cartridge. I've had 4 now, and the best one is definitely my new Coralstone. But all of them do much of the same thing -- i.e. everything I want from a cartridge.
It's the only component that sounds really good even on its bad days. Sounds spectacular on good days, and most days are good days.
Honorable mentions:
Tannoy Canterbury SE speakers, Stax SR-009 headphones, Head-amp Blue Hawaii SE headphone amp. |
My Accuphase E-600. I'm still shocked I own it and even more so when I'm listening to it. |
Back in the late 70's/early 80's Sansui was into 4-channel reproduction, and brought out their top-of-the-line model - the Sansui QSD-1. While there were QS recordings out I never bothered with them because the QSD-1 could synthesize quad reproduction from regular two channel sources.
Over the years I have learned to abandon the true quadraphonic sound (sounding like your sitting right in the middle of an orchestra), by turning down the rear channels somewhat, which provides an enhanced stereo sound. What becomes enhanced is the ambiance built into every stereo recording.
With the aid of my QSD-1 I have my setup reproducing my favorite listening situation. I'm in Lambeau Field (a totally enclosed football stadium), sitting on the 35 yard line facing the end zone. The stadium is empty, except for me. I have invited a couple of artists to come and play for me. The stage is in the closest end zone. As they play the music emanates, mostly from the stage with a very small amount reflected. The ambiance from the recording is also reproduced so each playback becomes a totally realistic, personal performance for just me. I'm surrounded by the music, but, at the same time, it definitely comes from the stage. Then the band says "Good night", and goes off to play for someone else.
Adjusting for smaller groups I have noticed if I turn up the volume just a little, I move closer to the stage til I'm about 15'- 20' away.
I love having my own personal concerts so much I dropped $800 to buy a backup QSD-1 just in case my original unit ever has problems.
I use Maggie 1.7's in my system, which are pretty good at reproducing ambiance on their own. When I have someone come over for a listen I start off with a couple of songs with just the front two channels playing, along with the subwoofers. Then I switch to 4-channel and people are confused, probably expecting to hear a lot of information coming from the rear speakers. Most say "I'm not hearing much from the rear speakers". I just tell them, It's subtle", and wait about three songs. From the look on their faces I can tell they're on the 35 yard line.
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AR turntable; Advent speakers, or Tom Holman's apt pre-amp
... or maybe one of my Advent cassette decks or one of the Naks I had... |
#1. my TT, specifically...
- the audiomods arm, performs and looks great
- the Soundsmith upgraded (Denon) 103 cartridge - a superb upgrade
#2. my Simaudio Moon phono stage
#3. my Gershman Acoustics Sonogram speakers
#4. my cables.
Lastly my Naim 5i integrated amp and Schiit Bifrost DAC
All together, superb synergy!!!
Happy listening :-)
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My gone but not forgotten Spendor SP100 speakers. |
Nakamichi 682ZX cassette deck. |
No.1 would be my DIY speakers which are similar to Western Electric 753 monitors from the 1940s but use an Altec compression driver on the 32A horn. Details are on my system page.
No.2 would be my Emotive Audio Vita power amps. I have had them for over 5 years and they are still my favorite amplifiers even for high-efficiency speakers that don't need their power. |
I have had many an excellent component and/or speakers over the years but I would have to say the Platinum Power PP-1 high current balanced power conditioners I use in both the main rig and the HT are indispensable in providing ultra clean/solid balanced power and without clean power, every component that utilizes AC power is handicapped IME. |
I would have to say that my BEL 1001 MK5 (made in 2007) is the top component in my system. |
Quad PA One headphone/pre amp which I re tubbed with Shuguang black bottle treasure cv-181s
The best 12 hundred English pounds I ever spent
Now all I need to do is save up for those Audeze LCD 2s |
I've had many but my current "love" is a newly acquired Esoteric SA-50 CD/SACD player. |
PrimaLuna Dialogue HP Integrated Amp. No contest. This thing changed everything. |
and on second thought I have lots of favorite components. I really like my modded Acoustat 1100 speakers and the two Sumo Andromeda IIA's that drive them bi-wired on custom cable. Not to miss the crowd is a Radio X modified Sansui tuner and Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth and half mast whip. Sony SACD which is killa on red book rounds out the list...
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It is a 1950's Valvo Cca 6922 Pinched Waist I acquired a couple of years ago. It is in a (now antique) Audio Research LS2B MKII remote preamp. Has long ago been a tube roller (roll em in and roll em out) to get to Grey Plate Cca 6922 Siemens & Halske as the dream of the crop for this pre.... so far removed from that OE Chinese drek.... but this again moved performance to a whole other level. Just add a finned tube cooler modded with a drain wire to ground to kill some additional RF and there you go.
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New to the A-Gon' but appreciate reading everyones blog posts. Ive been enjoying my little David Berning tube MicroZOTL HPA! Is fantastic |
Ok, this will seem strange. I love my entire system which I researched and purchased mostly here on the 'gon. My favorite piece however is my new equipment rack. I purchased the rough sawn hard Maple from an Amish sawmill and then a friend of mine who does high end woodwork allowed me to help him build it in his shop. He showed me how to perform tasks using various tools and throughout the Winter we completed the four shelf 48" wide, 20" deep rack. Each piece was rough sanded by machine and then I hand sanded them prior to finish. You can't help but love a component that you helped to create. It looks awesome!
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WOW, that's a tough question to answer, but I recently replaced my Paradigm S8V3 speakers with Wilson Watt Puppys, and just love the difference that they have contributed to my sysem |
An Atma-Sphere UV-1 tube pre. But not just any UV-1...this was the original prototype. It is hand wired point to point and signed by Ralph Karsten and marked as serial #1. Besides the great sound, the uniqueness really appeals to me. Truly a one-of-a-kind. Not to mention it's a tube rollers dream. Lots of vintage 6sn7s at reasonable prices. |
Herron Audio VTSP-3A line stage.
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Hands down, Esoteric K-03 SACD/DAC. Had one and sold it, replaced with an Ayre. After a few weeks sold the Ayre and bought another K-03. A phenomenal player in my system.
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It's a tossup between my Audio Note Kits Kit 1 SET amp and my Spatial Hologram M4 open baffle speakers. Together, they are just sublime. :-)
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My opera audio consonance reference 6.6 kt-66 tube amp , I have had more expensive amps but this one I've kept .Chris
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Pass Labs XA30.8...it's the best amp I've ever owned. |
I did like the zerostat. Had one many years ago. Are the newer ones the same as originals? |
though I prefer the Mapleshade version |
love my zerostat. back when i used to do darkroom work, I used it their too |
yes, one tweak - Zerostat, and it's a great tweak |
Most of our favorite component is speakers. From there we can derive easily what mostly influences sound. Did anyone mention any wire or tweak or rack?
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My Harbeth 40.1 speakers top my list. |
I like them all together but Ohm speakers are the MVPs.
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My PS Audio DirectStream DAC. |
Clearaudio Champion Level 2 |
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It's a tie between the original Quad ESL and the London Reference pick-up. Then the Townshend Rock turntable. |
My Tron Syren Pre.
To hear it is to fall in love |
My KRELL 450mcx Monoblocks
Love big iron
and they double as space heaters in winter |
Dunlavy speakers (have almost all of them) still remain the standard by which I judge all other contenders. |
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I love my Rowland components, but my Monitor Audio PL500 speakers are my single favorite component. |
i will say that the one thing I've had longest and has withstood the test of time is my Zerostat.
if i was absolutely forced to choose, my speakers are an amazement. Revel Studio 2's. |
i will say that the one thing I've had longest and has withstood the test of time is my Zerostat.
if i was absolutely forced to choose, my speakers are an amazement. |
My Thiel CS 2 2 speakers!......followed by an Audio Research LS25 preamp and my 'ol throwback; NAD 7400 PE receiver. Great forum. Regards........
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