Return to Audio: What Products to Consider?

I would definitely consider Ayre because new they are over $3K but you can find them here for just over $1K. I bought mine new and have done the upgrades. They are super quiet and have exactly the sound characteristics you are looking for. You can listen to it all day long.

I suspect Naim is overlooked cuz their stuff is ugly and appears to be mid-fi (I know better, just an observation though). Linn...so many folks are anti-Linn for a few reasons. Ivor is an insufferable egotistical moron, and many Linn owners have drank the Koolaid and refuse to acknowledge there is anything else worth owning. The arrogance is turn-off. For what it's worth I would suggest you give YBA or BAT a listen, they tend to have a warmer sound. Solid state with a pseudo-tube presentation.

Another line of electronics that might appeal to you is McCormack. Every piece from the Micro units up through the big amps and pre-amps is a great value and has an understated look that's very attractive, at least to me. A used DNA-0.5 amp and TLC-1 pre-amp for a total of around $1,300 is tough to beat in solid state gear.

Depends on how old you are willing to consider going and how much you ultimately want to spend, but older Threshold and Conrad/Sonographe gear is very nice overall. I have a Sonographe SA 250 amp mated with an old Threshold FET 2 preamp and it works great with a total investment of about $900. Add to that a Sony ES CD player or the Rega mentioned above and you have a pretty solid front end.

The Sonographe was much smoother than the Adcom GFA 555 it replaced. There are also some great reviews out on the Adcom GFP 750 line pre amp but that piece alone will probably set you back $800 used.

Good luck,

Phil

Dear Jeff, Ivor may be insufferable and egotistical, but "moron" is not a term applicable to him. Also, in many cases that I have personally seen, the "Ivor Koolaid" was the antidote for the poison and belly-ache that audiophiles got when they bought inferior equipment at higher prices from other dealers. I understand the frustration people show at the arrogance of many Linn dealers, especially in the early days. But the products are very good. Not the absolute ultimate, but better that alot of stuff that costs more and has high "salon appeal". I usually try to mention this when the subject comes up. Too many blame the products for the sins of the company owner/dealers.
I, too, would recommend that Linn/Naim gear that Lugnut saw in the Audiogon classified.