Words From the Wise

Don't believe anyone who says you cannot get ever closer to realism in reproducing musical performances.

Don't forget to have fun and to enjoy the music.

Don't believe anyone who says all amps, all power cords, etc. sound the same. There are always very smart people out there who go beyond the conventional wisdom about how to build things.

Never conclude that your system is as good as it can be. Be satisfied and enjoy, but you are never "there."

Never be satisfied that you have your system best placed in your room.

Find others who share what you find to be good sound. They may be in your area, reviewers, or internet friends. They greatly broaden your horizons. When I first started in this hobby Stereophile and later The Absolute Sound were valued inputs in addition to two local dealers and one other local audiophile. All of this is gone now.

Don't be too concerned that few, if any, of your friends are audiophiles. I have been involved with many hobbies that have fewer adherents, such a catamaran racing and auto racing. Go to local audio shows and make friends there.

Have fun.

Don't overlook one of the "weak links" in a system.... ac outlets!

Hifisoundguy, yes, for years I rejoiced in the fact that my cheap house builder chose to use Eagle outlets, as they sounded much better than the Levitons, especially their hospital grade ones.

Relative to my early systems, all manner of new concerns have become important. Cabling, power cords, shelves, record cleaning, stylus cleaning, and isolation feet now matter.

It is possible to be economically deprived and still be in the "High end". First, you have to buy the low end of the "High end", next you improve it by swapping out capacitors. Always make your own interconnects; Vampire wire and Belden have very good products. You can also build speakers for home theater and bedroom; you will need an engineer to design crossover for listening room speakers. It is possible to have the highest of the "high end" sound on the cheap.

Orpheus 10,

Yes, it is possible as demonstrated by my friend the "Evil Weed". He has parlayed a modest investment into a SOA system by buying his gear on the internet and then having it modified by the original designers who often no longer work for the company and often are thrilled to update their designs, often at very reasonable prices. It also helps if you have friends who are willing to loan you pieces for audition. Sometimes we forget that yesterday's
Editor's Choice is just as good even if it has been replaced by a new product. Audio is a fickle industry. I am using a TT that is almost 20 years old and speakers that are almost 8 years old.