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Which components knocked you out on first listen?

I've been listening to stereos since 1973 and I am still waiting to be truly knocked out by the sound of a component. I have sat in showrooms across the country and have been pleased by what I have heard but never truly blown away.
The closest I came was when I listened to a Meitner str-55 amp and VTL preamp a few years ago, sourced by a Linn Ikemi and Revel loudspeakers. However, I also have been moved by a
Apple computer cd drive, circa 1994 through a Creek 4040 and RA Lab speakers, estimated cost about $1,200; maybe more so than the Linn,Revel 10K system. How about you?
cody
growlar
6 posts
 
Easy ...

Audio Research SP10 Mk11
Audio Research D115 Mk11
Mark Levinson ML2 (a little known but awesome class A trannie)
DNM Series 3a Six Pack Pre Amp
Martin Logan CLS with Kinergetics SW800 Subwoofer
Oxford Crytal Reference turntable with Airtangent arm and Koetsu Rosewood signature cartridge
Fourier Components Sans Pareil OTL Valve Amps
California Audio Labs Tempest II SE Cd
cdc2
122 posts
 
Cambridge Audio for the money
Jolida 1501a hybrid integrated just sounds right, cost practically nothing and is a keeper.
dawgfish
157 posts
 
Then and now. The first system that opened my ears to what audio was all about was in 1972-ish: Dynaco tube pre- and power amps, Garrard Zero100C turntable, and Pioneer CS99A (15" woofer, 4-way) speakers. Of course, in retrospect, it wasn't that spectacular but it was head and shoulders above the consoles (or portable radios) most of my friends' families listened to. So it got the journey started...

I've heard lots of great gear since then, but I still think my favorite was Wadia front end feeding VTL 7.5 preamp, with big Ayre amps driving Vandersteen 5a's in a well-treated room. Immediacy, pace, rhythym, really good tonal balance -- speakers disappeared and left the singer in the room with me. Sigh...
fmtien
47 posts
 
upon first listen, i've been knocked out by:

Dodson DA-218 DAC
Reimyo CDP-777
Vandersteen 5A
Aesthetix Callisto
Placette active linestage
Silversmith Audio Silver and Palladium cables
golixe7df
55 posts
 
Klipschorns and Tannoy Little Reds.
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