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Your greatest high end audio purchase!!!

My audiophile journey has extended to over 40 of adventurous sonic delight. Over the coarse of my over 40 year journey as an audiophile, like so my others, I cycled through a multitude of speakers, amps, cables, etc,. Now that I’m an old guy, I’ve pretty much settled on my "End-Game" audio system for the long haul, primarily because I simply love the way it sounds, and also because, at this juncture, I no longer have the will, nor do I have the desire to continue the crazy (but fun) merry-go-round of audio components in and out like I did in years past (my spouse and my wallet thank me). When I look back on all the high-speed audio gear that I’ve owned down through the years, and after giving it much insightful thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that, after everything was said and done, my beloved Revel Salon 2 speakers were my overall most pleasurable and greatest purchase of all. What was yours?

kennymacc
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phishhhhh4
86 posts
 

My innuos Pulsar 

Mostly because it allowed me to dump Room (cursed product)

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nooshinjohn
21 posts
 

I would have to say, building my own to tube amps with the help of Bob Carver. I have been running them now for 12 years and they continue to amaze me every time I turn them on.

 

jeffboll
2 posts
 

Having done the same in a recording studio environment I agree with rick_n, the best purchase any of us can make is proper room treatment. When done right, the difference is staggering.

That said, my audiophile room is pretty darn good but NOT properly treated so for gear I'm going with ATC SCM50's.

dorkwad
545 posts
 

I have a well broken in TJN Lenco Reference MkII turntable going very soon. It will have been refinished by Jean Nantais with a couple of additions on it. Looks wise, it is spectacular with a mostly natural finish with a couple coats of lacquer on it. I have been doing most of Jean’s Home Depot upgrades and mods over the years with a couple even Jean doesn’t have. The sound has been very good when all is operating such as now. I think I’ve done about all I could do with my DIY build. I’d like to experience what one of Jean’s best designs can do with the music. His Reference TT will be on another level and when combined with my Origin Live Illustrious Mk3 and Charisma Reference Two cartridge with Andy Kim’s upgraded retip of a microridge stylus and boron cantilever, along with my newly upgraded Whest 30se Pro, should provide some extreme listening pleasure to all my albums. We shall see in about a week or two. It will most likely be a keeper for the rest of my life if the sound mirrors the looks and takes my analog up a notch or two, maybe more.  This could be right up there with my other best buys.

celtic66
1,646 posts
 

HeathKit aa-15 integrated amp.  Yes, I built it at 13 years old on the kitchen table.  It did not initially work.  I sent it back with a check to cover their set repair charge plus return shipping.  It was stunningly good.  I was king!
 

Turntable was Dual 1229 with Shure V 15 baby!  I took it to school, slotted it into the band room stereo which ran a high end SS Marantz and the HeathKit crushed it! Just rolled!  I was quite surprised….and happy.  That started my journey.

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