Stuff You Tried To Love

I really wanted to like the Blue Lights.  Got a C2700 preamp new on trial and back it went.   Looked nice though.  I also had a much longer love hate relationship with my Auralic Aries G2.   Even modified the power supply.  It was just plain finicky on my network.  I have been told I am hard to get along with.

I had 2 pairs of speakers I gave up on.  Von Schweikert VR33 speakers.  Spent 6 months  adjusting and breaking in, they still sounded terrible.  Sold them and next owner loves them.  Tekton Pendragon speakers.  Very tall and lightweight speakers, flimsy shipping cartons arrived damaged.   Tried to like them, tried 3 different amps, moved them all over the listening room.  Where is the bass, never did find it.  Back they went to Tekton. 

Pair of Spendor S3/5 speakers for a child's bedroom system.  i would have liked better highs and bass.  Even the midrange felt flat.  Still got'em on a shelf in the garage.

First Watt amps. Most S.S. preamps. Horns. Harbeth speakers, Sanders electrostats, big omni MBLs, most KEFs I have heard recently,and on. Unfortunately as my personal systems improve and as I become a better listener, the list of also rans grows every year. So much equipment these days misses the true color and texture of the music or colors these beyond recognition.

I purchased an NAD integrated and CDP from a reputable online store a few years ago when I started building my second system. They were the most bland sounding components I've ever owned. Thank goodness the store had a great return policy---I couldn't wait to return them.