Guys, thanks. Great thread here. As for John and Audio Connection, I like that he's into music even more than gear and he puts things together that sound good together. I was able to get that ayre integrated and it will be here on Tuesday. I can't wait to hook it up to the current system to hear how it make it sound. I have been fortunate to listen to so many systems that are out there as I have been to many folks homes (the new brick and mortar I guess) as well as many stores. I admit that I lean towards more established companies if I can get most if not all what I want for similar cost. I have heard well over 50 speakers in the last few months and I listened to them on the amps that the folks felt showed them off best. I can't do tubes anymore, so those are all out. Too bad, but I have found Hegel and Ayre both sound/tube like, but both handle bass really really well. That's why I went with Ayre. I've heard them with Dynaudio, Kharma, Focal, Paradigm Signature, Vandy's, Pro Ac, B&W, Legacy, PSB, Wilson, and a bunch more I can't remember, lol. I have also like the Pass amps a ton and have heard them with a few speakers with ceramic/Rhadio (spelling) ribbons.
Don't want to go over 50" tall and want a thinner profile. I also realize that I can afford true bass down to the mid/low 30's. I have missed that with my supertowers I think, although they go pretty low when the music does.
I have loved the Vandy 5 Carbon, Quatro Wood Carbon and Treos. I have heard them through various amps and DAC's. The Music Hall seems like a really nice DAC for the price. I wouldn't mind stepping up teh DAC, but not sure how much I can afford when it's all said and done, so a 500 DAC is a bargain as I can sell it off later when I want to upgrade that area.
I have heard many cables and was an MIT guy since day one. I even used Bruce's Monster Cables that he invented in the 70's. I'm selling off all my MIT stuff. I have heard the AQ with DBS vs Nordost, Tara, Kimber (I still have some speaker cables that I have liked), Straight Wire and many others. I always felt AQ was great marketing and not that great, but I've been so impressed. AGain, I hated Vandy and loved Pro Ac until I heard both side by side at John's. I have always listened to my ears, lol. I like a musical presentation that goes low in a tuneful way and not boomy. I like a coherent speaker and have never liked subs as they are so hard to set up properly. In many of the newer company's designs, I've heard exotic drivers that just don't go together. So many remind me of the old Apogees with dynamic subs attached. I also don't think there are huge differences between most of the newer 15k speakers and the 5k speakers. I think the biggest difference is the amount and quality of bass you purchase. It's always been that way and still is. If you get midrange right and have GREAT bass that legit goes into the mid 30's then piano will sound RIGHT. Those just seem like the best sounding speakers to me.
I think I'm looking for a DAC that costs in the 1-1.5K range that has up to date specs (seems so important to DACS although sound is still the driver) that bests the Music Hall by a lot. If not, I'll go the later route for now at least.
As for shows or clubs, I'd love to know more about them. Problem is I don't do things like that alone for the most part. I like to attend with like minded folks who love music and gear. I make no apologies about loving gear too. Are there clubs in CT? If so, please let me know.
Thank for the thanks for serving. It was all my pleasure and I miss it. I love driving wheeled vehicles, lol. I can't do what I used to do, due to my MS, but as Long as they let me drive and I'm safe for all on the road, I'll do it, lol.