Where are you today?

When I got into higher end stuff(had sound dynamics 300ti's and home made pass a40 amp and sony cd player) 3 years back it was with merlin's, followed advice here from goners and bought a sim w-5 since it was well reviewed by mags too. Then came the matching pre p-5, with the slow developement of the vpi tnt turntable stuck with tubed phono stages other than the jlti I got the ear 834p and K&K phono.
I don't have enough experience with various equipment to quantify which is better but have to say what I am hearing at home approaches what I hear in the concert hall. And when I visit showrooms I don't hear better than what I have but of course I am bias.
I will add I.M. Humblest O. I think the Simaudio is first rate. So is the K&K which beats the other two by small margin.
BTW I believe I lucked out and soon will realize that more so when I experiment with cables and the matching of the cartridge to the arm.
I will certainly go to tubes, when finances allow.

Pedrillo:

...stuck with tubed phono stages other than the jlti I got the ear 834p and K&K phono. (....)I think the Simaudio is first rate. So is the K&K which beats the other two by small margin.

Sorry, I'm confused: what you're saying is, the K&K phono is better than either the ear or the jlti?
Is that correct?
(The jlti isn't tube, btw)
Just out of curiosity and personal interest in phonos...thanks

I went from Solid state to a tube rig. I had an audio refinement (YBA) for years. I liked it very much, until I heard an Art Audio Carissa. There is no turning back from tubes for me. No comparison.

Sure, its more work. Inconvenience, the heat, warm up time.....so what. It's THE SOUND.

It has it all.
No turning back...but never say never.

gregm,
Yes I know the jlti is ss, and I feel the K&K is better than both. But all three are excellent for the price point!

I used SS 1970s thru 2004 ... lots of receivers and separates. Tried a Pathos hybrid with new Cain SuperAbbys/sub in early 2005, but TC emphasized I'd be much happier with a tube amp, so I switched to tubes (one Sophia followed quickly by three Almarro's) and I don't intend to return to SS. Of course, full-range single-driver speakers are a part of the happiness with tubes, at least for me (just switched to M33A's).