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Your best ''outstanding'' products in last 5 yrs?

I have been reflecting on my biggest surprises and value-for-money purchases in the last 5 years - the ones that were truly impressive for the money, here are mine, and would like to find out about other maniac's choices! Stick to what you have actually purchased please! My top 5 (so far).

1. Yamaha AS2000 integrated amplifier.

Totally off the charts. This is an absolutely outstanding amplifier for the money - I cannot think of anything under $ 3,000.00 that is more refined, powerful, and full-featured all at once. Gracious looks and battleship build are a bonus.

2. Shanling MC-30 receiver.

It may look like a toy, but it sure isn't one. Wonderful musicality with a whopping 3 watts of power, sounds much more powerful than that. A steal at the price. Amp, cd, tuner, with the magic of tubes.

3. Yamaha AS1000 SACD player.

Only the second (along with the AS2000 amp) Yamaha component I have owned in my lifetime. Ridiculous price, amazing quality with the smoothest-operating load mechanism south of 5K. Someone told me that Yamaha's marketing mistake is that they should have invented a sister brand (like Pioneers TAD or Teac's Esoteric) for the AS series so that they could charge more. I agree, but in the meantine, the consumer wins.

4. Music Hall MMF-7 turntable.

No REGA or VPI bragging rights, but this is a BEAUTIFUL table worth every penny and more. Decoupled motor, classy acrylic plate, double-deck plinth, decent Pro-Ject tonearm, it just screams ''buy me''. Now updated to 7.1 - I listened to both, could not detect a sonic difference with the same cartrige.

5. Cambridge Audio combo of DacMagic and the new ID100 digital transport (check my review on this one). Roaming hundreds of free digital Web radio stations has become very enjoyable with not-too-shabby sound. Pocket change as far as audiophile budget goes for these 2 items.

Special mention to TT weights and their Classic model. Where else can you get a CNC-machined product from an avionics supplier for 60 bucks?

That's it for now - after mega-buck tube amps, cables, preamps and cd players - these top 5 are it for me, and have given me a break in my pocketbook with no regrets.

Let's hear your choices!
sonicbeauty
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
The best product I've had in the last 5 years has been my TRON tube preamp (www.tron-electric.co.uk). Made in vanishingly small quantities by the designer himself (Graham Tricker). Battleship build, the very best components, ultra-short signal paths and fabulous sound quality. Distributed in the US by Jeff at Highwater Sound NYC.

Best value has to be my Decca FFSS Mark IV C4E cartridge bought for GBP100 and rebuilt for GBP150 - just an unbelievable cartridge - better than my Garrott Brothers Decca Gold.

Charlie
www.charlie-chan.co.uk
sksos1
387 posts
 
Without question it's the Steve McCormack VRE-1B. This pre-amp has redefined what my system is capable of, a 3D image and layering beyound belief.
edrogers911
11 posts
 
1. Music Hall MMF7. I went to a local shop to look at some speakers, which I didn't buy. And I told the salesman that I really didn't need any more speakers, but I did need a better turntable. My thorens td160 was not passing the wifes approval anymore. So, he said he'd been trying to sell one for a year and no takers. I offered nothing, he took a little more than nothing. And, I couldn't believe how nice it is for the money.
2. Music hall dac 25.3, I think. Great bargain for how nice it sounds. Bought it instead of upgradeing my dcs for the computer out. Just sounds, and works great for the money.
3. Having the music on the computer. Absolutely the best thing ever. I've only gotten 500 cd's on it, 800 or so to go. But the convenience and surprisingly good quality makes it the best thing I have done. But, I wish I had more time to get everything on it!
bander's avatar
bander
502 posts
 
Triode Wire labs power cords of which I have several.
bjorn154
52 posts
 
I have now had the Daber Monitor 3's for two weeks and have had a chance to do some critical listening. I have the rounded cabinets in maple that Steve provides for a small extra fee. They are gorgeous with very high end carpentry work! The first thing that will strike you is the deep, tight bass for such a relatively small speaker. I doubt anyone but the most avid bass fan will see the need for a subwoofer in a two-channel setup. The mids are very satisfying and the highs are clear and precise. Vocals are rendered in a very natural fashion. The soundstage competes with the best. My wife, who is very musically inclined, even prefers them over my Acoustic Zen Adagios. A very different speaker and a matter of taste, but still high praise from a very musical person. I love them both for different reasons. To say that I am pleased with the results would be an understatement. In summary I think this must be one of the best values in speakers out there and they are made in the USA by a small entrepreneurial company. Give them a try - you will not be disappointed!

As a side note the speaker stands for the Volla speakers fit as if made for these speakers (rounded) - got them from MSS HIFI at a decent preice. Steve is planning on making stands for them as well in the near future.
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