What is your favorite peace of gear?

2

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  • kevhed72
    kevhed72 Posts: 5,055
    I know it's not high end, but this:
    o0002y8xjndx.jpg
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  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    Seriously though, I really love what my SMS-1 does for my bass response. Everyone should at least try a sub EQ, cleans up that low end.
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    kevhed72 wrote: »
    I know it's not high end, but this:
    o0002y8xjndx.jpg

    That's a T-1, yes (not a T-7)?
    Neither's a T-2, of course, but both the T-1 and the T-7 are beautiful and capable tuners. I'd love to have any of the above (or, heck, as long as I'm dreaming, a CT-7000)!
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited September 2014
    I like all my stuff...

    SDA 1.2tl's
    W4S gear, Amp's, Pre Amp, DAC..
    OPPO 105
    VPI TT
    Jolida Phono Pre..
    MIT Shotguns through out..

    Etc..
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    Im hoping the Dali Mentor 2s heading this way will be!
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  • Obsession18
    Obsession18 Posts: 191
    My Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature System speakers, followed closely by my recently acquired Odyssey Kismet amp.

    2-Channel System
    Analog: VPI Traveler TT, Audio Technica 150MLX, Pro-Ject Tube Box DS
    CD Player: Jolida JD-100 Preamp: Cambridge 840E Amp: Odyssey Kismet Stereo
    Spkrs: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature Systems
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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    Mine would have to be my Valve Amplification Company (VAC) Standard LE preamp. This pre is the core of my system and has an outstanding phono section. A remote volume and mute also help make it convenient. And the sound...... Only way it leaves is to be replaced by one up its line (and they are a little to $$$$$) so we will happily coexist for a long time.
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    Obsession18 wrote: »
    My Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature System speakers, followed closely by my recently acquired Odyssey Kismet amp.

    Never heard a Kismet, but would like to. I had my Stratos Stereo modded by Klaus and it's closer to a Kismet than a Stratos now, but without the case. How do you like your pre? Is it a good match with the Kismet?
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
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  • Obsession18
    Obsession18 Posts: 191
    drumminman wrote: »
    Obsession18 wrote: »
    My Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature System speakers, followed closely by my recently acquired Odyssey Kismet amp.

    Never heard a Kismet, but would like to. I had my Stratos Stereo modded by Klaus and it's closer to a Kismet than a Stratos now, but without the case. How do you like your pre? Is it a good match with the Kismet?

    I've been happy with the Cambridge 840E and its a good match with the Kismet, but in the back of my mind I've been thinking tube pre, like a Rogue Audio 99 Magnum. My fear is that that the Rogue unit won't provide the improvement I'd expect, I'm quite happy with the way my rig currently sounds.

    Klaus told me I could safe about $400 putting the Kismet in a Stratos case, but I opted to stay with fancy Kismet case, my only complaint - that bright as the SUN blue led light.
    2-Channel System
    Analog: VPI Traveler TT, Audio Technica 150MLX, Pro-Ject Tube Box DS
    CD Player: Jolida JD-100 Preamp: Cambridge 840E Amp: Odyssey Kismet Stereo
    Spkrs: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature Systems
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    Obsession18 wrote: »
    I've been happy with the Cambridge 840E...

    Before I bought my Pass gear, I was using an 840E, and two 840W amps in bridged mono mode. This was the system I used to upgrade my power and cables to Shunyata, and I was constantly amazed at how much better it kept getting. For a total price that is less than my Pass XP-20 pre, the Cambridge gear can easily hang with the Pass. I suspect the new Cambridge 850 line is a bit better. If anyone wants to experience a real and decent high-end system for only $7k then get the Cambridge pre and two amps.

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    My stash of 50's and early 60's tubes. Seriously, they make a difference.

    Also my MIT Shotgun S3 speaker and I/C cables.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,640
    qsemr90lopgl.jpg
    This is my fav vintage set up
    ..
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    My diy modded Lenco idler drive turntable cause it gets the nod for best sound here.

    lenco_wrapped.jpg
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    boston1450 wrote: »
    qsemr90lopgl.jpg
    This is my fav vintage set up

    That looks dangerously top-heavy :- O I hope you have no rambunctious pets (or rambunctious children)...

    That looks like a Yamaha TC-520 cassette deck? :- )

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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    My diy modded Lenco idler drive turntable cause it gets the nod for best sound here.

    lenco_wrapped.jpg


    Wow, love it. I wish I had it!!!
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • hochpt21
    hochpt21 Posts: 5,423
    My B&K Reference 200.2 is the first piece of high-ish end gear I ever bought. I've tried a few other amps, but this just keeps making me put it back in my rig. I think I'll have to spend a decent amount more to best it.

    The LSiM 705's have a pretty good chance to become my favorite, but I only listened to them for a couple days before I tore my system apart. I haven't had the chance to put it back together and it's been a couple weeks!!!

    I'm going through withdraw :(:'(
    2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A
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  • oldrocker
    oldrocker Posts: 2,590
    So hard to say. I like every thing in my "wall of shame".
    Would like to test the waters on that reel/reel thing.
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,640
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    boston1450 wrote: »
    qsemr90lopgl.jpg
    This is my fav vintage set up

    That looks dangerously top-heavy :- O I hope you have no rambunctious pets (or rambunctious children)...

    That looks like a Yamaha TC-520 cassette deck? :- )
    yup tc520. If you notice the feet are off the r2r & its quite sturdy. 4 inches on each side & 8 on f&b. Little ones are older n chihuahua's are pretty good. Thanks for mention. Listened to the Teac today. ELO & Monkeys :smile:

    ..
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    I've got the Otaris all three functioning (gave one to another Northern New England vacuum tube hifi guru, which seemed only fair) : -)
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    My Carver designed DIY monoblocks are hands down my favorite pieces of gear, followed closely by a very special pair of 1.2TL's with full mods. The Yamaha PX-3 and Pioneer D9-MkII SACD are both a very distant third place tie
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,033
    kevhed72 wrote: »
    I know it's not high end, but this:
    o0002y8xjndx.jpg
    Hey, nobody said it had to be "high end" to be your favorite.

    Tom

    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    The T-1's not exactly dog food. No, it ain't no T-2 ( or CT-7000), but it is a beautiful & very competent piece.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    That it is.....almost looks Nad-ish with those buttons, I like it.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    oh heck I'm apparently on auto-repeat :- P
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  • 11tsteve
    11tsteve Posts: 1,166
    I have to agree that synergy with a system is the ideal, but I just sent away my NAD 1020 preamp to be refurbished be Leesonic at AK. The preamp that I got back has nothing to do with the one I sent.
    The 1020 will be my "new" favorite piece of gear for a while, and the NAD 116 pre will be hitting the block very soon.
    Polk Lsi9
    N.E.W. A-20 class A 20W
    NAD 1020 completely refurbished
    Keces DA-131 mk.II
    Analysis Plus Copper Oval, Douglass, Morrow SUB3, Huffman Digital
    Paradigm DSP-3100 v.2
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  • gce
    gce Posts: 2,158
    Usually its the new addition to the mix, so I'll have to say my new LSiM703's. These bookies are crazy good!
    Anaheim Hills CA,
    HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30

    2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    gce wrote: »
    Usually its the new addition to the mix, so I'll have to say my new LSiM703's. These bookies are crazy good!

    I started this thread with:
    Mine is two parts, or five if you count the cables. I love my Bryston BDP-1 digital file player, Auralic Vega DAC, Shunyata Anaconda AES digital cable, and two Shunyata Alpha Digital power cords. This combination allows me to truly enjoy more music, and get the best performance from the rest of the gear.

    A few weeks ago I upgraded the Alpha Digital power cord on the BDP-1 file player to the new Shunyata Sigma Digital power cord. Wow! This system is now so quiet and freaking precise and detailed that it is scary. I simply have never heard it sounding so good. The Sigma is a fantastic power cord for digital components. The digital front end is still my favorite piece of gear. Between the sound, versatility, and convenience nothing else comes close for me.

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    91yir77v9x3g.jpg

    Have to say my Liberty Audio B2B 100, but it would not be a party without the Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6 & the Cambridge 840e pre!
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
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  • Timothy Smith
    Timothy Smith Posts: 764
    My Dahlquist DQ-20's.

    I use DQ-10's, Magneplanar MMG's, Meadowlark Kestrel Hot Rods, Quad 11t, and Boston Acoustics A-150's in other systems around the house, and at other times, but I don't think I will ever get rid of the DQ-20's.
    Norh ACA-2B tube pre, Sumo Andromeda SS amp. Magneplanar MMG speakers, M&K MX1250 Subwoofer, Pro-Ject RM1.3 Genie TT with Sumiko Pearl MM cart., Keces DAC, Cambridge Audio Azur 640c CD player
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,490
    The one constant for me over the last decade has been a Sonic Frontiers Line 3 preamp, upgraded soon after I got it to SE+ specs by Chris Johnson:

    http://archive.anthemav.com/OldSitev1/review/line-3.html

    The tubes last around 3 or 4 years in it, so the cost of retubing with 12 new tubes every few years isn't that big a deal. The rear two tubes (6DJ8 or 6922) are the important ones.

    I also have a Parasound JC-2BP preamp, which is also excellent in its own way and very quiet but missing the soul that a good tube preamp has.
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