How unique are you?

Ricardo
Ricardo Posts: 10,636
edited December 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
Like many here I have made a lot of upgrades/changes to my system based on things I read or saw in this forum. Like most here, if I had not joined I would have less gear now, would have changed less gear overall, and my bank account would be heavier.

But I've enjoyed every little step of this journey. Now, to the point. I have noticed that, without any real reason behind it, I like to try different things, new things, not what everybody recommends or owns. This might be a risky way of doing things, but I think that for the most part has proven to be a good choice. Lucky I guess.

If I look at my 2 channel system, with the exception of IC's and speaker cables that are MIT and seem to be very common, I am a bit of unique. Here's my current setup:

Turntable: Clearaudio Champion
CD Player: Sony DVP-NS9100 ES with SACD.COM mods.
Preamp: Marsh Sound Design P2000B
Amp: Marsh Sound Design A400S
Speakers: Opera Seconda (wait..let me look..yes, they are stil the ones I am using for now;))

I am pretty sure I am the only one around that currently has these .

I know, means nothing, but thought it could be a cool thread. So what about you? What are your unique pieces?
_________________________________________________
***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
SOPA
Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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Comments

  • ShinAce
    ShinAce Posts: 1,194
    edited December 2008
    I build my own speakers, so they tend to qualify as unique. Likewise, handmade crossovers and homemade headphone amps.


    I am very eunich.
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited December 2008
    I like trying different things. I like taking a top notch system and trying different cheap amps or cheap sources to find out which ones sound good and which ones sound bad. For example you may find me powering my Avantgarde Duo horns with the $15 accurian amp being sourced by a $60 Toshiba 3960 CD player.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited December 2008
    Goldpoint SA-4HT, SA-1(x2)
    McIntosh MC-126, MC-7270, MX-115, MX-119(sale pending though)
    Tannoy HPD-385A's
    Tannoy Saturns's
    Custom Vifa, Silver Flute, SB Acoustics open baffle speakers
    Welborne ST-70
    MIT AVt MA cables
    ShinAce wrote: »
    I build my own speakers, so they tend to qualify as unique. Likewise, handmade crossovers and homemade headphone amps.

    I am very eunich.
    :D:D:D

    Sometimes custom is better.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited December 2008
    I make my gear unique by modifying it. My amps, CDP, and speakers have been modded in some way, all of which have been significant sonic improvements.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited December 2008
    I have never seen anyone have one, but I have a Sony CDP-K1 karaoke CD player. It's actually a domestic US model from the early 90s....still works perfectly. I think it's quite unique but it has shown up twice in the old "Stereo Review's "Systems" articles.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,654
    edited December 2008
    I have a VCR

    Oooooo
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited December 2008
    I've got your Marsh's younger brother, the A200s.

    When I grow up, I'm gonna have yours...
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited December 2008
    NAD C270 amp, NAD C160 pre-amp, a NAD T572 CD/DVD changer, a Sony DVP-NS775V DVD/CD/SACD, a Cambridge Audio D500SE CDP and a Goldring 1.2 turntable and right now my Polk RT400s. I'm pretty sure no one else has this combo.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited December 2008
    Well, I replaced my Krell KAV 250a amp with a vintage 1980 Nikko Alpha VI amp. I took some heat for that move, but it was a very good move...trust me!!! :D

    I went with what worked for me & that's all that counts!
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited December 2008
    Built a few of my own speakers, a pre, active XO, phono pre, IC's, speaker cables, and soon will be adding a DIY DAC inside the Pre. The amps are still stock, but I did repair them;) Next I hope to mod the amps a bit. The pre is going to get it's passive stage setup, and later I am going to put the selectable tube buffer back in the pre. First I will finish the mini SDA's;)
    I think I am a pretty typical guy.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2008
    I try to emulate everyone else if at all possible.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Igo
    Igo Posts: 411
    edited December 2008
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    I have a VCR

    Oooooo

    I gotta lava lamp
    ...Link to my System Showcase...
    "ES - Kind'a simple but I like it"

    Sony ES STR-DA4300ES 7.1
    Sony ES SACD SCD-C2000ES
    Sony 400 Disc CD CDP-CX455
    Infinity BU-2 Sub-Woofer
    Polk Audio RT800i Towers
    Polk Audio CS400i Center
    Polk Audio FXiA6 Surrounds
    Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
    DH-Labs T-14 Speaker Cables
    Panamax Max 500 DBS Line Conditioner
    Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50'-Plasma
    Play Station III - BluRay
    Logitech Harmony 550 Remote
    Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited December 2008
    I run a Cary V12...I don`t think anybody else has a V12, or runs as much Cary gear as I do...my pre amp is also a Cary (SLP-98 F1)

    I am looking into maybe tryng some tube gear that I am not real familiar with, but thats half the fun.....live and learn.......and ask Jesse if it`s a good idea or not , before I make the move !!!

    I also use Adonna racks....check em out....highly recommended
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • wutadumsn23
    wutadumsn23 Posts: 3,702
    edited December 2008
    I do whatever you guys tell me!!
    HT Rig
    Receiver- Onkyo TX-SR806
    Mains- Polk Audio Monitor 70
    Center- Polk Audio CS2
    Surrounds- Polk Audio TSi 500's :D
    Sub- Polk Audio PSW125
    Retired- Polk Audio Monitor 40's
    T.V.- 60" Sony SXRD KDS-60A2000 LCoS
    Blu-Ray- 80 GB PS3


    2 CH rig (in progress)
    Polk Audio Monitor 10A's :cool:

    It's not that I'm insensitive, I just don't care.. :D
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited December 2008
    I just bought a Dac Magic
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  • Gadabout
    Gadabout Posts: 1,072
    edited December 2008
    In my 2 ch rig...
    - The speakers are Audes - Souls
    - I'm running a Behringer SRC 2496 - Modded by Audiosmile. The very one that John Hoffman reviewed in Affordable Audio Jan 2008

    - Any one else running a TVC?

    Scott
    Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. ..... Frank Zappa
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited December 2008
    I'm running audio from my TV to my receiver via a couple of RCA cables I found in a drawer. Unlikely anyone on the forum has an identical pair.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2008
    My CEC CD player is a little unique--everything else I have is pretty generic.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited December 2008
    Concrete Blocks (dayglow orange) and 1 x 12's,, spray painted black of course,,;)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited December 2008
    I dunno, nothin stands out....

    Dayglow orange looks kewl when you got a mary jane buzz on. It looks alive, and shimmers.:D
    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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  • Igo
    Igo Posts: 411
    edited December 2008
    Hilbert wrote: »
    I'm running audio from my TV to my receiver via a couple of RCA cables I found in a drawer. Unlikely anyone on the forum has an identical pair.

    Both my rca cables are red
    ...Link to my System Showcase...
    "ES - Kind'a simple but I like it"

    Sony ES STR-DA4300ES 7.1
    Sony ES SACD SCD-C2000ES
    Sony 400 Disc CD CDP-CX455
    Infinity BU-2 Sub-Woofer
    Polk Audio RT800i Towers
    Polk Audio CS400i Center
    Polk Audio FXiA6 Surrounds
    Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones
    DH-Labs T-14 Speaker Cables
    Panamax Max 500 DBS Line Conditioner
    Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 50'-Plasma
    Play Station III - BluRay
    Logitech Harmony 550 Remote
    Logitech diNovo Mini Keyboard
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited December 2008
    I think most of us take info we learn from others here and apply in our own way. I value most;) of the opinions here and used them in putting stuff together.

    It's fun to think about all the possible combinations of gear this group has put together over the years. How many unique rigs have existed ..I mean down to cables and power cords???? Just too many possibilities and options!!

    I Got the Bada after it was the CDP of the month here
    When Tylers were the hot speaker I got those
    A little research and feedback from you all got me to the Anthem Pre
    The Blue Circle amp - that was my special ingredient

    So I've used your experiences to my advantage but have my own ideas and throw in the will to try some new things and you got a nice little hobby going.

    There is some extremely unique and rare equipment among us but almost every rig is unique in someway.

    Cheers!
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I try to emulate everyone else if at all possible.

    but your such a devil of a padewan...........

    RT1
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  • LittleCar_w/12s
    LittleCar_w/12s Posts: 568
    edited December 2008
    My 2ch (and HT setup *screw surround*) is all equipment that I have rebuilt or repaired.

    -My last receiver was an Olympus (Panasonic) discarded from a Radio shack with a seriously burned amp stage. I did a lot of soldering, we'll just say that.
    -My current receiver is a TEAC given to me free by a customer who's living room I painted (it needed a new fuse lol) and it sounds flawless.
    -My Infinity RSa 10's were a yard-sale find. When I got them the surrounds were dust, and after new high-end surrounds they're perfect. The flat-film tweeters sound sharp after a little adjustment to the magnets.
    - My speaker wire is all fine-twist low O2 12 GA left over from my car sub installs (Overkill, for sure)

    And my entertainment center is being hand-built by myself in Birch, and includes my 50" plasma, a fire-place, and book and equipment shelves.

    edit to add - My sound source is uncompressed audio from my computer which is running a -discarded- recording studio sound card.

    Maybe not unique, but personallized.
    ___________________________
    Total cost of materials: Going up...
    Time spent: Countless Hours...
    Cranking the system, having it quiet outside the car, and sound that takes the rear-view off inside: PRICELESS

    For some things in life, you pay others to do it... For a masterpeice, do it yourself.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,171
    edited December 2008
    Move along..........nothing unique to see here.

    Well i have one piece which in pretty uncommon only because it was mostly sold in the UK and Canada.

    It's an Adcom integrated amp GCA 510. Adcom calls it a control amp because it's a high gain amplifier with switching and a volume control. No preamp stage. Essentially it's an Adcom 535 output stage (with a single torrid rather than the dual iron core trannies) and the passive line stage of the SLC 505 passive preamp. It runs hot as it's biased very high---hence the term "high gain" amplifer. 50 wpc with typical Adcom over build, nice boards and layout. Weighs about 18 lbs with solid heat sinks and a very large torridial transformer.

    It's a nice unit with plenty of balls. I use it in my office rig. Put it in the main rig awhile ago and it's no match for my seperates. It was built around 97-98 and retailed for $499. Nice unit for what it is. They don't come up FS too often.
    "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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  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited December 2008
    Ricardo wrote: »
    ...my bank account would be heavier.

    Really? Are you certain you would not have spent the money on something else? In my case, in the absence of audio, the money would have been spent on other hobbies. I don't expect to make any significant audio purchases for a while. Next year my attention will be turning to improving my digital photography equipment.:)
    Ricardo wrote: »
    What are your unique pieces?

    1. AI-1 Dreadnought non-common ground interface.
    2. Analog front end combination: Teres 255 turntable/Graham Phantom tonearm/Ortofon MC Windfeld cartridge.
    3. Extensively tweaked Polk Audio SDA SRS 1.2TL's.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,572
    edited December 2008
    I'm bad, I'm international.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited December 2008
    yes you are , bro ...
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • O'Shag
    O'Shag Posts: 76
    edited December 2008
    I drove 60 miles to pick up a tuner I saw on craigslist and it had smashed glass, was filthy, and looked like it was run over by a truck. I still took the tuner home and used it - It sounds great! But it looks terrible. I think I do this sort of thing too much...
    Polk SRT HT System
    Polk CS1000p / FX1000
    Sony KDS-R70XBR2
    Yamaha RX-Z9 Processor
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  • ajsankot
    ajsankot Posts: 141
    edited December 2008
    I scored a Sansui 1000x and some Infinity Qe's and finally hooked up my 1st vintage-ish set up. I don't think I have turned it off in like 4 days. 2-channel blows my mind :eek:
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