I started a maniacal journey into good music reproduction in March of 2004 after I wandered into Overture Audio here in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Not having been into audio since my teenage years, I thought perhaps I would spend a couple thousand dollars and be set. But once I experienced the magic of an involving hi-fi, I was doomed. Now, after spending a silly amount beyond what I had initially planned - most of it on the used market - I have reached a point of real peace. This equipment is bringing pure musical joy into my life.
I have heard a fair amount of gear, but have settled on Linn (especially w/ active speakers) as my flavor. When your system has caused you to study a musical instrument, and to think about music theory and composing for the first time in your life, then it is doing something very right.
I may choose to downgrade a bit in the near future, but for now I'm staying put.
I was initially a bit of a skeptic about analog, but this table with the Cirkus upgrade (and particularly once I upgraded from Valhalla to the Lingo II power supply) made me a believer. I still find analog complicated, often frustrating, and quite expensive. But vinyl has a greater ability to make my feet tap, my face smile, and to engender spontaneous dance than any 0's and 1's I have yet encountered. Though this table has its detractors, (some of whom have actually heard the radically better modern version, the wide majority whom have not) I find it to be wonderfully musical. It is also a great bargain on the used market, provided you know what you are doing or have good dealer support.
Linn Ekos
The MK II model. The second of these arms I have owned - wonderful both times.
Linn Akiva
This cartridge is truly a wonderous bit of audio magic. It makes my system sound like I once only dreamed it would.
Linn Unidisk 1.1
Wonderful universal player, though I use it almost exclusively for CDs.
Linn Linto
Really a very good phono stage. I have suspected that I might be able to do better, but so far what I have tried has come up way short of the Linto.
Linn Klimax Kontrol
What can I say? This is the closest thing to perfection I've heard in the audio world (for my tastes, of course). When I walk past it I still at times feel like kneeling down and crying, "I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy!"
Linn Chakra 6100 (w/ Dynamic PS)
Driving my Espek's actively, and most beautifully. Great amps for the money, as long as you don't need tons of power, which running actively, I don't.
Linn Espek (running active)
Running actively. Making these active transforms them in a way that can take your breath away. Espeks are very nice, accurate speakers when run passively. Active with Chakra amps, they are glorious.
Sound Anchor Speaker Stands
Custom made for my Espeks, and a very wise decision. They dramatically tighten up the sound and sense of timing conveyed by the Espeks over the stock bases.
Linn Silver
(3 pair). Such nice interconnects, and a great value even new. Used, they're a steal.
Linn K600 (tri-wired)
In 18' runs. Amazing, but my wife doesn't mind this cable even in the living room.
Furman IT Reference 15
The only line conditioner I have tried that actually improved the sound of my system. Before I plugged straight into the wall, and was happy. But it now seems like my equipment wasn't fully working before - I just hadn't realized it until I plugged this thing in. HIGHLY recommended.
Dedicated Lines
I never would have guessed the amount of difference this would make - my wife thought I had upgraded my preamp. I don't know if it is quite as important now that I have the Furman, but undoubtably still a good thing.
Glad to hear you still love your 926s. I agree they can be a tad lean but only if you don't have the right electronics. McIntosh works great IMO - better than the BAT, CJ and Classe gear I have tried with them - with lots of body which gives them outstanding 3D imaging. Also, my Mc amp seems to really be able to make them rock out which not many other amps have been able to do.
Hey! I am a fellow 926 owner. I just love these speakers. I have thought of trying out the 927 Be but I am not sure I will like them that much more. I have heard the 937 is better than the 927 so...I am worried. My room is too small for 937s. What other speakers have you compared yours to? I heard ATC 35s not too long ago but didn't like how they imaged. Of course, it wasn't in my system so I can't say for sure but I wasn't impressed overall.
For now, I am plenty satisfied with my 926s. I have never used Linn amps with them although I have tried many different brands. Great to see someone else out there enjoying these special speakers. Arthur
