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.
Classikaudio: Yes, definitely. Right now I'm enjoying my excellent Unidisk 1.1 and being back in the wonderful world of active speakers. When I do go that way, I will likely get the Accurate DS. Unless, that is, I A/B the Majik DS against my 1.1 and come away very impressed. According to the hype, I should, but I need to hear it with my own ears.
I hope I find the DS series as good as people suggest it is - there is nothing like a significant upgrade to your source to bring even more joy to a system.
System edited: Well, I down graded for the time being and I'm now running my speakers passively . It was the responsible thing to do, though also I think a very temporary thing to do. We'll see.
Okay, the only downgrade I've actually made thus far is from the Unidisk 2.1 to an Ikemi, which has been virtually painless. I'm going to hold off for now in further changes - I'll probably make them, but not sure when.
System edited: I've made the decision to down grade and move in a little different direction for a while. I may rebuild this system along similar lines in the future. We'll see.
System edited: Well, life is very good. I've added a Klimax Kontrol, a Chakra 2200 and will be adding some Espeks with the plan to take them active in the near future. Active with Chakra amps, Espeks are nothing at all like the speakers I have heretofore known (and avoided). Active, they are simply superb.
Aball: Well, I thought I might be changing speakers soon, but I am falling back in love with my 926s in a major way after a few surprising auditions. I recently had a pair of Sonus Faber Cremonas home (9K new). Even after a professional set up by my dealer, my Electra 926s were better. Indeed, it really wasn't even close. I have heard several other speakers in or above the 926s price range. Some include: Maggie 3.6s, Vienna Acoustics Strauss and Beethoven Concert Grands, Linn Espek, AVI Treo, Cremona Auditors, and PMC OB1. Only the PMC OB1 is a real contender in my view, but I haven't been able to get a pair of these home to hear in my system, which is of course the only way to tell for sure.
As for the pairing of 926s with Linn electronics, it is incredibly detailed and sounds great to me. However, it is a bit lean for some tastes. If you were heavily into tubes I would guess it would not be your cup of tea. While I may not change anything, even I am going to be looking around at tube preamps once I feel I have maxed out my digital and analog sources.
System edited: I've added dedicated lines, silver interconnects, a better amp, a wonderful phonostage, and an even larger smile to my face. Although I started this virtual system posting here several upgrades ago, I probably should not be listed any more in Just Getting Started. With the past few changes I am in fact now Just Getting Settled In. I anticipate a slower pace to upgrades from now on (with the exception of a better cartridge, which will be coming soon).
System edited: Okay, about the Kairn: I am guilty of a premature post. I got the Kairn, and yes the phono stage was excellent. Yes, I was happy with the purchase. But no, my wife, who was not informed before hand, was not pleased. Also, she is mostly into digital, and was not impressed with the difference between the Kairn's line stage and that of the Kolector (and this is a point I have to acknowledge). So it had to go. I am back to a Kolector, and now I am focusing (this time wisely with my wife's blessing) on putting in dedicated lines and upgrading my speaker wire.
System edited: System Edit: I added a Kairn to replace my Kolektor, which was a great move. Now I just need an Ekos and a Klout and I think I will be able to rest for at least a short season (that is after I add dedicated lines).
Thanks for your comments, lugnut. I am intrigued about trying a Supratek Syrah or other tube preamp, especially if I can do it without loss of PRaT. I think it may particularly be a good idea with my speakers. I appreciate the advice.
Deven8, thanks for the link. I will check it out. As to pictures, I'll try to get some posted, though my set up is not especially photogenic at this point. I have the equipment in a wood audio cabnet of questionable quality that came with the house when we moved in last year. Sometime in the next 12 months or so I am going to try to free up funds for some Salimander stuff that will make it all look (and perhaps sound) better.
