Description

The title is taken from an Ian Anderson lyric ("Slipstream"). It captures the feelings I experience when I partake in my two passions: surfing (25 years) and listening to my stereo. There's a healthy escapism in both pursuits. I've been a life-long music lover; got my first record player in middle school (1970s), and still have some records in my collection from then. While I've always had decent systems, I really got into high end during the last 10 years. First REAL system was Rotel + Vandersteen. My oh my has this upgrade transformed my system! The Luxman makes the Vandersteens dance (and sing)! And amazingly, the Oppo creates satisfying digital sound with the Luxman/Vandersteen combo. Will upgrade to the BDP-83 (possibly SE) in the next year, and plan to add the Logitech Squeezebox Touch as well. Maybe an external DAC? Analogue is just wonderful now--the Luxman's phono stage is miles above the Rotel's. I got the "ruby cantilever/optimized contour nude contact line diamond" rebuild done on my Clearaudio Virtuoso cart. Couldn't be happier. And let's not forget the headphone section. As you can see, my cans aren't the highest end (no slouches either), yet the Luxman headphone stage has been making for some tremendously satifying late night listening sessions! I listen to jazz, folk, rock, classical, and anythng in between. Probably spend 8-12 hours a week listening closely (more like 40 if you count background listening). I welcome comments and suggestions!
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Components Toggle details

    • Luxman L-505u
    Solid State Integrated Amplifier
    • Vandersteen 2Ce Sig.
    Black Ash Caps
    • Clearaudio Emotion
    Emotion w/ Satify Tonearm
    • Clearaudio Virtuoso (SoundSmith rebuild)
    Rebuilt by Peter Lederman
    • Oppo DV-980H
    Best 167 I've spent--cost to return ratio is astoundng!
    • Clearaudio Satisfy
    Came With Turntable
    • Nordost Blue Heaven
    Costs More than the CD player, but highly transparent and fast.
    • Audioquest Type 4 (bi-wire)
    Built into the shelving and hidden behind the baseboard.
    • Custom Maple & Slate Built In Shelving
    Houses HiFi, records (400), CDs (1,200), books, 42 inch plasma TV, and various niknacs.
    • Grado & Audio Technica Grado 325i & ATH-A700
    Great cans for late night listening!
    • Ginko Audio Cloud 11
    Used under my turntable. This isolation base creates more articulate bass and mids.

Comments 20

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Great system. Love the simplicity. A real music lovers setup. Also gorgeous room. Well done!

jaxwired