I've been thru quite a bit of gear over the last five years. All of it was quite good and eventually I found it's really about finding your personal listening preference and then .......system matching.
Some systems wow'ed me with all the hi-fi attributes but ultimately left me cold.
I've bought and sold 3-4 pairs of Lamm amps (looking for something better) only to always return. Bear in mind, with my Kharma's the match is quite spectacular.
The Shindo line of pre's are also one of those products (to me at least) that stand alone. From my first audition of the Monbrisson (reasonably priced...relatively), I knew I was a Shindo guy.
I originally tried to get into analog several years ago with the latest current acrylic,suspended gear but still found myself preferring the EMM stack (since sold). I then discovered high mass non-suspended tables with proper arm/cartridge matching and found another level of playback enjoyment.
Nice setup!... I was wondering if you tried a Lamm preamp for your amps, I am currently using an LL2 preamp and looking to pair it with a pair of ML1.1. Congrats!
Just curious to know; what amps did you try besides the Lamm amps you currently have? I am currently using Kharma speakers with a VAC amplifier, but may want to consider the Lamm, since everyone seems to feel this is the ultimate match. Thanks for your advice.
Congradulations on your path and where you have arrived. Your own personal stereo system. You hit it right on the nail - understanding what you like and going from there.
I actually picked up my Zanden dac from you when you where going through the Zanden line. I still enjoy it quite a bit, for digital anyway. I'm finding much more enjoyment from vinyl these days as well.
System edited: PIC's Added: Added pistures of gear and room. After looking at these I need to improve the aesthetics. Room is a finished basement approx. 18x23x7.25 with a curse (lolly columns) but sounds pretty darn good.
Thanks for the post. I noticed your system and am very intrigued by the Zu's......I bet they are great.
I have owned the Reimyo/Zanden/Esoteric/Emm but find none of these approach superb analog. However, good digital is still a necessity because of my library. BTW, I just hate it when I buy a CD and 6 months later it's available on a superbly pressed LP. Guess it's part of the price of this hobby.
What a wonderful combination of components you have assembled. I am sure that your system produces music and not just hi-fi. I have followed a similar path, albeit on a more modest budget. I look forward to seeing some photos if/when you get a chance to post them. The Shindo Giscours is one sexy looking preamp and i am sure that it is a match made in heaven with the ZYX UNIverse. Good luck with the search for a digital front end. I haven't had the pleasure of hearing them as yet but apparently the Reimyo device is superbly musical as is the VRS hard disk based music server.
