Bought used, Sony's top-of-the-line DVD player from 2000 makes an inexpensive quality CD transport (even have an extra for backup). I may have mods done in future; so far all I've done is replace the RCA digital output with a 75-ohm BNC.
One of the alternatives to the Benchmark DAC1. I have both and they're very close with the DAC1 having the slight edge in detail and transparency and the DA10 having a comparable edge in (for want of a better world)
The Museatex Meitner PA-6i is still one of the best preamp deals on the used market. John Wright did the full
- Spread Spectrum Technologies Son of Ampzilla 2000
A 100/200/400 wpc (@ 8/4/2 ohms) power amp in a small case. Overkill power supply (2400-watt transformer). Bucks the trend by using a 12 AWG captive power cord, which is okay with me, as I've not had significant results from even quite expensive power cords.
Tannoy System 10 DMT II, which has slightly higher sensitivity and a slightly lower crossover point than the MK I. I'm one of those people for whom the Tannoy DMT series is hard to beat at any price. I've got the System 15 DMT II in the living room system and the active version of the System 12 DMT II (AMS-12A) in the bedroom.
With Joseph Chow (Component Plus USA) mods.
- David Winsor Designs Custom
26-inch stands custom made by local cabinetmaker. MDF/Birch plywood composite base and speaker plate, joined by tapered, sand-filled MDF pillar. About 85 lbs. (36 kg) each; locking castors make positioning easy.
Standard in better recording studios worldwide and costs all of 50 cents a foot retail.
7 feet, with Vampire copper spades.
Bolt-together rackmount stand from local pro audio shop, with additional bolt-on shelves since none of the components have rackmount faceplates. Modest use of granite sheets, sorbhothane footers and suchlike for additional vibration control.