After changing my system for the past several years, I think I have reached my goal (for now). My 2 sources are a 1950's refurbished Garrard 301 and a 21st century CD player with a Apple Mac Mini into the USB input. Hence, the name"Musical Juxtaposition".
The oil-bearing 301 was completely redone and placed in a 2-arm capable custom plinth by Steve Dobbins. Coupled with a Triplanar arm and Miyabi/47 labs MC cartridge, the combo plays music better than any other sourced I've listened to. My previous table was the SME 20/V which is definitely a great table. But after listening to the music from a idler table, I don't think I'll be going back to a belt driven table.
Completely refurbished Schedule 2 301 with a custom 2-arm capable plinth by Steve Dobbins. Steve suggested his copper mat for the best sound which I would have to agree.
Miyabi 47 Labs
MC cartridge
Miyajima Premium Mono
Mono LOMC with Yamamoto HS-1As ebony headshell
Tri-Planar Mk VII U2
One of the best tonearms made.
Thomas Schick 12 inch tonearm
Used for my mono playback
Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) CD-77
CDP utilizing TD1541 DAC
Apple Mac Mini transport
2009 model with 4GB
Shindo Laboratory Masseto tube preamp
IMO, one of the best preamps in the world
Art Audio PX-25
with volume control
Auditorium 23 Hommage T1 SUT
SUT designed for low impedance catridges
Auditorium 23 Hommage Solovox
Single driver using modified 8" PHY driver
Shindo Laboratory Silver IC
0.5 m between Auditorium SUT and Shindo preamp
PHY-HP IC
good synergy
Shindo Mr. T line conditioner
No Shindo system is complete without the Mr. T Line conditioner. It has 6 power outlets and a massive transformer that rejects unwanted RF and crud from the power grid.
Doc - I didn't realize this, but before the QB-9 I hadn't purchased a CD in almost two years. I was very content with the vinyl rig, but the QB-9 is really a game changer. For $2500...its just amazing.