The road to my audio nirvana has been interesting to say the least. It started approximately two years ago, when I moved into my new place, and made the decision to build a new system after 12 years with my Onkyo based system (RIP), that served me well during university.

Initially I was of the mindset that I could build my own system, trying to assemble the best system out of the best individual components that I could find. Cost was some degree of object, but I was after the best sound, so I didn t have a set budget. After frequenting a number of retailers in Ontario and Michigan, a minor level of frustration set in. I would hear systems at all price ranges, and there was no consistency. A lower priced system could out perform a more expensive system, throwing out the adage “you get what you pay for”. I began to realize synergy was omnipotent and the key to developing great sound. About this time I called Derrick Moss at Aurum Acoustics in Newfoundland, about his all inclusive 300B active system. He was very approachable and gave me all kinds of engineering reasons as to why his system could perform the way he said it could. Nonetheless, the proof would be in the pudding, and he arranged for a debut at one of the local retailers.

What I heard astounded me delicacy with power, warmth with drive, detail and lushness all wrapped into one. It took only a little bit of deliberation as I realized there was no way I could assemble a similar system at a lesser cost, perhaps any cost.

I’ve had the system for just a little more than 2 years, and to this day it still amazes me how it is able to transport me after a stressful day at work. It can boogie, seduce and caress, and of all the extravagant purchases that I have made, is the one that makes the most sense and sees the most use.

Along the way a few add-ons have been made. Realizing that CD is a compressed medium, I have dabbled into 2 other formats. SACD is a wonderful digital format, with unfortunately very little support nowadays. Nevertheless, I have added an Audio Aero Prestige to my lineup of source components, and I have been very happy with its performance as an SACD player.

Vinyl has eventually made its way to my system, and to this end I must thank Gilbert Yeung of Blue Circle Audio. I never figured a vinyl rig could compete with my CD setup, but with Gilbert’s personal attention, I now recognize why vinyl is the purist’s choice.

It took a long time for me to accept that cable needed to be considered part of a system’s makeup. However, after repeated demonstrations, I began to hear the difference between different cable products. I have found, on a fairly consistent basis, that Crystal Cable’s Ultra series worked to best advantage in my system.

I have to thank a number of people who have been instrumental in helping me get to audio nirvana. These include:

Derrick Moss, Aurum Acoustics

Gilbert Yeung, Blue Circle Audio

Jody Hickson, Globe Audio Marketing

Slavko Prtnjaca, Sound and Space

Eric Bettker, Sound and Space

Tim Munro, Sound and Space

What’s next likely a tuner but that is pretty much about it than I really am done!