I have been working on my system for 12 years. Room treatments and accessories have created the biggest impact this year. And interesting DIY projects are delivering greatly improved sonic results across the board.
I have added 70 of my own DIY HFRs -- High Frequency Resonators, a take-off on Synergistic Research HFTs -- High Frequency Transducers. The latter are, like mine, simple resonators, not transducers. Look up the definition of transducer.
I used to love vintage Marantz integrated amps and had a whole string of them. Then I decided to go in a different direction with tubes and an OTL. I chose the Atma-Sphere S-30. Since my system has evolved so much in the past few years I can only speculate about "much faster and open". My opinion is "no contest". Frankly, I would never part with my OTL. I do not believe any solid state amp within my budget could come near the Atma-Sphere S-30 in my system.
Yes, I was aware that Victor passed away and sent my condolences to Joseph since I did not know his family. The news was a shock to me. Victor was an amazing person. I never met him but we communicated a lot by email. I would like to have known him personally. I don't believe he was widely known in the audio community but he was tremendously knowledgeable, intelligent and wise -- not only regarding audio matters. His passing must be a great personal and professional loss to Joseph.
Thanks for your comments. On the top is a Schumann resonance device with Chartres coil -- about 7 ft. about the floor. Below that are two SW1 Schumann resonance devices -- about 6 ft. above the floor. Below that is a Steinmusic Harmonizer. Below that is a QRT Symphony Pro -- the precursor to the Nordost Qx2 and Qx4. Beside the speakers: 1 QRT Symphony Pro, 1 Audio Magic PEA, 1 Audio Magic Wave Stablizer, 1 IPC Acoustic Energizer.
Thanks for your comments. Actually, I bottom load all components with sand boxes -- except the speakers that have dedicated stands. I also top load the power amp as you can see in the photo -- adorned with coral and sea shells.
Thanks for your comments. Audiogon is having a problem updating my Virtual System. I have added that I use wooden platforms and sand boxes for isolation/coupling -- with excellent results. Audiogon is also having a problem uploading my photo. Patience prevails.
Thanks for your comments. The REL was a seamless adjunct to the Raidhos -- no problem whatsoever. The most time-consuming challenge has been integrating all the room treatments. Once the system photo is uploaded you'll be able to see this. Although it shows only part of the system it gives a good idea of how complex it is to integrate over 40 room treatment devices.