Spending my university scholarship money in 1970 on an all-AR system: turntable, integrated amp and AR-3A’s. Blew me away and was the best system in my dorm, by far. Helped inspire further crazy spending by friends over the next few years leading to a great setup loved by us all: Thorens turntable, Crown preamp, Crown DC-300’s and bi-amped RTR speakers: many memorable parties in ‘73 - ‘75! Then, while living in the UK, Musical Fidelity class-A amp and speakers in late 80’s. Purchasing an Ohm Acoustics MicroWalsh home theater setup in 2004 and then enjoying the “Concert for George” DVD - knocked out everyone who saw and heard it. Now, using a Crown Audio XLS 1502 to power my Ohm’s (instead of the Denon AVR) - a revelation in openness, effortlessness and bass taughtness and extension.
I’m gob smacked. What were you’re aha moments?
Had a productive couple of weeks on the used gear market and today has been digital demo day (Analog arrives next week). Added a Bryston BCD-3 and original Tara Labs Prime I/C’s to my system at very good prices.
I don’t have “golden ears” by any stretch but I’m gob smacked at the results.
The BCD-3 is replacing an Oppo UDP-205 w/ DHL BL-1 I/C’s. Rest of gear is an Anthem STR integrated and ML Monti’s. My bass has easily doubled, maybe tripled. I can feel the pressurization in my room and it’s tight not bloated.
I think this has been the biggest jump up in SQ I’ve experienced. What were your biggest surprises/improvements regardless of budget?