Last night the Music took over….

@slaw 

I totally get what you’re describing and I don’t think it sounds superior to say you’ve felt that way for a while. Honestly, that’s the goal for most of us: to build a system that consistently dissolves and just leaves the music. If you’ve been living in that space already, that’s something to be celebrated for in my opinion. 

My analog setup is relatively new and I have been tweaking here n there. I still have one more addition to go before I settle down. 

Was it a particular piece in your setup that helped you cross that threshold or more of a mindset shift? Maybe even both? I think a lot of folks would find that valuable to hear.

BTW, I loved your Man Cave…looking at your collection, that’s a life lived in music. I bet every sleeve has a story :-) 

@wsrrsw 

Beautifully said! Those unscripted moments are the real payoff when the music pulls you in so completely, everything else just fades. Glad you caught one of those rare morning gems.

@jayctoy 

You’re right, moments like these also remind me, this really is a journey. Not just about gear or sound, but about chasing those rare, soul-stirring experiences that can’t be forced, only found.

“Your system is the best system you’ve ever heard until you hear something better".
@devinplombier 

No argument there but having heard so many different system and seeing how my own system has evolved over the years I would say this; my current system is the best I’ve ever heard. Are there better systems out there, absolutely but does that make system any less magical in the moment?

It’s amazing how a single shift in perspective can release us from the endless loop of “what if” and open the door to just being present with the music. Believe me, when I say this, contentment and curiosity not only can coexist, it can wonderfully liberating. Those fleeting moments of pure, unfiltered connection with the music… they’re why we started this journey in the first place. And when they come, it’s a gift, not something to second-guess or measure against different gear.

@slaw 

That’s an incredible journey, rich with wisdom, trial and error, and deep listening. I couldn’t agree more, room acoustics and system synergy matter far more than most of us realize early on. Once you hear the sound in a properly acoustically treated room there is no going back. Your path through turntables, cables, gear isolation, speaker placement and power provides a hard-earned insight.

Thanks for sharing!

@big_greg 

I can totally relate. Isn’t it amazing how stepping away can reset your ears? Glad you’re back and reconnecting with your system, I know those moments make all the effort worth it. Nothing like falling in love with your setup all over again.

We’re lucky to live in a time with so many great ways to enjoy high-quality music. I rarely touch FM anymore, the moment I get in the car, it’s straight to Qobuz streaming. 

🎷 Prisoner of Love — Coleman Hawkins & Ben Webster

Two tenor titans in perfect harmony. Smoky, tender and unhurried. Hawkins brings the depth, Webster the warmth and together, they breathe this ballad into something timeless. Not just played… felt. Sunday afternoon Jazz…..at its finest.

@sns 

I am somewhat familiar with your wonderful journey. Isn’t it amazing how much trial, error, and personal insight it takes to build a system that truly fits you. Love how you described contentment and not chasing perfection, but letting the music lead. I am right there with you…that balance of resolution and forgiveness is everything.

And yes, discovering artists like Perhacs and Ashby makes all the effort worthwhile. Speaking of mood setting…I’d like to mention, Eddie Higgins….subtle, lyrical, and effortlessly melodic.

Happy Father’s Day to all! 

@ghdprentice 

Glad to hear you like the album. Another favorite, if may suggest - Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson. Qobuz 24bit/192kHz is pretty darn good but AP’s vinyl is another level. 

@pindac 

I am a huge believer of synergy. 

You are experiencing and enjoying wonderful synergy between your components. When that happens, the system disappears and the room becomes the sound and that’s what most of us chase. When the room, speakers, and amplification speak the same language, the result goes beyond sonics, it becomes presence.

I am looking forward to hear what more your tube rolling journey reveals!