Well, I've gone through a few units now so I guess I am now qualified to enter a response. :-)
1987 when I didn't know anything (don't think I still do but that's a different matter): Luxman LV-111
2000: Rotel RSX-972 Reciever. For my Home Theater.
Decided to start a second 2-channel only system
2002: Rotel RA-1060
2004: Anthem Amp-1 (using Rotel 1060 as the pre-amp)
2004: Anthem TLP-1 pre-amp to use with the Amp-1.
2005: Musical Fidelity A3.2 CR pre-amp with the Amp-1
2006: Anthem Pre-2L preamp (bought from Audiogoner and
sitting in shop 3 weeks after I received it and still waiting for the repairs.).
2007 (last week in fact): DK Design VS-1 MK II (Glad I didn't read any of the Audiogon threads on this one before buying it. Would have throughly confused me. I got it for a little more then half price from a local dealer so I have full warranty and all that). I am not a critical listener and don't have the deep undestanding or experience with really high end equipment that some of you have, but I can discern basic differences in musicality, bass and highs. So far I find this unit to be the best of all I have had (still have) in those terms. I feel I could listen to it very long without getting fatigued. I also find when I feel like turning it up it's not a problem with this unit. With the Amp-1 it starts to hurt my ears if I turn it up too much. Now, I just need to put a tape or something on the loopy meter which is terribly distracting.
I am pretty sure I am good for a few years now, unless I get some killer deal on a used high-end amp. Although that's doubtful as the higher end amps even at used prices are far out of my reach. The DK is pretty well at the limits of my pocketbook as it is.
-- Sanjay
1987 when I didn't know anything (don't think I still do but that's a different matter): Luxman LV-111
2000: Rotel RSX-972 Reciever. For my Home Theater.
Decided to start a second 2-channel only system
2002: Rotel RA-1060
2004: Anthem Amp-1 (using Rotel 1060 as the pre-amp)
2004: Anthem TLP-1 pre-amp to use with the Amp-1.
2005: Musical Fidelity A3.2 CR pre-amp with the Amp-1
2006: Anthem Pre-2L preamp (bought from Audiogoner and
sitting in shop 3 weeks after I received it and still waiting for the repairs.).
2007 (last week in fact): DK Design VS-1 MK II (Glad I didn't read any of the Audiogon threads on this one before buying it. Would have throughly confused me. I got it for a little more then half price from a local dealer so I have full warranty and all that). I am not a critical listener and don't have the deep undestanding or experience with really high end equipment that some of you have, but I can discern basic differences in musicality, bass and highs. So far I find this unit to be the best of all I have had (still have) in those terms. I feel I could listen to it very long without getting fatigued. I also find when I feel like turning it up it's not a problem with this unit. With the Amp-1 it starts to hurt my ears if I turn it up too much. Now, I just need to put a tape or something on the loopy meter which is terribly distracting.
I am pretty sure I am good for a few years now, unless I get some killer deal on a used high-end amp. Although that's doubtful as the higher end amps even at used prices are far out of my reach. The DK is pretty well at the limits of my pocketbook as it is.
-- Sanjay