Started w/a Lafayette receiver/ pair of 8"2-ways and a Duel 1209tt w/Empire cart!
Kept TT and replaced w/ Pioneer SX727 and a pair of 10"3-way Fisher speakers.
Still kept the TT and ended up w/a Kenwood KA-7100 and a pair of Rogersound Lab JBL 4311 copies.
Somewhere in here, I added the Original Magnevox CD101 by Philips. I still have this, but needing repair.
I converted the Kenwood to a preamp only, adding a Carver cube to the Magnepan MG-1's I traded up for from the RSLs!
Junking out the TT in favor of CDs, I than gave the Kenwood away and traded up to a NAD1700 tuner preamp to drive the cube and Maggies.
Cube died and was replaced by a Rotel. CD player replaced by an OPPO DV981.
Other stuff thru the years include AT LEAST 4 reel-2-reel of which I still have the Tandberg 3000x,
Maggies swapped for MG 1.6s and a new integrated is on the horizon...maybe the PSAudio GCC250.
What a trip. |
I don't think I can remember them all but I remember my very first acquisitions quite well:
1973 - Pioneer 25-watt receiver.
1976 - Pioneer 50-watt receiver.
1978 - Yamaha M4 and C4 separates.
Law School 1981-84 - went back to Pioneer 25-watt receiver.
1984 - Kyocera receiver to match new Kyocera CD player.
Later in the 80's - Rotel amp and preamp, followed by British Fidelity A-370 amp and MVP preamp, then ARC D-300, followed by Goldmund Mimesis 29 and Ayre V3, finally replaced circa 1999 by my current ARC VT-100 Mk III which is a keeper. |
It's interesting to see how many of us got into audio around the same time! My evolution... (the dates are my best guess).
1977 - Poineer SX-650 reciever
1980 - JVC reciever (don't recall the model ~35Wpc)
1981 - Yamaha integrated
1982 - NAD 3020 integrated
1982 - Hafler DH200 (this was a kit)
1984 - Musical Fidelity integrated (sweet little class A)
1990 - Acurus DIA 100 integrated - still own
2004 - McCormack DNA 0.5 - still own
2006 - Conrad Johnson Premier 11A - still own
2007 - BAT VK-60 - still own
2008 - ??? |
1976- Pioneer POC Receiver
1983- NAD Integrated Model Whatever
1988- Naim Nait 2
1989- Linn LK 280/Spark (tweetie-spark)
1990- Linn Klout
1992- Linn Klout x 3 via active crossover
2003- Pathos Logos
2007- Eastern Electric 520 with NOS tubes (now in office)
2007- Fisher 400X receiver - (also in office)
2007- Consonance Audio M800
2007- Hammond Organ Chassis 45 tube custom made
2007- Western Electric Gotham Model 39 monoblocks
2008- perhaps something driven by 76 triodes
2009- Wavac SH-833 (I am saving by pennies) |
Lets see starting back some 30 years ago...
1978 - Radio Shack Realistic Receiver
1982 - Yamaha Integrated Amp (served me well during college)
1985 - NAD Receiver
1988 - Bryston 4D Power Amp (still in my closet)
2000 - Musical Fidelity A300 CR Dual Mono (just a killer amp)
2004 - Arcam AV300 Receiver (Home Theater)
2007 - McIntosh MC275 x 2 (loving tubes)
2008 - maybe AR Reference 110? |
Wow ,where do I start.it was so long ago i'm sure i I am missing one or two but here goes.
Webcor all in one
Philco console (with a bar set up instead of TV)
Nikko receiver
THEN IT BEGAN
Marantz 2230
Phase Linear 400
Hafler 400
PSE ???
Mark Levinson 50 watt
Spectral 50 watt
ARC 115 or was it a 125
VAC 90C
Mark Levinson 335
deHaviland Aries 845G This is the KEEPER |
Kenwood (rack system)load
Carver, I forget the exact model
Forte'model 3
Mark Levinson 331 |
Harman Kardon avr15
Harman Kardon avr25
Carver av405
Carver tfm-55x
Chiro-300
Aragon 2004 mkII
Aragon 4004 mkII
Aragon 8008BB
B&K 220M mono-blocs
Mark Levinson 434 mono-blocs
Odyssey Extreme S.E. mono-blocs |
Sony receiver
NAD 40 watt
Carver m400?
Carver m500
Rotel 980bx
Conrad Johnson MF2500
Creek integrated
McCormack DNA 0.5
MCCormack DNA 1
Nuforce Ref 8.5
Upgraded to
Nuforce Ref 9 V2 |
Lets see if I can remember that far...
Lafayette criterion receivers
Pioneer qx-949
Dunlap Clarke Dreadnaught 500
Yamaha B-2
Adcom GFA-5300
Hafler SE-120
Hafler SE-240(2)
Hafler Dh-500(3)
Hafler XL-600 |
Various, nothing meaningful or that I can even remember
Adcom 565 monos (1994)wow what an upgrade
Golden Tube SE 40 monos - my first tubes
Denison HT Receiver (fall 2006) - move to HT/rejoin the hobby
B&K 507 S2 HT Receiver
Conrad Johnson MF5600 (5 channel) to run mains, center & 2nd zone
Pass Labs X150.5 (to run mains) center/rear/2nd zone to CJ
CI 200 digital amps (auditioned several), got that digital amp junk out of my system and couldn't find what everybody was talking about!
Mark Levinson 331.5 (still own and love, my summer amp)
Krell KAV 1500 (big, typical 5-channel amp weaknesses)
Theta Dreadnaught II (big, typical 5-channel amp weaknesses)
BAT VK-60 factory monoblocks - my winter amps, still own and love
Proceed BPA 3 (used for center channel and rears for my very low demanding HT needs for which it does a fine job)
It has been 12 months now since I got back into this hobby and I have been fortunate enough to try a couple of other amps mixed in with these that I did not own/purchase but borrowed from others. I feel pretty content with my system and actually like the fact that I have to change amps when the seasons change as it gives me half the year to enjoy tubes and half the year to enjoy SS.
I have learned that even after buying some of the highest rated 5-channel amps (Theta Dreadnaught II for example) and having a couple of others, that I have come to the conclussion that a 5-channel amp cannot perform at the same level as a dedicated 2-channel or mono amp can (of relatively similar price points). I have also come to the conclussion that I prefer a stand alone HT processor and for my needs one that is a couple of years old (ie. about 10-20% of its new price, as my demands for HT are low) combined with a good stereo pre-amp that offers either unity gain or an HT pass through. |
Old Montgomery Ward Receiver(sold to a second hand store)
2 Sony Receivers(sold one to a friend and another gave to folks)
Ead Powermaster 1000(sold on here)
Ead Powermaster 2000(current amp)
Bought this amp without hearing it for 2 channel first and ht as a bonus. Mated with my old ead theatermaster 5.1 signature (soon to have Boelen mods) it has brought me nothing but sonic bliss. Love how the combo draws you into listening to music for hours and hours. |
Nikko Reciever w/Baby Advent spkrs
non-descript Sony CD player
many years pass
Classe CP-35, Classe CA-100, W/Hales Concept 2 spkrs
Not so many years pass
Add 2nd CA-100 and run as monoblocks
Add CAL CL-10
Again years pass
put toghether 2nd system for other room
Jolida JD1501 w/ Totem Arros
a couple of months pass
Selling the Classe stuff, keeping the Hales
I really am taken with the Integrated set up of the Jolida tube pre-ss amp
But where to go next?
what will sound good with the Hales?...
Jolida 502b?
Manley Stingray?
Rogue Tempest II?
VTL IT-85?
Suggestions? |
started with this hobby over 30 years ago
Kenwood integrated
SAE 200
Dynaco 70
Pioneer integrated
BGW 750
Hitachi receiver
Muse 100
Sumo gold
Stax Dm 100 monoblock
Krell KSA 200B
Bryston 4B
Bryston 4B-ST
Bryston 7B-ST
KR audio Antares 300
Tom Evans Linear A |
NAD 2100X
Rogue Audio Magnum 88
Simaudio I7 |
Looking for help finding schematic for my muse 300 11 mono blocks. |
-Harman Kardon Citation 24
-Adcom GFA 555 II
-Muse Model 100
-NAD 314
-Dynaco ST 70
-Bell Stereophonic Tube Integrated
-Parasound HCA 800 MK II
-NAD C272
-McCormack DNA 0.5
-McCormack DNA 225
-McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe / Smc Rev B
-Aragon 8002
-Audio Research 100.2
-NAD M3
-Audio Research VT100MKII
-Pass Labs X250.5 |
Over the course of many years, from the mid '80s to the present:
Akai Receiver
Nakamichi Stasis Receiver (still have it!)
Van Alstine Omega III 440HC
Electrocompaniet ECI-4 SE Integrated Amp
Spectron Musician II
Parasound Halo JC-1
ASL Hurricane 200DT
Berning ZH270
Joule Electra VZN-100
Plinius SA-102
Ayre V-5X
BAT VK-600 w/BP
McCormack DNA-500
Conrad Johnson Premiere 350SA
BAT VK-500 w/BP (best of previous 5 SS amps)
Dodd 120 tube monoblocks (still have them, best EL34-based amps I've heard/owned, but available for sale)
VAC Musicblock 160s
Art Audio Quartets (oh yeah, 845 tubes, 50wpc Class A, zero feedback..mmmmmmmmm,mmmmmmmmmm, good!) |
crown 300
byston 2b
conrad johnson 75a
electron kinetics eagle 400
balanced audio technology vk200
clayton s40
reference line preeminence one
reference line preeminence one reference
vaic 300b
mcintosh mc40 (stock w/ mullard el37's)
dynaco 70 (stock w/ mullard el34's)
mcintosh mc30 (stock w/ mullard el37's)
hadley 601 (stock w/ philips el34's) |
I started with a hafler dh500,forte model 6, vtl 225 mono's;mccormack dna-1 monos and now cary slam 100's I also have a pair of odyssey mono extreme se's still in boxes. |
NAD 4125
Densen Beat
CJ MV52
VAC Avatar
Cary Sixpacs
Quicksilver (6C33C) Triodes |
Since I'm a manufacturer, I've stayed off this thread, but re-reading it- well, I am still an audiophile.
My first amplifier was a Knight Kit KA-95, which was a 35 wpc EL34-based integrated amp. From there I had a variety of Dyna St70s, MkIIIs, HK Citation 1 & 2 (all of which had to be repaired before I could use them). I also ran a Southwest Technical Products Tiger, which was a 100 watt/ch transistor amp, on the woofer section of my speakers (the mid/tweeter section used an EL-34-based Ampex amplifier). Ultimately began building my own amps from surplus chassis and the like in the mid- late 70s. Finally, I wanted my own chassis, drew a picture of it and got the sheet metal made up. That particular amp was a one-off, and it actually came through the shop for minor repair about a year ago. So its survived for 30 years.
These days I'm running a set of MA-1 MkIIIs. |
NAD 302, Yamaha Reciever rxv1092, Krell kav400xi, Krell Evo600 monoblocks. I think I will keep the evo600s for a long, long, time. They are great. |
Principal 2CH systems:
*1950s vintage Pilot tube mono receiver with RCA speaker (mid 60s)
*Kenwood receiver with Altec VOTT(early 70's)
*Technics receiver with ESS AMT1 (late 70's)
*Nakamichi Stasis receiver with Fried floorstanders(mid 80's)
*Bryston 4NRB with Magnapan 3.3R(early 90's)
*ARC VT130 with Wilson W3/P2(mid 90's)
*BAT VK75SE + Cary 2A3SE w/Merlin VSM (Y2K to present)
The modder's bug struck me around Y2K & has extended the life of my current amps for the foreseeable future...V-Caps almost deserve a category of their own. |
I will list home theater amps only.
(1) Pioneer 497?? Cost 250.
(2) Kenwood 509 cost 399.
(3) Nad t761 cost 500 (rebuild).
(4) Audio refinement pre 5 and 5 marantz ma500 monoblocks cost 800 for pre 750 for monoblocks.
(5) Next came audio refinement multi 5 cost 1250.
(6) Finally!! Audiorefinement Pre 5 (cost 800) Audiorefinement Multi 5 (cost 1250) and Audiorefinement Multi 3 (cost 675) and Nad 2400Thx (cost 250). I biamp with the multi 5 for the mids the multi 3 for the tweeters and the nad 2400thx for the surround tweeters. I use a 5 channel 2way diy crossover (cost 300) and 8 diy passive volume controls (cost 530). Total cost around 3800 for killer amp and pre sound with great analog volume control.
The nad has seperate volume controls. I can change the volume on any of the 5 tweeters (Focal Tlr) or any of the 5 mids (Focal 7w's). Sub amps are another story. I lot of this gear was bought and sold right here on audiogon. If I was to do it all over I would buy 5 Nad 2400Thx amps around 250 a piece with The Audiorefinement pre 5 cost 800 and the 5 channel 2 way crossover cost 300. Total cost would be 2350 a saving of around 1500 and less cables. Phil |
JVC receiver (no idea what model - early 80's)
Marantz MA500 Mono-blocks
Linn AV5125
Another Linn AV5125 (Aktiv system)
Levinson 336 |
Update from Nov 05':
Carver 1.0(Yamaha C80/Polk Jr+/B&W CM2 Concept 90).
Adcom 565's(Sumo Athena/B&W 802 Series 2).
Classe 15(same as above).
Plinius SA100 Mk II-later upgraded to Mk III(Blue Circle BC3/BC3000/Merlin VSM-SE/Millenium).
BAT VK75(Hovland HP100/Merlin Millenium).
Antique Sound Lab 1009's(Hovland HP100/Merlin VSM-M/ASL Twinhead/VSM-MX.
Ars-Sonum Filarmonia(Merlin VSM-MX with "e" upgrade coming soon).
Each configuration was said to be my last...we'll see. |
1972-75 Pioneer reciever 45w/ch/x2
1975-90 Sansui Intergraged amp 85w/ch/x2
1990-95 Denon Reciever 85w/ch
1997 Denon AVR5700 reciever 140w/ch/x5
2000 Denon 5700 as processor, 2 McIntosh MC126 bridged 275w/ch/x6
2006 Parasound Halo C1 processor, Halo A21 and A51 amps 250w/ch/x7 |
1970-Dynaco SCA-80 integrated (40w/40w)
1971-Sony Power amp "can't remember model but it was one of the best in its time"
1974-1989-I was away from Audio for a time...
1989-Nakamichi Reciever III (37w/37w)
1990-1997-I left Audio again.
1997-Nakamichi Reciever II (50w/50w)
1998-Adcom 545II (100w/100w)
2001-Jolida 302 (40w/40w) "most human sounding"
2003-Linn Majik (33w/33w) "spectacular in small package"
2003-Linn LK 100 (60w/60w) "not as good as Majik amp section"
2004-Linn Klout ( 80w/80w) "my favorite by far, simply stellar"
2005-Pass Labs Aleph 30 (30w/30w) "nice detail"
2007-Classe CA-100 (100w/100w) "very musical"
I would love to return to an all Linn system. |
Pioneer receiver (God only knows what the model number was), Nikko receiver, Luxman L-100 integrated, Creek 5350SE.
Something else clearly is on the horizon for me, though, probably another integrated. The Creek is just not "fast" enough for much of the music to which I listen these days. |
My first noisebox was a Technics receiver bought from Monkey Ward's. Quickly replaced by an NAD 2100 which is still pumping strong power. That's it for the "main" system. :) I'm looking for another amp now, though.
In ancillary systems, I'm using a Yamaha M-35 for the computer, an Advent Model 300 receiver in the debasement, and a Fisher TX-300 integrated amp in reserve. |
For me it started like this in 1977 :
Marantz 2250 B Receiver
Yamaha A-1 Integrated amp
Hafler DH 200 Amp
Sumo Nine Class A amp
Ps Audio 2C Plus Amp
Conrad Johnson Premier 11 amp
Mark Levinson 33 H
Mark Levinson 33
Mark Levinson 335
ASR Exclusive Emitter II Blue Version
What is next?
Who knows.
But I can say it has been quite the journey and that is half of the fun. |
Multiple Kenwood 70's integrated amps, then Kenwood Basic M-2, Adcom GFA-555II, Rotel RB-1090, Nuforce 9, Nuforce 9SE, then back to Rotel RB-1090 (had to rebuy one after selling the first one). Happy again now that I have the Rotel back. |
The most important ones.
My first Stereo was a Realistic Receiver was Black with a green dial 20w/ch with 2 metalic speaeker with a dome silk tweeter and a 4" woofer christmas present of my father, I was 14. WAS HEAVEN FOR ME AT THAT TIME.
:-)Luxman L-1 My first buy 16 years old,my ex-still have it on her living room :-) B&O 1900 first warm sound I had. :-) Wahrfedale 2050A this one drop on my lap. Till today I have it, the only reason that never sold this amp it's closed sound to the 7T& 15, weeker on the low section but very good amp. :-)and now Audio Research SP9 & D90-B. |
I bought a Marantz SR-73 in 1994 which was joined by a Carver 100wpc integrated in 1996. I replaced the SR-73 with an SR-82mkII in 1997. I sold the Carver integrated and replaced it with an original Carver Reference Lightstar and Lightstar Direct preamp setup in 1998. In 1999, I sold all of my previous equipment and dropped back to a Marantz SR-92mkII for a while. That was joined by a Rotel RSX-1065 in 2003. Now I am looking for something better than all of the above. |
Started with the humble Musical Fidelity B200 integrated.
Jumped to McCormack TLC-1 driving Music Reference RM9s.
Then Diva Classic 100 driving Unison Research Smart845 monos.
Changed the Smart845s to Lazarus H-1B Hybrid.
Finally upgraded to a full Diva amplification :
Diva Classic One pre, driving Diva Blue Sky Signature.
Update:
Quite by accident, I heard the Sanders ESL stereo amplifier driving a Vandersteen 2CE Sig and my re-collection of this spk driven by the Diva was good, but this was something better. So I arranged for a home trial and the Sanders now resides in my home stereo setup, driving the Cabasse Baltic/Thor II.
Brief description of Sanders' sound:
Fast, detailed, pure tones, excellent imaging, deep/tight bass. I would call it a Darsteel on steriods. Pure mids/highs, tight and controlled bass. |
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 |
Updated:
-Harman Kardon Citation 24 (from 1988 and it still works)
-Adcom GFA 555 II (great for loud music/party system, bad with thiels and critical listening)
-Muse Model 100 (one of my favorites from long ago)
-NAD 314 (still have it, and love it in my son's room)
-Dynaco ST 70 (sweet sounding little amp)
-Bell Stereophonic Tube Integrated (totally retro tubes out the yin yang) from 50's.
-Parasound HCA 800 MK II (didn't do anything for me)
-NAD C272 (amazingly clean puncy amp for 450 bucks used)
-McCormack DNA 0.5 (sweet midrange, great bass,not very refined treble though)
-McCormack DNA 225 (very nice powerful fairly transparent amp, one of the great values out there)
-McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe / Smc Rev B (lasted about 2 weeks..excessively bright and annoying, seemed to emphasize sibilance)
-Aragon 8002 (stock and then modified, very good very inexpensive amp, punchy bass, open mids, recessed highs,not as good as stock dna 225 on mids/treble but equal in bass drive, to a point of course)
-Audio Research 100.2 (this could be the end of the line for me. Most musical amp i've ever had by a long shot)
|
How does owning a McIntosh MA6500 Integrated Amplifier sound to you? ________________ McIntosh MA6500 Integrated Amplifier - Get the MA6500 Integrated Amplifier Catalog by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. |
Lloyds receiver
Kenwood receiver
Marantz 1090
Added Marantz 170DC power amp,used pre-out on 1090.
Aragon 8008BB
Mark Levinson 335
2-Mark Levinson 436's |
I started in 1975 with a Sears Roebuck receiver. In 1977 I purchased a Japanese solid state integrated amp. In 1990 I purchased a B&K ST-140 solid state amp, used various pre-amps with it. In 1993 I bought a Nobis Proteus Pre-amp and Signature 45 wpc tube amp. In 2002 I bought a Magnum Dynalab MD-308 solid state integrated amp which I just sold. In 2007 I bought a JoLida JD1000RC 100wpc tube amp. I have been searching for a long time, for that "liquid midrange". My speaker evolution is even worse in this search. |
Over the past 25 or so years, I have had
several systems, the power amps from first
to now were:
Kenwood Integrated (model?)
SAE 2100
Marantz PM80
DENON PMA2400
Parasound HCA1000(still have)
Forte Model 5 (borrowed amp from pal, buying
one for myself).
The speakers have all been dynamic two way
mini monitors.
Anybody have opinions on comparative sound
quality between the last two amps? I'm still
trying to decide... |
Techniques receiver 2yrs
Denon 350 W Amp 2 yrs
McCormack DNA .5 5 yrs
Pass Aleph 2 6 yrs and counting |
For me it started with a Scott 299 intergrated amp, this is how I discovered tubes. After I decided that they were for me, it was on to the SET world. So than came the Antique Sound Labs 2A3 Orchid SET, I was hooked instantly.
Next I moved into deeper water with a Sophia Electric 300B power amp, and here is where I am now and will be for along time. |
Pioneer Receiver
Harmon Kardon mono's
Adcom GFA 5500
Conrad Johnson SA 400
Mark Levinson 27
Mark Levinson 27.5
BAT VK200
Jolida JD1000 Integrated
Plinius SA-100 MKIII
Mark Levinson 29
BAT VK200 |
Let's see...
... Bogen 35 watt mono tube amp (hand-me down from dad)
... Bogen 17.5 wpc tube receiver (still have it)
... Dynaco Stereo 70 (built it)
... Mac 6100 (repaired it)
... Mac 2120s (pair; bridged, purchased used)
... Krell KSA 80 to KMA 160s (fell off the deep end)
... ARC VT 200 (love it; still have it)
Also have a Cary CAD 300sei, which I use for headphone listening and to drive Vandersteen 1Cs (highly underrated for this application in my view)
It probably won't end there. |
Dfeferman, what speakers and gear have you owned...type of music? Does a violin sound distinct from a viola? etc.. |
I recently acquired Spectron's Musician III amp. It is absolutely magical. If you have very good speakers, you will think that you have added the best subwoofer available. The amp gives the feeling of power like nothing I've experienced. But even further, the highs are incredible, which I didn't expect. My experience in hifi (which goes back to 1958) tells me this is the best amp available at this time. |
Kenwood VR-509 Receiver (High School)
Pioneer ELITE EX-500 Receiver (Early College)
Adcom GFA-545 II (Late college to now {I'm 22})
Currently looking to upgrade to Adcom GFA-565 Monoblocs... |
Krell Evolution 402, 202 and 505!
All past gear is unimportant (ARC, BAT, Levinson, etc..)
Transparent cables and power cords
MIT Oracle speaker interface
Dynaudio C4 speakers
Music exists in the room with minimal artifacts to distract
one from the illusion. |
