Recommended one make systems?


Man, do I love music! I am so thankful to have grown up in the South were just about everyone plays an instrument or sings. Being a part of those Saturday evening pack porch picking sessions, Sunday morning worship services, riverbank practice sessions...whatever....really ingrained a deep reverence and appreciation of music. Anyway, on to adulthood and only having time to myself late in the evenings to enjoy music. My present system just does not have the presence that live music has. But, then again, does anything?

What one make system really makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up? What gets your toes tapping? What stirs your soul? I've read tons of reviews from noted reviewers, but how do these one make systems compare in real life? I think I would like to try the Quad 909/99 CD-P2, Krell 400xi/SACD Standard, NAD M3/M5, NAIM NAIT 5i/CD5i, Ayre AX-7e/CX-7e or maybe even the Cambridge 840A/840C. Which systems have I missed that are head and shoulders above these? Granted, these would have to be used to fit my budget, but I am a patient man.
My present speakers are Quad 21L's, which may need replacing to bring out the beauty of these systems. Care to share your thoughts?

Thanks!
6stringsling

Showing 1 response by markphd

I have a one brand system and I am neither simple nor lazy. Neither do I think the question is odd. It is the question of a person who is interested in music more than in components. This is a dichotomy which is well established among the Audiogon members. I see no superiority in either position. It's all a personal decision as to what aspect of the hobby a person finds most interesting and satisfying.

When I think of one brand systems, the names that immediately come to my mind are Arcam, Linn, Meridian and Naim. There are of course many others as the posts above identify. You have many avenues that you can investigate as budget and availability permits.