High end is a relative term. I cannot relate to those who spend $30K or more on an audio or A/V system. So for me with my modest budget and a/v system costing less than $5k including TV and cabinet it was an Onkyo 6050 receiver at Costco for less than $500.
What’s your latest high-end audio purchase?
What’s your latest high-end audio purchase? It can be cables, tweaks, components etc. Also, please share why you purchased, what it replaced, and any additional tips and insights regarding your purchase.
I hoping for this to be enjoyable and educational, so please be civil of other’s opinions and choices.
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Used B&W 800D3, McIntosh MC611 mono-amps, & McIntosh C12000ST/C12000C preamp. Working on a suitable Cables/Interconnects, Streamer (since I have a ref DAC with the preamp I am not sure which Streamer to purchase, don't want to duplicate a similar DAC with a great streaming). Also considering the HIFI Rose 150b. Also considering McIntosh MCD 12000 SACD/CD player. |
I purchased the new PS Audio PerfectWave SACD Transport, replacing the DirectStream Memory Player, also from PS Audio. The sound quality improvement I noticed immediately, better soundstage, more distinct placement of the instruments and voices, and improved "tonality" (especially with acoustic instruments). The sound quality was improved playing SACDs, more significantly improved playing "regular" CDs. I'm really glad I made the change. |
Had to downsize my system (multiple reasons), and just snagged a mint Meridian DSW (sub) from the Audiogon market; nice price and a great addition to my smaller-speaker setup. Even without having specifically configured it into the system, it seamlessly adds to the overall sound, and I can't wait to do the complete calibration (no time, right now). |
2 class D Orchard Audio StarKrimson Ultra boards. I will be using these in a stereo setup with a LINEAR power supply, 1000 VA toroidal + 160 amp 0.8 volt forward voltage drop rectifiers + 200,000uF of filter capacitance with XLR inputs. I should be finished building the whole thing in the next 4-5 weeks (not too much time in my hands).
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Volti Rival 100db speakers - seemed like the best choice for uncolored/neutral speakers for my new foray into flea watt amps. Unfortunately, the price recently jumped by 60% likely due to supply chain issues and inflation - I was extremely disappointed. Then I found a mint used pair in my favorite wood finish at a fantastic price - it was destiny. |
@td_dayton Bandcamp! Wow, you're a better person then I for disabling PayPal... The damage is done and I'm not salvageable. |
@holmz Lol I guess you could say that he thoroughly enjoyed it and so do I so win wine! |
I didn’t have to buy anything, but was ’gifted’ generously with some older and a couple of new items..... It’s been a nice year....usually I get gifted by some with speakers to consider to ’modify’ in my way. *S* In order: - A Parasound Halo C2 processor -A dbx 223XL crossover ( I can now ’slice ’n dice 3 ways 3X ! *L* ) -An ESS series Eclipse crossover, a Heil fan I am. Gifted by one at the other end of country. Never met, and it's a shame I'll never will get the opportunity. He had S4 cancer. Doesn’t respond anymore for far too long..... RIP, good friend, more in common then we expected when you commented on my Heils and discussed over time your...ah, ’collection’. And then, a mystery gift hinted. - A pair of new large Heils’. Stunned, as asked to not get all maudlin, had to do. *sigh* Damn... Got birthday gifted by spouse; "I don’t have the slightest idea..." OK, these... - V-Moda Crossfade M-100 headphones. Used, but 9.5/10 for me, got the XL cushions and this camper is happy enough. ;) Does having a nice first half of ’22 count even if the last one was a heavy-handed ’hint’? No purchases per se, but...additions... |
@jond I think you mean rented to them 😁 |
Probably not considered high end but after 15 months of waiting…Decware SE84UFO2.1 with mods including XLR inputs. Doesn’t play well with my Freya+ using the XLRs but a bit better with the SE inputs. Great going directly from DAC to amp. The bass never sounded so good in my old LaScalas. Might be selling my Schiit. |
I recently had my Apogee Duetta II Signature Series magnetostatic full range ribbon speakers upgraded completely with top of the line Graz ribbons, Wilson caps/crossovers generally, internal and external strengthening, etc. I’m absolutely floored with how incredible they sound from top to bottom. Stock they’ve been incredible since ‘88, but they are now at a whole different level. Exceptional in every way. Have to experience them to understand! Also, soon I will be greatly improving my BlueSound Node2 with a Teddy Pardo external power supply. I only use it for streaming. I can’t wait since my streamer is in my opinion by far the “weakest” link in my signal path. Cheers! |
A present from your drunk self. Congratulations! I have to be careful with leaving webpages open when I get punchy with insomnia, with or without chemical help. Intensive research can turn into an impulse purchase pretty quickly. But even though I certainly didn’t need them, I’ve been enjoying a new Audeze LCD-X and HeadAmp GS-X mini. Probably would have bought something else if I’d been fully coherent, but I’ve been getting more into headphones lately so I’m not going to call it a mistake or complain too much about newly imposed belt tightening. |
Wanted a garage system... And can’t stop smiling as I listen to CD’s I haven’t touched in years! @sgreg1 grabbed the Gustard R26 also!... Always wanted to try a R2R DAC (box checked). Also bought my first Schiit gear. Like it more then I thought I would. Been renovating my new house (living at our other home still) and have a new baby, so listening session have been greatly curtailed. So set up a garage system with my LS50 Meta’s that were sitting unused on my new toolbox. Gustard R26 (Dacmagic 200m as a stand in) Old Harman Kardon DVD47 SACD//DVD audio player Schiit Loki Max Schiit Aegir Mono Blocks KEF KF92 Really love the sound and waiting for the R26. |
