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Your greatest high end audio purchase!!!

My audiophile journey has extended to over 40 of adventurous sonic delight. Over the coarse of my over 40 year journey as an audiophile, like so my others, I cycled through a multitude of speakers, amps, cables, etc,. Now that I’m an old guy, I’ve pretty much settled on my "End-Game" audio system for the long haul, primarily because I simply love the way it sounds, and also because, at this juncture, I no longer have the will, nor do I have the desire to continue the crazy (but fun) merry-go-round of audio components in and out like I did in years past (my spouse and my wallet thank me). When I look back on all the high-speed audio gear that I’ve owned down through the years, and after giving it much insightful thought, I’ve come to the conclusion that, after everything was said and done, my beloved Revel Salon 2 speakers were my overall most pleasurable and greatest purchase of all. What was yours?

kennymacc

Showing 4 responses by ellajeanelle

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ellajeanelle
386 posts
 

My journey began in the early 80’s and I have been in this hobby about the same time as you, a little over 40 years. I am also at a point where I just don’t want or need anything else. I ended up accumulating more components than I can keep track of. They are either set up in one of six rooms or in a closet somewhere. From time to time, I’ll give something away to a nephew, who’s beginning to enjoy this hobby at the age of 14. Too bad I find his choice of music genres awful. Hopefully he’ll grow out of that.

If I had to choose one component it would be a pair of Acoustic Research AR9 speakers that I bought very early on, also in the 80’s. I have gone through and have many speakers, but those continue to be my favorite. I continue to enjoy music very often, but the stereo buying bug has for the most part gone away.

I did buy a DAC not too long ago and then ended up buying 3 more for other rooms once I realized how convenient streaming was.  Guilty as charged, but I had to "modernize"! 😎

ellajeanelle's avatar
ellajeanelle
386 posts
 
grislybutter: Unfortunately, I am not familiar with their subs, but those that you asked about are newer. Pretty much all of the AR stuff with a black finish came after the company was sold and are not anything like their earlier speakers in terms of quality or sound. (not even close)! Those subs may sound great, but like I said I have not heard them, and I would be very skeptical. I did try a pair of newer ARs once (black finish) and I was very disappointed. They ended up as a gift to one of my nephews. The fact that they now only make some crappy lamp shaped Bluetooth speakers is a good indication of how far they've sunk. See this link: Company:Acoustic Research - HandWiki
ellajeanelle's avatar
ellajeanelle
386 posts
 
ghdprentice: The Nakamichi dragon was about as good as they got.  The only thing it was missing was Dolby HX pro, they only went up to Dolby C.
Now days one in descent condition is worth some $.  No wonder you liked the Nakamichi sound!  I had one but got rid of it after TDK stopped making the MA (metal bias) line of cassettes, those were the best.  I should have kept it and sold it now for a nice profit!    
ellajeanelle's avatar
ellajeanelle
386 posts
 

Here's a link to the Acoustic Research AR9:

Revisiting the Acoustic Research AR9 4-Way Legendary Loudspeaker | Audioholics

 

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