2. digital
  3. 176192-117192

I am so happy.....

That my upgradeitis is over before it even started.

I am so happy with the system I have, I want to share with everyone the fact that that even a very modest and cheap system can produce great sound for me and makes me happy to the point where I no longer have to search for improvements.

Call me ignorant if you want. Does not bother me even an iota. I will go the grave happier than everyone who is condescending.

I am using my own home made Neurochrome 686 stereo amp with 1000 VA medical grade toroidal, 160 amp rectifier (very little fwvd hence virtually no heat generated) and 200,000uF filter capacitors producing approx 220 watts rms/channel. It sounds just absolutely FANTASTIC.

My preamp is a Freya S. Speakers are B&W.

I have a Linn LP12 with SME 3009R and Nagaoka 500 and a Mani which I find that I listen to less and less in favor of the convenience and the dynamics and quietness of digital.

For my music server, wait for it......... I use an LG V60 phone, which has a great in built DAC, which I bought for $300 brand new on ebay ($1200 retail but no longer made) using the lossless Apple Music and Qobuz apps. I use an AuidoEngine B1 as my bluetooth receiver to which the LG phone can send aptX-HD which I can actually also connect directly to the Freya S on occasion.

The combination sounds simply fantastic to my ears and I listen to it for hours grateful that this technology available today provides this gift to me.

Just as I am writing this, I am listening to smooth jazz "Euge Groove Slow jam" and it is just sublime.

 

128x128cakyol
mahler123
3,083 posts
 

I have that same phone as well as the Audioengine.  Are you just using Bluetooth?  With a mini cable you ought to be able to connect directly to the pre amp.  I don’t want to bust your Feng Shui but I usually use the Audioengine for podcasts.  Just last night I was using the LG to stream  the Beatles Savoy Truffle with Qobuz with the Audioengine and I was disappointed in how muffled it sounds.  I then turned on my Cambridge streamer and used Chromecast for the same song—much better.

  The newest Bluetooth codec is supposed to be a big improvement but our phones and Audioengine probably won’t be able to handle it.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,860 posts
 

Good for you, and I am glad you are enjoying it. Without being condescending I am going to point out that, except for casual listening, bluetooth has no place in even a modest system.  If digital is going to be your main source, you owe it to yourself to get that part right and you can do it without spending big bucks.

helmholtzsoul
111 posts
 

You did something 90% of audiophiles can't do. Be happy with what they have. Most are a bunch of nutters looking for another change, when what they have is 99% better than most who even have a sound system. :-)

Good for you. I have to take a mood elevator to the get there. :-)

femoore12's avatar
femoore12
683 posts
 

Congrats! Most people in this hobby will never allow themselves to be happy with their system. If it sounds good to you then that is all that matters. 

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,842 posts
 

Call me ignorant if you want. Does not bother me even an iota. I will go the grave happier than everyone who is condescending.

So glad you found happiness and that you don’t expect to hear any areas of the sound that might make you keep trying for better sound. Interesting the way you're posting it here in a spirit of triumph over those who (it seems) have spoken negatively to you. I guess you showed them!

Just speaking personally, I don’t have upgrade-itis either, but I also have not stopped looking for improvements. This is a joyful and fun process for me because I enjoy experimentation, conversation with other hobbyists, and pushing the limits of what I can notice. I do this also with the books I read, the places I travel, and the things I write. For me -- again, just personally -- posting a statement that I was "done" (i.e., not striving, happily, for new experiences) would be a statement of resignation. But that’s just me.

 

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