Who R U?

Diva99, yeah so what.

This is a great idea, it helps to know the people who watch this site. I'm from Minneapolis, MN (GO VIKES!) I'm 44 years old and have been self employeed/ owned my own Architectural firms for 15 years. I left my first firm five years ago and with-in a year had a massive heart attack and quad. bi-pass. I was given a 10% chance of living. That of course has changed my life. I was extremely active, and enjoyed extreme sports. Now I'm able to walk 30 minutes, that's about it. I re-kindled my stereo intrest during my year and a half recovery. I also learned my three kids and wife are really what life is about. I've been upgrading my system over the past four years, now with a Sony SACD SCD1 (INCREADABLE - MUST BE BURNED IN AT LEAST 200 HOURS!), a Kora Eclipes tube pre-amp, Alioa amp, tekna (audio note) cabling, Electraglide power cords and Dunlavy IVa speakers. My whole system sits on a 6" stone slab side by side. At this point I am just amazed every day how fantastic a stereo can get. Just tried the Pizza tapes CD, Jerry Garcia, David Grisman and Tony Rice. This is the MOST amazing acoustical seasion I've heard. I hope to meet some of you, thanks again for listening. J.D.

I'm 36 years old,live in Glasgow,Scotland..have done my whole life.I studed Chemistry and work in the Chemical Industry for a multi-national (boo!)-work shifts which is great because I work 4 12 hour shifts on and 6 days off-hurrah.Plenty of time to buy and listen to music. I have never managed to work out how to spend less than I earn but as we say here ..no pockets in a shroud. I'm single but seeing a girl-the story of my life. I really only got into audio about 4 years ago when I left home-yeah mummy's boy I know..but I have been a music addict since 14 years of age started off with Rush and now listen to everything-trying to expand my classical knowledge/appreciation at the moment. I've learned about buying hi-fi the hard way(via the mags-doh) though with no disastarous outlays but a few cul-de-sacs. My system is just about to change with the arrival of a class A amp-a Sugden A21a-to partner my few months old Proac Studio 150's(ex-dem)-the digital end will be next but at the moment is a Nakamichi DVD player via Audio Alchemy Dti/DITB upgraded DAC---I'll wait a while to see the next generation player/DAC's. Music is my main hobby and I am proud of the fact that I love it as much as ever..I also follow soccer and read a bit. Audiogon is great-fantastic knowledge base-I like the passionate debates but wish it wouldn't descend into pettyness so much but such is life..I've flamed on the net too so I don't want to be a hypocrite..... Take care everybody and enjoy your music. Regards, Ben

welcome Ben! Does your chick dig your stereo? Think you can bring her to the "dark side of the force"? My lady reads my mags and "appears" to be interested in the hardware.But when I got my Pass Aleph-3 she didnt even notice it sitting proudly on the amp stand in place of my Dyna (I miss her glow) How can you miss a new amp!!?? for 2 days I waited and listened to music waiting for her to notice.Finally I pointed it out to her and she said "Oh, is that the Krell pre-amp you wanted"? I guess she needs to do some more reading :)

29 years of age, living in DC and working for a development agency that markets subsidized health products in "developing nations." I'm regularly traveling on the Congo, or developing malaria in some far off corner of the universe. I was a Peace Corps volunteer near the city of Timbuktu from 95-99. Development salaries, as you may know, are less than stellar, so I prefer gear that delivers bang for the buck. Right now I'm running a pair of Dyna St70s on Vandersteen 2ces. I use a solid state preamp. I find that this combination of solid state top and tubes bottom is rarely chosen, but I like it much better than the other way around. I have yet to find a solid state amp that gives me the crystal clear midrange and highs that tubes offer. When I listen to a tube pre coupled with solid state amps, I inevitably hear only the glare or transistor haze. However, I don't like using tube pre amps with the tubes because the sound gets too soft and tube preamps can be noisy. Bass? using the Svetlanas I get plenty enough to piss off my neighbors...especially using the Vandys. I wonder how many other audiophiles opt for this type of combination.... No kids no wife, just my tubes and Sarah Brightman keeps me warm at night for now. Besides tubes allow me to Heat my Home with Music during these cold winter months!!