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Your best ''outstanding'' products in last 5 yrs?

I have been reflecting on my biggest surprises and value-for-money purchases in the last 5 years - the ones that were truly impressive for the money, here are mine, and would like to find out about other maniac's choices! Stick to what you have actually purchased please! My top 5 (so far).

1. Yamaha AS2000 integrated amplifier.

Totally off the charts. This is an absolutely outstanding amplifier for the money - I cannot think of anything under $ 3,000.00 that is more refined, powerful, and full-featured all at once. Gracious looks and battleship build are a bonus.

2. Shanling MC-30 receiver.

It may look like a toy, but it sure isn't one. Wonderful musicality with a whopping 3 watts of power, sounds much more powerful than that. A steal at the price. Amp, cd, tuner, with the magic of tubes.

3. Yamaha AS1000 SACD player.

Only the second (along with the AS2000 amp) Yamaha component I have owned in my lifetime. Ridiculous price, amazing quality with the smoothest-operating load mechanism south of 5K. Someone told me that Yamaha's marketing mistake is that they should have invented a sister brand (like Pioneers TAD or Teac's Esoteric) for the AS series so that they could charge more. I agree, but in the meantine, the consumer wins.

4. Music Hall MMF-7 turntable.

No REGA or VPI bragging rights, but this is a BEAUTIFUL table worth every penny and more. Decoupled motor, classy acrylic plate, double-deck plinth, decent Pro-Ject tonearm, it just screams ''buy me''. Now updated to 7.1 - I listened to both, could not detect a sonic difference with the same cartrige.

5. Cambridge Audio combo of DacMagic and the new ID100 digital transport (check my review on this one). Roaming hundreds of free digital Web radio stations has become very enjoyable with not-too-shabby sound. Pocket change as far as audiophile budget goes for these 2 items.

Special mention to TT weights and their Classic model. Where else can you get a CNC-machined product from an avionics supplier for 60 bucks?

That's it for now - after mega-buck tube amps, cables, preamps and cd players - these top 5 are it for me, and have given me a break in my pocketbook with no regrets.

Let's hear your choices!
sonicbeauty
manoterror
216 posts
 
#1 Apple Airport Express - Allows me to stream Apple Lossless music to it, then toslink from it into my DAC. Pure digital music directly to the DAC for $100...absolutely brilliant.

#2 Dared DV-6C Amp - This little hybrid pre/amp produces some of the best music I've had. I replaced the tubes with super cryogenically treated Mullards, and it is revelatory. Just glorious.

#3 Mirage OMD-28 Speakers - Nothing I can say that Chris Martins hasn't said better. Amazing speakers.

#4 Grant Fidelity Tube Buffers - I use the B-283 MKII on my main stereo and the B-283 on my travel system.

#5 Bowers and Wilkins Society of Sound - Best $60 I spend each year on HD music.
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
The best product I've had in the last 5 years has been my TRON tube preamp (www.tron-electric.co.uk). Made in vanishingly small quantities by the designer himself (Graham Tricker). Battleship build, the very best components, ultra-short signal paths and fabulous sound quality. Distributed in the US by Jeff at Highwater Sound NYC.

Best value has to be my Decca FFSS Mark IV C4E cartridge bought for GBP100 and rebuilt for GBP150 - just an unbelievable cartridge - better than my Garrott Brothers Decca Gold.

Charlie
www.charlie-chan.co.uk
sksos1
387 posts
 
Without question it's the Steve McCormack VRE-1B. This pre-amp has redefined what my system is capable of, a 3D image and layering beyound belief.
edrogers911
11 posts
 
1. Music Hall MMF7. I went to a local shop to look at some speakers, which I didn't buy. And I told the salesman that I really didn't need any more speakers, but I did need a better turntable. My thorens td160 was not passing the wifes approval anymore. So, he said he'd been trying to sell one for a year and no takers. I offered nothing, he took a little more than nothing. And, I couldn't believe how nice it is for the money.
2. Music hall dac 25.3, I think. Great bargain for how nice it sounds. Bought it instead of upgradeing my dcs for the computer out. Just sounds, and works great for the money.
3. Having the music on the computer. Absolutely the best thing ever. I've only gotten 500 cd's on it, 800 or so to go. But the convenience and surprisingly good quality makes it the best thing I have done. But, I wish I had more time to get everything on it!
bander's avatar
bander
493 posts
 
Triode Wire labs power cords of which I have several.
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