Let me share my story in how I built my system, or maybe how my system have "evolved" to what it is right now...
Just like my other friends here in WS, my journey started with my fascination w/ HT (Home Theater)...back then, I was simply using an Aiwa Component System w/c was a gift from my late Lola...this was in 1999...at that time I was also starting to build my CD collection...
http://wiredstate.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2466
In December of 2000, after our house was renovated, I finally bought my HT system, pretty much "entry level" consisting of Wharfedale Diamond 8 speakers, a Yamaha RXV-496 receiver and a Pioneer DVD player...all cables were either generic or DIY-ed c/o the store where I bought my gears (Sights and Sound - Park Square)...It was actually my dad who influenced me...I remember every time we go on long trips, he would play (cassette tape) Sergio Mendes, Stylistics, etc. in our car audio system that's why I was exposed to that kind of music...
But HT became a dead-end route for me...I was longing for something more...more body in the music, more warmth - but I cannot get it from the HT system that I had...so I ventured into 2-channel audio...the first tube amplifier I got is a vintage amplifier c/o VINTAGE DOG...it was a 14-watter EL-84 based amp...it was oh so sweet...BUT, problem is...I never knew this was going to be the start - meaning - I GOT HOOKED!
From then on, I had a JE Labs 2A3, Tono 300B, Tono Pre-Amp (1st Generation), AMX Push-Pull Integrated Amp...to the Cary SLA-70/Counterpoint Pre-Amp, Audible Illusion Pre-Amp...but everytime I remember my visit to Gaucho's place, I simply cannot forget the CJ House Sound...I have been longing to get a CJ Amp and Pre-Amp...I have been into bookshelves, floorstanders, back to bookshelves, and now BOTH, hehehe!
I was more into TROUBLE when I got hooked on analog...started with Technics and Marantz TTs, then Goldring, then Denon, then Goldring again, then Pro-ject, now the VPI HW-19 Mk3 w/ Rega RB-300...It was a JOURNEY - and I had fun, but more importantly, I had a lot to learn and in the process met new friends and acquaintances...and now BIKINI BOTTOM as well - a real BROTHERHOOD!...
I finally got into MORE TROUBLE when I was able to score a CJ PV-10AL and a CJ Evo, but now a CJ MV-52...I am hoping (and saving-up) to get another MV-52 so I could bi-amp my current set-up...
I can't say I have found the "ideal" system that I want...but I am enjoying my system more than ever:
SOURCES: VPI HW-19Mk3 Turntable with upgraded TNT6 Platter, Sorbothane Pucks and VPI Power Line Conditioner (PLC), Rega RB-300 Arm with Origin Live VTA Adjuster (and Acoustic Signature VTA Adjuster), Denon DL-103 MC Cartridge, Consonance Reference 2.2 CD Player - "Mundorfed"
AMPLIFIER: Conrad Johnson MV-52 Power Amplifier with 4 x Svetlana Winged-C EL-34, 2 x Sylvania 5751 Triple Mica Blackplates, 2 x United 6CG7/6FQ7, Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000 200wpc Power Amplifier with 2 x RCA 5751 Blackplate Command Series Input Tubes, 2 x Sylvania 5751 Blackplate Triple Mica Input Tubes (also 2 x GE 5751 Greyplate Triple Mica Input Tubes as reserve)
PRE-AMP/PHONO STAGE: Conrad Johnson PV-10AL Tube Pre-Amplifier ("Mundorfed") with 2 x Valvo 12AU7 (and RCA Cleartops 12AU7, Brimar 12AU7, Tungsol 12AU7), Acoustic Signature Tango Phonostage (MM/MC), Denon Au-320 Step-Up Transformer
SPEAKERS: Harbeth HLP3-ES2 Reference Bookshelves with custom 26-inch 4-pole speaker stands, Monitor Audio (Rosenut) RS-6 Floorstanders
SPEAKER CABLES/INTERCONNECTS/POWER CABLES: Purist Audio Design Museaus Interconnects x 1, Purist Audio Design Elementa Rev. A Interconnects x 2, Purist Audio Design Elementa Rev. A Speaker Cables, Hospital-Grade Silver Power Cords x 3, Van Den Hul "The Name" Interconnects, 47-Labs OTA Hook-Up Speaker Jumpers
POWER ACCESSORIES: "Souped-Up" Yaden 3.0KVA Servo-Type Voltage Regulator, Hossoni 1.5KVA Servo-Type Voltage Regulator, Xindak XF-1000 Line Conditioner, JDLabs Power Line Conditioner, Quietline Mk2 Noise Filter x 3
There is synergy IMHO between all the current gears I am using, even down to the cables...Although
ayoko magsalita ng tapos, but I think after the bi-amp project, I am slowing down on hardware and will concentrate of software - and also
SUTs
Salamat sa mga
con-sulsol-tants ko: Doc Lito, MC, Jon Agner, MSM, IHJ, Hypertriode, Gaucho, Sonny Tuazon, John Martin, Audiostar, Kabubi and KD
Thanks for reading...di ako sanay ng mahabang posts, sa SMILEYS lang ako sanay
PS: Some sample pictures of the
"incomplete" set-up: