Logitech Squeezebox Touch pic PS Audio Transport pic PS Audio DACII with Bridge pic Marantz SA-11S2 pic Meridian 204 pic Nakamichi CR-7A Tape deck pic Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-55SE monoblocks pic Balanced Audio VK32-SE pic Linn LP-12 full pic Linn Linto and Lingo pic Genesis Technologies 500 pic Audio Art SE-5 SE Ensemble Dynaflux Interconnect Ensemble Masterflux Sonoran Plateau Wireworld Silver Starlight (x3) Audience Au24 Power cord Ensemble FSF Megaflux Power cord Sonoran Plateau Ensemble Isolink (x 2) pic Richard Gray 1200C pic Audiopoints Sistrum pic Solid Steel 5-shelf rack pic Audiopoints Sistrum platform speaker stands pic Audiopoints cones/points Tweak Goldmund Cones Tweak Ayre Myrtle blocks Tweak Audionut Cable Elevators pic
Another Woman's Perspective I had owned various Audio Research preamps w/tubes over the years, but never a tube amp or any tubed components like a CD player etc. This year (2001) I took the plunge with the VT100 Mk III, and then because of my shocked amazement I had to keep going, with the BAT pre, the ARC phono pre, and then the vintage tube tuner too! The sound I hear is so rich, full, liquid, and detailed, whether I'm listening to CD, SACD, LP, or tuner, that I am amazed and awe-struck. Is this what they mean by the "tube sound?" I used to run a Goldmund Mimesis 29 SS power amp w/these speakers and an ARC LS-15 pre, both excellent products, but the sound was NOT like this. I wonder what tube monoblocks would do for my speakers (the Genesis have their own built-in amps for the woofers so the tubes are only on the mids and tops)? I am perfectly satisfied with this sound now, however, and could live with it forever (and because of the time and expense i've invested, i pray I do!). The Ensemble interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, and power conditioning products finished off a strikingly musical-sounding system, to my ears. After they broke in (1-2 months), the Ensemble products added another several degrees/levels of depth, liquidity, and detail, to my ears. I would love to add another Isolink to the preamp, but other than that I have no urge to add or change anything! That is a milestone for me. This system and sound just suits me. I hope my hearing will always allow me to appreciate it. Comments, suggestions appreciated. Sarah SYSTEM EDITED: I got another Ensemble Isolink for the preamp (thanks Audiogon) and I changed my ARC phono pre to the Linn Linto for the full Linn treatment of vinyl. Very very nice. I'm wondering about a new universal player like the Ayre CX-5e but otherwise everything is just perfect for me. |