My Music Sounds Better Than I Ever Expected - How long will it last?


I listened to album after album this weekend.  Both/All sides of every LP I placed on the turntable. I closed my eyes and had goosebumps - at least until I would hear a "POP" that would damage my cool for an instant.  My listening levels are not conducive to conversational environments but I no longer wake the neighbors.  

We chase the magic for decades.  It was triggered when I was young and would regularly visit The Grove in Houston and listen to the B&W Matrix 801 3 or the flagship Dynaudio speakers of the time.  I have not been to a high end salon in decades, so I do not know how much better it is today if at all.

How long will my happiness last?  The analog chain of my system is very much aligned with that time and place.  Much of the gear purchased in recent years now that I can afford the things that I heard back then.

System:

Aragon 4004 mkII

Aragon 28k preamp

Apogee Stage speakers

Rythmic Sub

Linn LP12 w/Ittok LVII

Linn Linto phono stage

Ortofon MC X40

Eversolo, Topping DAC, SMLC CD Transport, etc.....

maam522a

Any live music does draw me out.  I never feel at risk of thinking that any system will reasonably simulate that. 

@maam522a    My Apogee-based system sounds better than any amplified live concert I have attended; only acoustic performances can compare, and of those only a full orchestra in a large hall would better my system.

I had my Apogee Duettas upgraded and that made them better in several respects.  If the Stages' panels can't be replaced, that's too bad.  I would encourage you to look for upgraded Apogees when you're ready to move on.  I too had Maggies and listened to many other speakers, and the Apogees were something special, as many a reviewer has described.

I auditioned the Aragon 4004 after I bought the Duettas and thought it sounded very good.  Have you replaced any of its capacitors?  

I am happy for you that you can enjoy your system as I enjoy mine.  I would encourage you to look at the digital components in my Virtual System here on Audiogon if you want a digital system that will be on the same level as your analog. I find that high-res streams can equal or surpass most LPs, the exception generally being a few audiophile pressings like the older MFSLs, Classic Records, etc.

Sometimes I get that "wow, my system sounds this good?" moment. Then there are times like " hmm, something is lacking" or "something is not right".

Mainly it is due to quality of recordings. Sometimes having the just right affect  of a drink. Sometimes its my state of mind.

System:

Odyssey Kismet amp

Carver C4000 pre

Musichall mmf 9.1 tt, Soundsmith Zephyr mklll cart, Schitt phono stage

Moded Magnepan 1.7i s

Rythmik sub

Mdht Orchad dac, various tubes

Bluesound Node 2i modded sps to lps

Keces lps

DIY Mogami ICs

Designated 20'x30' music room 

 

 

@audioman58 

I have not set a budget for my Digital chain yet.  I currently have a S.M.S.L. CD Transport, Eversolo A6 Streamer/DAC, and just added the Topping D70 Pro Octo.  Both CD and Streamer feed the DAC.  I stream Hi Res.

Technically, the streamer and CD Transport should have little effect on a well engineered DAC. that reclocks everything. The Topping is decent, but did not get really move me forward compared to the Eversolo.  I hope to be able to get there under $2k.