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I love music: the history, the culture, the variety, the instruments, the venues, the tools and techniques, the power, the embedded emotions, the controversy, the debates, and so on.
My folks enrolled me in Suzuki method piano lessons at age four and insisted that I endure classical piano instruction until age 13. I am grateful for the experience, especially the gains in understanding music theory, operating limbs and digits independently, listening critically, and translating written pieces. Unfortunately for my folks, AC/DC had been saluting me the entire time - yes, I was about to rock.
But, to which instrument would I transition? John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Mitch Mitchell, Phil Collins, Alex Van Halen, Danny Carey, Jimmy Chamberlin, Matt Cameron, and other drumming greats became heroes and teachers. Later in life I began to appreciate the virtuosity of myriad jazz drummers, but not until substantial rocking had occurred. I recall fondly the first rock concert attended without adult supervision: Hum in Champaign, Illinois. I had not expected the experience to be so physical, the air surrounding me seemingly electrified by crushing guitar tones and the concussive drumming of Bryan St. Pere. I was hooked, and drumming became my passion.
Fast-forward to graduate school, specifically my pursuit of a Master of Accounting degree. I know, not very rock-'n'-roll, but the path I chose which has served my family well. My journey in this hobby really began when I purchased a pair of used Vandersteen Model 3A Signature's upon securing a job. Admittedly I lacked financial wisdom at the time and likely should have deferred investment in high-end audio equipment until savings had accumulated. It was a "had to have them" situation that snowballed into subsequent upgrades to amplification, sources, and room treatments, as is often the case with this hobby. Those speakers rocked and served as a gateway to exploring countless other genres and artists. I ran with a crowd of mostly musicians at the time, as I was still a performing drummer and percussionist, and I recall fondly the looks of surprise, wonderment, and engagement on friends' faces during a first listen to my odd-looking Vandersteen towers. Great memories.
My two-channel audio system continues to be a source of pride and joy. Currently my configuration allows me to relatively painlessly switch between two excellent speakers (Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT and JBL L300 Summit) as well as between tube and solid-state power amplification (Balanced Audio Technology VK-76SE mono blocks and VK-255SE stereo, respectively). The flexibility is great.
The Vandersteen's sound glorious powered by the BAT VK-76SE tube amplifiers (150 watts per channel). When powered by the BAT VK-255SE solid-state amplifier, the sound from the Vandersteen's is by comparison a bit less dreamy and dimensional, but I feel more comfortable increasing the volume to achieve gripping room pressurization.
The JBL's were manufactured circa 1980 but perform like a very accomplished modern speaker. The unique driver array provides for an exciting listen with loads of body and dynamics. Most importantly, the JBL's are fun!
The rest of the system:
- BAT VK-33SE preamplifier
- MOON (Simaudio) 610LP phono preamplifier
- Rega Planar 10 turntable with Apheta 3 cartridge
- Bryston BCD-3 CD player
- PS Audio DirectStream DAC
- AURALiC Aries G2 streamer
- Naim Uniti Core server
- Bryston and Torus power isolation transformers
- REL 212/SX subwoofers (2)
- Room treatments and equipment isolation by Stillpoints, Acoustic Sciences, Shunyata Research, A/V Roomservice, and Herbie’s Audio Lab
- Equipment racks and stands by Quadraspire
I have enjoyed the PS Audio DAC for several years but am investigating alternatives with a slight leaning toward the MSB Discrete. Frankly the sheer number of highly competent DACs either on the market or entering the market soon has prevented me from replacing the PS Audio. Somewhat illogical, I know.
Glad to be here! A few pics follow...
My folks enrolled me in Suzuki method piano lessons at age four and insisted that I endure classical piano instruction until age 13. I am grateful for the experience, especially the gains in understanding music theory, operating limbs and digits independently, listening critically, and translating written pieces. Unfortunately for my folks, AC/DC had been saluting me the entire time - yes, I was about to rock.
But, to which instrument would I transition? John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Mitch Mitchell, Phil Collins, Alex Van Halen, Danny Carey, Jimmy Chamberlin, Matt Cameron, and other drumming greats became heroes and teachers. Later in life I began to appreciate the virtuosity of myriad jazz drummers, but not until substantial rocking had occurred. I recall fondly the first rock concert attended without adult supervision: Hum in Champaign, Illinois. I had not expected the experience to be so physical, the air surrounding me seemingly electrified by crushing guitar tones and the concussive drumming of Bryan St. Pere. I was hooked, and drumming became my passion.
Fast-forward to graduate school, specifically my pursuit of a Master of Accounting degree. I know, not very rock-'n'-roll, but the path I chose which has served my family well. My journey in this hobby really began when I purchased a pair of used Vandersteen Model 3A Signature's upon securing a job. Admittedly I lacked financial wisdom at the time and likely should have deferred investment in high-end audio equipment until savings had accumulated. It was a "had to have them" situation that snowballed into subsequent upgrades to amplification, sources, and room treatments, as is often the case with this hobby. Those speakers rocked and served as a gateway to exploring countless other genres and artists. I ran with a crowd of mostly musicians at the time, as I was still a performing drummer and percussionist, and I recall fondly the looks of surprise, wonderment, and engagement on friends' faces during a first listen to my odd-looking Vandersteen towers. Great memories.
My two-channel audio system continues to be a source of pride and joy. Currently my configuration allows me to relatively painlessly switch between two excellent speakers (Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT and JBL L300 Summit) as well as between tube and solid-state power amplification (Balanced Audio Technology VK-76SE mono blocks and VK-255SE stereo, respectively). The flexibility is great.
The Vandersteen's sound glorious powered by the BAT VK-76SE tube amplifiers (150 watts per channel). When powered by the BAT VK-255SE solid-state amplifier, the sound from the Vandersteen's is by comparison a bit less dreamy and dimensional, but I feel more comfortable increasing the volume to achieve gripping room pressurization.
The JBL's were manufactured circa 1980 but perform like a very accomplished modern speaker. The unique driver array provides for an exciting listen with loads of body and dynamics. Most importantly, the JBL's are fun!
The rest of the system:
- BAT VK-33SE preamplifier
- MOON (Simaudio) 610LP phono preamplifier
- Rega Planar 10 turntable with Apheta 3 cartridge
- Bryston BCD-3 CD player
- PS Audio DirectStream DAC
- AURALiC Aries G2 streamer
- Naim Uniti Core server
- Bryston and Torus power isolation transformers
- REL 212/SX subwoofers (2)
- Room treatments and equipment isolation by Stillpoints, Acoustic Sciences, Shunyata Research, A/V Roomservice, and Herbie’s Audio Lab
- Equipment racks and stands by Quadraspire
I have enjoyed the PS Audio DAC for several years but am investigating alternatives with a slight leaning toward the MSB Discrete. Frankly the sheer number of highly competent DACs either on the market or entering the market soon has prevented me from replacing the PS Audio. Somewhat illogical, I know.
Glad to be here! A few pics follow...
