What would be you definitive system?

This is a tough one simply because I like so many different kinds of presentations. I'm almost done with my large format system. I'm just waiting for my VR-11s. I have three sets of electronics from high power SET Parallel (KR), Hybrid (Lamm) and Solid State (CH Precision) that all do things uniquely and enjoyably across genres. I'm locked in as far as my vinyl front end goes (AF1-Graham-Kuzma 4-point- lots of carts :D ) and just yesterday locked in my Phonostage as well (EMT 66 with 3 pairs of matched and balanced Tele 803s').

Yet burning away in my audio fantasies is a bang up vintage rig. My wife and I have dreamed of building a house on a cliff or ridge where the view will never be obscured, ever. We envision a mid century modern style inspired by the likes of Wright and Neutra. In that house I would love to have a system that looked period correct. Not to mention that I really enjoy the "big tone" soundscapes of yesteryear. Since I'm not likely to go as far in the size department I'm thinking JBLs and Marantz 8s and 9s, maybe Eicos or Quads. A Shindo Garrard maybe? Maybe a TD124. I want a system leaning the opposite way from my daily driver.

It's like the fantasy of having a Gullwing and an SLS or a DB5 and a DBS in the same garage or something like that except I can actually drink AND drive :D
 
Yes :D Currently running D1/C1/L1 with X1s and M1s in Bi-Amp mode. I'm currently all Swiss. I'm using an EMT JPA-66 for phono.
 
JackD201 said:
Yes :D Currently running D1/C1/L1 with X1s and M1s in Bi-Amp mode. I'm currently all Swiss. I'm using an EMT JPA-66 for phono.
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Hi Jack, the EMT is an intriguing piece. how did you settle on it and can it handle line level inputs and serve as a full-function preamp?

btw, I'm also a Neutra fan. there are many kaufmann built, Neutra designed homes in LA and the desert. When i spot one i always slow down to admire the architecture.
 
JackD201 said:
This is a tough one simply because I like so many different kinds of presentations. I'm almost done with my large format system. I'm just waiting for my VR-11s. I have three sets of electronics from high power SET Parallel (KR), Hybrid (Lamm) and Solid State (CH Precision) that all do things uniquely and enjoyably across genres. I'm locked in as far as my vinyl front end goes (AF1-Graham-Kuzma 4-point- lots of carts :D ) and just yesterday locked in my Phonostage as well (EMT 66 with 3 pairs of matched and balanced Tele 803s').

Yet burning away in my audio fantasies is a bang up vintage rig. My wife and I have dreamed of building a house on a cliff or ridge where the view will never be obscured, ever. We envision a mid century modern style inspired by the likes of Wright and Neutra. In that house I would love to have a system that looked period correct. Not to mention that I really enjoy the "big tone" soundscapes of yesteryear. Since I'm not likely to go as far in the size department I'm thinking JBLs and Marantz 8s and 9s, maybe Eicos or Quads. A Shindo Garrard maybe? Maybe a TD124. I want a system leaning the opposite way from my daily driver.

It's like the fantasy of having a Gullwing and an SLS or a DB5 and a DBS in the same garage or something like that except I can actually drink AND drive :D
Click to expand...


Same wave length Jack, putting together a nice vintage setup is actually pretty enjoyable , KLH stats and vintage Mac toobs is where I'm going ..


regards
 
I saw this thread yesterday and needed to ponder the question. if I was starting over would I want to end up differently than I have? is there an audio gear itch I'd need to scratch that I haven't?

I guess I have what would be my definitive system now. so EA MM7 speakers's, darTZeel 458 amps and the new dart 18NS pre, Playback Designs MPS-5 w/server, NVS tt, Durand Telos Sapphire and standard Telos, Ortofon MC Anna cart and Miyajima Labs Premium Be mono, Herzan active isolation, 2 Studer A-820's and King Cello tape repro. the candidates for upgrade still are the digital gear and mono cartridge, but not certainly. I'm happy with those but 'still thinking about it'.

otherwise game over for my particular sensibilities. YMMV and all that stuff.

the room development is, of course, the largest single thing where I'm at the definitive point. recent fine tuning the room and system have been gratifying and came with essentially zero cost relatively.
 
puroagave said:
Hi Jack, the EMT is an intriguing piece. how did you settle on it and can it handle line level inputs and serve as a full-function preamp?

btw, I'm also a Neutra fan. there are many kaufmann built, Neutra designed homes in LA and the desert. When i spot one i always slow down to admire the architecture.
Click to expand...

Hi Rob

Yes it is actually a full function preamp and as such I run it through the L1 in bypass. The digital CHs' employ normal inputs. My brother had two of them but when he went from 8 arms to 4 he no longer needed the second unit. It is the best case of hand me down ever :D I've been drooling over it for a long time. The price and very long lead time to acquire a new unit kept me from making the leap for myself. It was serendipity. Awesome! The 66 is a transcription device so it has all the functionality/flexibility including non-stepped loading adjustment and turn over frequency. More importantly, gain per input on top of output stage gain. A gain stager's dream. I'm not OC over EQ but it is nice to know it's there. It also uses 12ax7s which is my favorite peanut tube. The unit came to me with 3 pairs of matched and balanced Tele 803s. That alone got me in 7th heaven. Sonically it is very quiet and pure. As expected from the functionality its tonal characteristics are very variable. Perfect for a guy like me that starts setting up ruler flat but adjusts contours for personal satisfaction later.

Hey A

There's a strong vintage contingent over here so there a lot of guys that can help me in my future vintage adventures. Yes it is a really cool thing and much cheaper than doing vintage cars! :)
 
puroagave said:
Hi Jack, the EMT is an intriguing piece. how did you settle on it and can it handle line level inputs and serve as a full-function preamp?

btw, I'm also a Neutra fan. there are many kaufmann built, Neutra designed homes in LA and the desert. When i spot one i always slow down to admire the architecture.
Click to expand...

Hi Rob

Yes it is actually a full function preamp and as such I run it through the L1 in bypass. The digital CHs' employ normal inputs. My brother had two of them but when he went from 8 arms to 4 he no longer needed the second unit. It is the best case of hand me down ever :D I've been drooling over it for a long time. The price and very long lead time to acquire a new unit kept me from making the leap for myself. It was serendipity. Awesome! The 66 is a transcription device so it has all the functionality/flexibility including non-stepped loading adjustment and turn over frequency. I'm not OC over EQ but it is nice to know it's there. It also uses 12ax7s which is my favorite peanut tube. The unit came to me with 3 pairs of matched and balanced Tele 803s. That alone got me in 7th heaven. Sonically it is very quiet and pure. As expected from the functionality its tonal characteristics are very variable. Perfect for a guy like me that starts setting up ruler flat but adjusts contours for personal satisfaction later.

Hey A

There's a strong vintage contingent over here so there a lot of guys that can help me in my future vintage adventures. Yes it is a really cool thing and much cheaper than doing vintage cars! :) Come to think of it MC275s should be on my short list.
 
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