Your year in gear 2013 and What are you look for in 2014 upgrade ?

Petro85 said:
Well I like these remembers threads.
It wasn't a smart year for me. 2 years ago I got back into audio after several years of not even having a stereo. And was happy for with my humble setup for 2 years.
After joining another forum and seeing all I was missing I got the bug and then joined here and it was all over!!!
I started 2013 with a scout/CA maestro. Traded to a classic/ cadenza blue then traded to my current table.
I started 2013 with a fosgate sig phono stage and a Jas integrated. And I got rid of em both and added a hovland pre and pair of snappers.
I started 2013 with a pair of kef xq20's then got r300's and now
Venere 3.0's.
If I just took out the middle upgrades I could have got to where I am for a lot less money.
So I didn't spend smart but I am real happy where my system is at in the beginning of 2014.
Wonder where it'll be in 2015? :) happy new year !!!!!
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Steve , what made you to change the VPI to current TT?
 
Mike said:
I honestly can't remember all the gear that went out. But let me try....
Click to expand...
Wow Mike, you've had more business than my local high-end shop! :lol:

My new toys in 2013:
- of course the Audionet DNP pre-amp,
- a new Ortophon MC cartridge and speed control for the turntable
- the Focal CMS 50's for in the kitchen
- bigger WD red disks for the NAS since the high-res collection is growing so fast
- and of course cables and the other continuous audiophile b.s. that we occupy ourselves with...
 
Geez Mike!!!! Unreal....
My new toys for 2013 was the Auralic Vega and Taurus for my Office
I plan on doing some major stuff for 2014, entire new set up for my NYC place (going to be living there full time)
I've got my eye on a few things, clubhouse leader a Viola/Ocean Way setup
 
Sadly Classic was not hear. Vivace was. Not modified Raal tweeter instead uses AMT tweeter by Mundorf. 8 not 10 inch woofer. Hopefully impressions to follow. Currently my USB music is not working in the streamer device prototype which usually uses SD cards in with wav of aiff. I brought flac. So far no music.
Nick
 
veindoc said:
Sadly Classic was not hear. Vivace was. Not modified Raal tweeter instead uses AMT tweeter by Mundorf. 8 not 10 inch woofer. Hopefully impressions to follow. Currently my USB music is not working in the streamer device prototype which usually uses SD cards in with wav of aiff. I brought flac. So far no music.
Nick
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Bummer Nick!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
I'm old, so I don't remember exactly when I purchased my latest gear, but it's been a while since I've really added to my system. For 2014, I will be replacing my VPI Scout with a TTWeights Gem turntable. It's supposed to be finished by the end of January. Next, will be a Pass Labs XP-25 (unless I change my mind and go Allnic 3000), to replace my BAT VK-P5 phono amp. I'm on the waiting list to have my Ayre QB-9 updated with the latest updates. That's supposed to happen in March, according to my dealer. I'm also thinking about adding another Adona rack to my existing Adona racks. I also intend to add some more acoustic treatments to the existing GIK treatments, or just replace them. That should be enough for 2014, unless, of course I purchase a new cartridge for the new turntable.
 
Speakers. I need new speakers. Rosso Fiorentino's, Totem's, or Wilson's. That's what I'm hoping to procure this year. Now alls I gotta do is find my knee pads so I can begin working towards bringing home those toys...
 
so here is a brief review from my experience at lessloss who works to import Kaiser Kawero speakers. Highlights include a great idea in speaker case design. The metal reinforced case looks like a zero halliburiton large suitcase or trunk with wheels and handles. What a great idea to open clasps and key locks rather than heavy wooden crates with wood screws. These cases r lighter, easily reusable, weather resistant and appear not to be cost prohibitive. The speaker line started with 3 friends, one who worked for an upscale furniture company. The veneers and finishing is outstanding. They use a resin impregnated "Tankwood " which has layers they give tremendous stiffness. Curiously, they use this wood to reinforce cars to make them bullit proof. Both the Vivace and larger Classic(saw, did not hear) have a small footprint. Like the Music by Vienna acoustics and Alexia they have a adjustable tweeter that can b moved and swiveled independently from base. The upper end Classic has an option of external xover separate box and can b upgraded with Dueland parts. It has a 10 inch woofer and is more efficient at 92db. The only slightly smaller Vivace has an 8 inch woofer and is harder to drive at 87db. Due to rear ports and rearfiring woofers these work best 3-5 feet from rear wall.
Listening at this apartment was with 2 huge Pass large 1000.5 amps and a prototype "Laminar" SD steamer to some spdif feed dac. His music was higher resolution but not my cup of tea. My music on a usb was of lower resolution. They had a full loom of lessloss cables, IC and power conditioners. Sonically the soundstage was very wide & deep almost like a Raidho when properly distanced from rear wall. Separation of musicians and resolution were no where close to my current Tad CR-1 or the recently auditioned Alexia at my local dealer. Microdetail was very diffuse and lacking even though speakers do disappear nicely from soundstage. Prat and base umph again were not strong suits of this speaker. I think the greater efficiency of the classic model with a larger 10 woofer and better Raal tweeter deserve another audition as the created soundstage was quite lovely. However at that pricepoint many other speakers enter your consideration. The owner encouraged me to set up a home audition after CES. I may take him up on his offer.

Nick
 
Veindoc, please excuse me from coming in a little late to the party, but what exactly are you looking for in an upgrade from your CR1s?
 
New for 2013 was a late addition Shiit Loki dac. For $149 I just had to stick my toe into the DSD water.

New for 2014 and due in very soon are Shindo Petite Latour speakers (FC) and Box Furniture stand. Also due in the next month or two is a Linn Kandid cartridge.
 
veindoc said:
so here is a brief review from my experience at lessloss who works to import Kaiser Kawero speakers. Highlights include a great idea in speaker case design. The metal reinforced case looks like a zero halliburiton large suitcase or trunk with wheels and handles. What a great idea to open clasps and key locks rather than heavy wooden crates with wood screws. These cases r lighter, easily reusable, weather resistant and appear not to be cost prohibitive. The speaker line started with 3 friends, one who worked for an upscale furniture company. The veneers and finishing is outstanding. They use a resin impregnated "Tankwood " which has layers they give tremendous stiffness. Curiously, they use this wood to reinforce cars to make them bullit proof. Both the Vivace and larger Classic(saw, did not hear) have a small footprint. Like the Music by Vienna acoustics and Alexia they have a adjustable tweeter that can b moved and swiveled independently from base. The upper end Classic has an option of external xover separate box and can b upgraded with Dueland parts. It has a 10 inch woofer and is more efficient at 92db. The only slightly smaller Vivace has an 8 inch woofer and is harder to drive at 87db. Due to rear ports and rearfiring woofers these work best 3-5 feet from rear wall.
Listening at this apartment was with 2 huge Pass large 1000.5 amps and a prototype "Laminar" SD steamer to some spdif feed dac. His music was higher resolution but not my cup of tea. My music on a usb was of lower resolution. They had a full loom of lessloss cables, IC and power conditioners. Sonically the soundstage was very wide & deep almost like a Raidho when properly distanced from rear wall. Separation of musicians and resolution were no where close to my current Tad CR-1 or the recently auditioned Alexia at my local dealer. Microdetail was very diffuse and lacking even though speakers do disappear nicely from soundstage. Prat and base umph again were not strong suits of this speaker. I think the greater efficiency of the classic model with a larger 10 woofer and better Raal tweeter deserve another audition as the created soundstage was quite lovely. However at that pricepoint many other speakers enter your consideration. The owner encouraged me to set up a home audition after CES. I may take him up on his offer.

Nick
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Hi Nick,
Thank you for posting your impressions. Sounds like you were a little underwhelmed overall.
Anshul
 
Welcome to the party. Looking perhaps for something better to my ears. Would love a little wider soundstage which is somewhat limited by my room layout. Perhaps a little more bass or a more tame tweeter. Very happy with the micro detail and resolution of my TADs. Oddly demoing new speakers helps confirm just how really good my current ones are. I guess I am very attracted to other speakers that have some adjustable designs that may allow me to dial them in to my ear height and offset some of the challenges of my study/listening environment.
Nick
 
For 2013 I had a number of improvements.

Added a dedicated 20 amp line for two channel in JanuaryAdded a dedicated 20 amp line for HT in January
Upgraded to Onkyo SC5509 preamp for HT in February
Upgraded to Mapleshade Samson V.3 rack for two channel in April
Upgraded to Shunyata Z Anaconda XLR (3) interconnects in two channel in May
Moved MIT Shotgun S1.3 XLR interconnects to HT in May
Upgraded to Pass Labs XP-20 preamp in June
Upgraded to Pass Labs X600.5 amps in July
Added solar cells in August
Added Shunyata Cyclops and a Z Anaconda for two channel amps in October
Added Shunyata Alpha Digital PC to two channel file player in November
Upgraded home theater rack to Mapleshade Samson V.2 in November
Added Shunyata Alpha Digital PC to HT Oppo 93 in December
Added Shunyata Alpha Digital PC to file player in HT in December
Added 2nd dedicated 20 amp line for two channel amps in December
Bought tons of CDs and BRs all year


For 2014 I just ordered an Oppo 103 upgrade for the HT. Once Berekely Audio releases some data on their new DAC I might be tempted. Other that that, I can't really see anything on the horizon. I would like the Magico S5, but can't see it this year. Maybe next.
 
Hi Nick

The TADs really are outstanding in most respects. I think these are the absolute best for low to mid level listening. When the volume goes up, everything has to be right. Everything matters. Tube gear sweetens the sound and provides a great counterbalance to these speakers. As much as I look around at other speakers, my TADs do things no other speakers can do. I'm going on 2 years with them and I still find it hard to part with them.

veindoc said:
Welcome to the party. Looking perhaps for something better to my ears. Would love a little wider soundstage which is somewhat limited by my room layout. Perhaps a little more bass or a more tame tweeter. Very happy with the micro detail and resolution of my TADs. Oddly demoing new speakers helps confirm just how really good my current ones are. I guess I am very attracted to other speakers that have some adjustable designs that may allow me to dial them in to my ear height and offset some of the challenges of my study/listening environment.
Nick
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Joe... I was always wondering how you keep all the speakers in your home ? You have 4 speakers where are they ? Are they all in the same room ?

I have 4 pairs in my home and some time I just don't know what to do with them placement wise.
 
Joe
I know u understand my mostly love but sometimes I strive for a little more. Will c what CES reveals. BTW have u crucially demoed Alexia's yet? I thought they did many things well that hopefully will reach Sasha 2
Nick
 
BlueFox said:
For 2013 I had a number of improvements.

Added a dedicated 20 amp line for two channel in JanuaryAdded a dedicated 20 amp line for HT in January
1. Upgraded to Onkyo SC5509 preamp for HT in February
Upgraded to Mapleshade Samson V.3 rack for two channel in April
Upgraded to Shunyata Z Anaconda XLR (3) interconnects in two channel in May
Moved MIT Shotgun S1.3 XLR interconnects to HT in May
Upgraded to Pass Labs XP-20 preamp in June
Upgraded to Pass Labs X600.5 amps in July
Added solar cells in August
Added Shunyata Cyclops and a Z Anaconda for two channel amps in October
Added Shunyata Alpha Digital PC to two channel file player in November
Upgraded home theater rack to Mapleshade Samson V.2 in November
Added Shunyata Alpha Digital PC to HT Oppo 93 in December
Added Shunyata Alpha Digital PC to file player in HT in December
Added 2nd dedicated 20 amp line for two channel amps in December
2. Bought tons of CDs and BRs all year


3. For 2014 I just ordered an Oppo 103 upgrade for the HT. Once Berekely Audio releases some data on their new DAC I might be tempted. Other that that, I can't really see anything on the horizon. I would like the Magico S5, but can't see it this year. Maybe next.
Click to expand...

Bud,

1. How do you like it?
2. How come you never post in the music and movie threads?
3. Why not the 105?
 
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