2025 added a VPI Prime X turntable with Soundsmith cartridge. Running a Pro-Ject Tube box DS2. Replaced an aging Samsung HDTV with an LG OLED HDTV and built a new stereo stand. The long wood Paduak stand and mini-stands are custom build by myself.
I switch between a Rogue tube integrated amp and a Musical Fidelity solid state amp. I can casually play CDs in a changer all day or switch to a dedicated CD transport and DAC. Also I have an audiophile streamer in the HiFi Rose.
Now switching between turntable (analog) or digital, either a Bifrost II DAC or Denafrips Pontus 12th anniversary DAC paired with a HiFi Rose RS 130 streamer. I also have 2 Sony CD changers for casual listening.
Coccyx Thanks for the nice words. So many fellow audiophiles have such nice systems and I hope they get (you get) as much enjoyment from listening to music as I do. Sometimes we just forget about equipment and lose ourselves in the music and that is one of my pleasures.
Effischer Well certainly part of your enthusiasm for analog help make the TT setup happen for me and your influence was so many years ago! Glad you are doing well and your setup tips have been very useful as well. Thanks!
Thanks exupgh12! Well the last time I bought a turntable and cartridge (Thorens TD 320) was in 1986 and gave it away 5 years later to my cousin. It was $350 total and I have only that cartridge to compare to the Zephyr MK III. Therefore I don't know what to compare it to!. The Soundsmith sounds about as good as my Denafrips Pontus with HiFi Rose RS130 streamer but warmer and more inviting into the music. Kinda more lush and organic.
Thanks for the nice comment. After trying different things with the speakers I noticed that correct placement and tilt made the most impact for quality sound. Moving the stands on wheels and getting the speakers elevated made a big difference. I don't normally like to modify the speaker itself but actually adding the subs, dialing them in also helped the lower freqs come out. I am lucky my room has non-perfect wood paneling that really helps with reflection and diffusing the sound. Also removing old shag carpet and adding the area rug didn't hurt or help the room acoustics.
2psyop on BluesoundVandersteen 2CEMusical FidelityDenafripsSonyrythmikSchiitVandersteenCullen CablesBluesound VaultJay's AudioRogue AudioHiFi RoseSoundsmith