Started with hifi when I was a teen, delivering newspapers to be able to a Technics turntable and a CD player (also Technics - an SL-P8).
Started selling hifi in NYC late teens/early 20s and was hooked. Owned Counterpoint, CJ, Snell, Quad, Krell, McCormick, StraightWire, and more all over some point in time. Also built my own speakers then too. After I moved on selling equipment, had a Celestion 6000 system at some point as well.
Got out of it for a while and only recently started back. Bought some KEF LS50s and started from there. Growing my system a bit at a time right now. System is in our main living space as we live in a somewhat open loft.
Thanks for your thoughts on the Dynaudio's, they sound like something I need to hear. There is a set for sale near me, but a little outside my budget at the moment. I may have to stretch.
@zlone Thanks for reaching out. I had some different electronics when I had the LS50s, but I have felt that the Heritage Specials are a huge step up. To my ear, the KEFs were a bit recessed sounding and the top end really was lacking. Of course the low end was also lacking, but that is to be expected. The KEFs had a very pleasant midrange and imaged well.
The HS were a great find for me. Tonally they are incredibly smooth and natural. They really disappear (good cables help) and they image beautifully. The bass is actually very good for my taste (I don’t really need a speaker that can perform well at 35Hz, I prefer other qualities). They just have an amazingly musical quality and are so smooth across the spectrum (the top quality Dynaudio drivers are superb). I also find them to be dynamic, even with the 25 watt Pass, which in my space drives incredibly well.
I listened to a few other speakers before a dealer suggested listening to the Dynaudio. I listened to a few pairs of new Sonus Fabers, as I had heard other models ages earlier and had liked. They were good, but neither pair I auditioned was completely compelling to me (I did prefer the Electa Amator to the Olympica Nova). I also listened to some Harbeths and they were also nice and had a wonderful midrange but didn’t do everything nearly as well as the Dynaudios. I was sold within an hour of hearing the HS and have been grateful for the suggestion since, as I was not even aware of the HS and was certainly not there to listen to them.
Quality components in a very appealing space. I've owned Dynaudio bookshelves and a Cambridge DAC. Presently have both Pass and BJC in my setups. Now is a great time to be in the hobby.
@jond @milpai Thank you both for your comments. I am fortunate with the space and fun to be back in audio and I am enjoying this expensive and somewhat crazy journey. I have a new turntable on the way as well, so I am excited about that! Wishing you both well on your audio journeys and happy listening.
@jond @milpai Thank you both for your comments. I am fortunate with the space and fun to be back in audio and I am enjoying this expensive and somewhat crazy journey. I have a new turntable on the way as well, so I am excited about that! Wishing you both well on your audio journeys and happy listening.
Thank You for sharing the story of your journey. Your system is simple for now and will grow over time, knowing what you have experienced before. But I like your space much better. It is ready for future. I hope you enjoy great music in that space!