The first time in many years that I haven't had a system based on vacuum tubes. While the tube electronics are put away, I'm enjoying this solid-state system and realizing that good solid-state could be a permanent thing.
The D'Agostino Progression and Classic combo has excellent tone and texture, the perfect SS if you prefer the warm side of neutral. With all my analog sources, the combination is organic, believable, and connects me to the music. You gain more resolution and neutrality as you move up the D'Agostino line at a loss of some warmth.
@livinon2wheels thank you for your comments. Yeah, the amp is certainly a two-man job up the stairs. I really like the way it sounds and consider it a D'Agostino bargain.
@2psyop Thank you for the compliments. I was going to paint the room black, but I'm glad I just kept it as is. The gears have been slowly upgraded over the last twenty years. I'm satisfied, but who knows what's next? The reel-to-reels are definitely staying.
http://www.jmkdisplays.com/@lalitk I forgot that PM is not an option on Agon. Contact Jay at JMK Displays, he's really easy to work with. If you provide your email I can send you image with my specs.
@noromance three 401's! now you're just having too much fun.
@noromance the Garrard 401 is fantastic, you have good taste! 🤣. I used to have a 301 as well but had to downsize my system. I’ve been over to your page in the past, Excellent system and the best 401 on Agon.
I’m still in the discovery stages of the Reed but so far the Reed has a very seductive midrange that makes vocal a joy to listen to. Instruments has a natural flow and music sounds very organic with this tonearm (red cedar armwand), my ZYX 4D cartridge has never sounded better.
The Triplanar is probably the more balanced tonearm and more detail throughout all frequencies, it would do well with all genre of music. It is an excellent tonearm and I have no complaints.
Both tonearms are very easy to setup and easy to get good results from…which to me means not having to tinker very much to get good sound and is quiet through the grooves. Reed, like many others probably borrowed some of their ideas from the Triplanar design. Adjusting VTA, VTF, etc. is very similar. Both are around the same price on the used market so it's just a matter of preference.
For the critical first reflection, I'm actually using an older diffuser product that works much better, the first reflection is SO important! The GIK hybrid product I have is diffuser/art so I just use it to fill out the rest of the room.
The pictures are taken from my older gen iPhone so nothing special.
