The journey to assemble the very best system possible given money and space constraints has been a rewarding challenge for over 35 years. The current collection of components delivers an incredible sense of musical realism with wondrous instrument textures, dynamics and soundstage. My goal is to not simply listen to reproduced music but to create the sense I am a part of it. Attending a Red Rocks concert this summer sitting second row center, I turned to my wife and enthused I just experienced a new goal for my 2-channel! If only

Similar to many audiophiles, our living room is also the audio salon. At one of the local furniture retailers the salesperson was making an effort to sell us an entire room of new pieces. I explained to her we would consider her offering IF she could create a design where all audio components were invisible when not in use. As you can see from the picture she produced a design that delivers the highest WAF.

Generous thanks are due many that have enabled my quest for audio nirvana: first, to the many A’gon mentors who so kindly offer their insight, experience and advice. Next, to the local dealers that will not rest until complete customer satisfaction is realized. And finally to the resident electronics (specifically tube) wizard that has made humpty-dumpty whole again so many times over the past 20 years. At one time I provided simultaneous shelter for 24 toobes resident in the various components.

Since I spend significant time every week playing classical music I rarely listen to it. I’m not sure any system could give me the same thrill as sitting on stage playing the classics with 60 other musicians. The majority of my vinyl is rock, blues, acoustic, female vocals, jazz and instrumental music. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the inside of an acoustic guitar, pick up Leo Kottke’s Guitar Music LP. This is one of my all-time favorite reference albums and every time I listen it takes me to magical destinations.

As you can tell from the equipment listing I do not own a CD player and have no plans to acquire one. For me, toobes and vinyl are clearly the path to salvation. Certainly, I’ve heard systems that use a digital source capable of sounding every bit as good as analog. I just don’t want to expend the $100 K+ it would take to achieve it.