That's about as far as I can go without getting killed by my girlfriend. She beleives I spent wayyyyy too much money on a system (she's probably right, it would make a good start for a down on a house).
I'm looking for non apparent tweaks since I promised I would not change gear anymore (switching from Fidelio to Parsifal Encores is not a non apparent tweak by the way, I tried and I had to bring them back to the store!!!).
Not looking into changing amp, cd or speakers for reasons mentionned above.
Your next tweek is saving for a down on a house. One is never too young to begin practicing fiscal responsibility and securing your future. Just make sure that it has enough outlets and a listening room that rocks.
Count the number of pairs of black shoes in her closet. Compare that to the average number of business/social/casual functions she attends in a month. If the ratio of black shoes to functions is greater than two to one, and she does not see the similarity between her and her shoes and you and your stereo, your next best tweak is to trade-up to a partner that can count.
I have a 20 amp dedicated circuit with 10AWG Romex in the wall...
Also, I have a slab of 2 inch thick Europeen maple (Sycomore) under each component.
As for my girlfriend, she's very good with me. She likes auditionning some gear and also playing with speaker placement. She's just against spending a couple of grands on some more gear that will make my system sound a bit better. She thinks the system is good enough like that. But on the other hand, myself never being satisfied, it's never good enough.
Very nice system, glad to see there are other's my age who share this interest/sickness :) I am looking for a girl who will except my 'problem' I don't deal with being given a hard time well, so when it becomes a problem it is no longer a problem(if their is a doubt there is no doubt) but that's just me. All in all being a younger guy with toys I have noticed most girls worth a damn appreciate the sound- that's not saying they would fork out the $$ for it, but I don't buy lipstick either. Happy listening ~Tim
let me just say that starting out your relationship saying that you won't, when you obviously know that you will, is a bad idea. trust me, after fourteen years with my wife, this is well tested bit of information. i'm always okay, as long as it makes sense to her... which isn't allways easy but i'll bet it's better than sneaking in some hidden tweeks that might lead up to questions later. in our house, everyone gets a hobby or two of their own. cheaper upgrades to consider would be things like isolation devices, power receptacles, a/c cords, wood or granit slabs etc. i've financed most of these tweeks myself, by selling off some of my tube collection or buy using my own enginuity to find a cheeper way. good luck young dude. -s.y.g.