Fantastic, life-like sound with life-size power on a budget. All bought at discount, some parts gently used. The whole system cost me less than $4000 and sounds like a million bucks.
Shadorne: thanks for the praise. Re- cable, I didn't pay $400; that's my recollection of retail price, as with all the components. I think I payed about 150, well worth the expense, given bi-wiring and custom 4-into-2 termination plugs. The $2000 disc player was obtained for 300 because audiophiles disdain multi-disc players. Anyway, I'll check out your stuff. Rock on.
System edited: move to a home w/ smaller scale rooms motivates changes/upgrades, most significantly bidding goodbye to beloved Snell AIII-i speakers that were big as refrigerators and hello to Von Schweikert VR2s...the only speaker this small that could make me part with my Snells.
Jeff, the driver config. on AIIIi are 12" downward firing woofer, 5" mid, and 1" tweeter, plus a rear-firing 1" that can be turned off. Thanks for the kinds words about the system. You'll be happy to know that I'm getting the leather cushions on a top-line Eames lounge chair + ottoman restored, which will join its little brother.
Thanks for the kind words on the Snells. Yeah, I like 'em a lot. I'll take your advice on biamping when I move and can lay my hands on another cheap Rotel. By the by, what are you listening to?
Yeah, I gotta say, that's alotta stereo for $1200. Much respect for the yard-sale find. That's pretty great. I used to have a pair of Heresys (Heresies?) and they're still going strong in a friend's basement, so I appreciate the muscular horn sound. Here's to future great finds out of other people's attics.
to Jeff: I would be happy to let you hear the snells, but at 110 lb. each and 50 in. tall, I don't think I'll be "dropping by" with them any time soon. Should you find yourself in Brooklyn, you would be welcome to come by and hear them yourself. Regards, Mike.
to slyle: well, no one ever said this site was for the meek. I stand by the statement...I venture a guess most people would have to spend $3K on spkrs alone to equal the former top-of-the-line Snells, let alone the electronics and source components.
to Jeff Jarvis: I'll put put my Snells up against your 805s any day of the week, and I'm betting you've never seen a pair of AIII-i and that your 805s cost you the budget for my entire system.
to Chadnliz: I couldn't agree more...buy more music, buy less stereo equipment.
