Bought my first Zus in 2006 (Druid MkIVs), they subsequently were updated to MKIV/08s and then sold for a pair of Essences. I was fortunate enough to be in a position to pull the trigger on a pair of the Definition MkIIIs recently. They have really completed the system. True output below 20 Hz really haves everything sooo much better, everything has a sense of weight.
I also have had an affliction for Class A solid state amps, for many years preceding that with a tube pre (Modwright). Recently having the opportunity to demo the Pass XA30.5 after using a First Watt F3 for a few years opened my eyes to what a bit more power (and gain) did on the Zus (the Essences at the time). One thing lead to another an I have a great Pass INT-30A on the rack.
My sources cover the spectrum of formats at 'reasonable prices', as I enjoy getting the best version of whatever particular music interests me, be it analog, hi-rez or redbook CD.
Analog - Not looking at any real upgrades. Really a great table cartridge and phono stage.
Digital - Recently both upgraded and simplified to the Lumin T-1.
Added some updated pictures, XP-15 and Lumin T1 in the rack. Also built a wall mount for the turntable and got a Eames a while back, my relaxation room!
Thanks for the feedback. I would love to jump to the Def IVs, but that's probably out of the question for a while. The only upgrade for me may be in the digital realm. I'm trying to keep current with all the DACs out there and may move up the ladder there at some point.
Thanks, I hear you on the rack location. My only other options in the room are corners, which are of course worse from a TT interaction perspective. In theory, the rack at the first reflection might be an issue, but in practice it mixes a bit of diffraction in front of the panels behind it. The soundstage is still balanced and wide.
Thanks for the feedback, I need to update this a bit as I have indeed made the move to a dedicated music server. I built a CAPS V2+ (actually very similar to some of the new V3 versions on CA, except I am running it via firewire), and now also have the ability to rip my SACDs to DSD versus a PS3.
DSD is truly eye opening, playing an SACD through the OPPO is good, but DSD through the mytek is just wonderful and IMO basically on par with my analog rig. Now it really just gets down to the recording/mastering to me.
