I put this system together with the aim to create a decent "computer stereo". It needed to be portable, sturdy, and replacable. No vintage tube gear, sorry. Size was a constraint, obviously, as I need to fit the speakers on my desk. The JBL's fit the bill, even though most will turn their nose up at them. I built my computer with the intent on ripping my CD collection, which I have now compiled on 4 harddrives. I am running a Creative Soundblaster Audigy 2ZX Platinum soundcard, which was top of the line a few years ago. All in all I am happy with what I have, its good enough for my little apartment, and will tide me over until I get the means and methods for a real system.

The bad news is that I now live 3 blocks from the "hi-fi district" in Seattle, I just found out taking a walk round the block, and boy is it terrible to walk through those stores without a penny in your pocket.