22 watt 845-based SET amplifier ... got it for $470 on Ebay!! I am using the stock 845s, NOS Sylvania 6SN7, and Electro Harmonix gold-pin 12AX7 tubes.
Fostex FE-164 full range driver and Audax horn-loaded soft dome tweeter. Backloaded horn speaker. Amazing bargain at $475. They must be positioned closer to walls/corners than typical loudspeakers, so they're better suited for smaller rooms. Mine is about 10 X 11. I pull them out further from the wall than shown when listening.
Decent cables.
- Aural Thrills Black Axiom
Nice handmade cables offered here on Audiogon.
Decent cables.
Power conditioner with upgraded power cord and hospital grade male IEC. $10.00 used on Craigslist.
Power Conditioner with 4 outlets. Got it used for $23 on the bay. If it's good enough for life-supporting hospital equipment, it's good enough for my stereo.
- Vibrapod Isolators and Cones
Purchased from CJ's right here on Audiogon. Nice little tweak.
Nice transport with stable platter. Another great deal at $100.00 (Craigslist) and in almost new condition. By far the source component that's made the BIGGEST positive impact as my system evolved. I have to give credit to the stable platter. I didn't expect a change in transport to make this much of a difference.
These are from Vietnam. Each set consists of two 1.5 inch beveled granite slabs separated by 4 large ball-bearings. The bearings are seated in grooves that were machined into each slab... thus creating a "floating" motion when disturbed. I bought two for $20 each.
24-bit DAC than can be operated at 96khz or 192khz, and in solid-state or tube mode. I am using a Electro-Harmonix gold-pin 6DJ8.
