I'm really enjoying my small system. After upgrading to a great pair of V'Steen 2ce Sig IIs, things are definitely falling into place.
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My humble stereo system in my one bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. I'm waiting on the UPS guy to bring me some Vandersteen 2ce Sig IIs. I'll update with better photos soon...
I purchased this amp new from Community Audio. It has a factory custom HT bypass added by Rogue. I'm very pleased with it so far.
VPI Industries HW-19 jr
I purchased a used HW-19 JR in black with an acrylic platter on eBay.
Grado Reference Platinum
5mV MM
Audioquest PT-6
This black PT-6 came installed on my VPI HW-19 Jr.
Vandersteen 2ce Signature II
Purchased slightly used here on Audiogon.
Apple Mac Pro
I use iTunes and my Mac Pro's optical output as my digital source.
Zero Dual D/A Converter
I purchased this 24 BIT/192KHz AC/Headphone Amp/Pre-Amp on eBay. It seems to be breaking in to a nice sounding DAC for the money. The headphone amp doesn't sound nearly as good as my Headroom Micro out of the box, but I haven't given it a second chance yet.
Rega Bias II
I'm still deciding about this one. The first Bias II I tried was defective (no left channel audio).
Digging though the audiogon systems I stumbled across this wonderful system... I really like this! Are you still using the Cronus with the vandersteens?
System edited: I moved my VR-1s back into the home theater setup and replaced them with a pair of Vandersteen 2ce Sig IIs. I'm VERY pleased! I also dropped the Rega Bias II in favor of a Grado Reference Platinum. The difference is refreshing.
I researched a number of dacs, and for your price range the Scott Nixon dacs seem the best. See http://www.scott-nixon.com/dac.htm Mind you, I have not given them a listen, but reviews have been superb, and I have one of the new "UFO" variety on order.
I really love the Cronus. It's my first hifi amp and I'm very, very pleased. It does seem to work well with the VR-1s but I want to try some speakers that have a fuller range. The 2ce Sig IIs arrived at my folks' place in PA today, so hopefully I'll have my hands on them soon.
I don't think I'll get rid of the VR-1s though. The small system you see above evolved out of a combo HT/HiFi setup in my TV room. I had an AVR processing the audio and driving Klipsches for the LR, RR & CC. The pre-out led into my Cronus' HT Bypass (a custom option from Rogue). I also have an SVS sub attached to the AVR. When I wanted to play straight stereo, I'd just flip off the bypass and run direct from a source into the Cronus driving the VR-1s. When watching TV I'd flip it back. It worked out very well, but I need more space for the 'Steens and the VPI. I'm planning on putting the VR-1s back into my HT setup.
So now I have to ask, do any of you have recommendations for a DAC considering the other gear you see above? The source would be a MacPro just slightly out of frame to the right of the photo. I'd rather not spend a ton on this... maybe $500 tops for now.
Simple and practical...nice! I've heard nothing but good things about the VR-1's. Well suited for small tube amps. How do they sound? It looks like you're planning on replacing them.
