This is the second of three 2-channel setups that I currently have in my house. As the title says, it's located in our basement, which we use for hanging out, playing pool, and my 6-year old daughter's play area. Especially in the summer because it's nice and cool down there! You'll notice that the 2-channel rig is next to the video/tv/xbox rig, which also gets a lot of use.

Anyways, the system just sort of happened, with none of the components bought specifically for this space (which is in a fairly small area of the basement). The Pioneer TT was purchased first, and was the first table that I purchased in easily 25 years. It was originally used in an early configuration of our lounge system. The second purchase was the NAD 502, because I found it for $5 bucks for parts/repair. All that was wrong was the backlight bulb had burnt out, and once replaced the player worked fine. I experimented with some different op amps, but eventually settled on a tube output stage using a kit from Mr. Lampizator. Then, I got really interested in the Spica TC-50s and purchased them for use with a Fisher 500C, but it just couldn't drive them effectively. Lastly, purchased the NAD 3020 integrated to try out. Eventually realized that I had a bunch of really good equipment for a second setup, and this system was born. Put everything in a Bell'o rack that I had purchased years earlier that had been in storage.

The only changes that have been made recently are the AT120E cartridge and the DIY speaker cables. Both made big improvements to the sound.

As I said, it's a smaller area of the basement, full carpeted with drop ceiling tiles, and lots of furniture. All of this factors into the full, balanced sound I get out of the system. And, the 3020 does a great job of driving the 4ohm Spicas.

Another example of a relatively low cost system, using older 2nd-hand components, but producing an overall great sound.

Comments and suggestions welcome!