My initial foray into the world of higher-end audio. After many years with a really basic set of speakers, a basic amp and cheap turntable, I finally decided to get some good components and speakers. I'm upset I waited this long, as I'm amazed at how great this system sounds every time I sit down to listen to it.
Planned upgrades:
Just scored a new Harmon Kardon HD990 CD/DAC for $105 - should arrive within a week or so. That paired with my 13" MacBook Pro should serve digital file duties fairly well.
Quite an upgrade from the stock Sumiko Oyster that came w/ the Xpression! A lot more bass, wider soundstage and better separation of the vocals from the instruments. Also cleared up the sibilance issue I was experiencing with the Oyster. Great cartridge!
Mash Studio LAX Entertainment Shelf
Clean, modern design: solid walnut with a powder-coated aluminum sliding door. 2-channel stuff on the right (CD/DAC coming soon to that top shelf), cable box/surround amp/center channel speaker on left. Great price for actual solid wood.
Your basic copper 14 AWG speaker wire
Plenty of heft for this short run. Going without termination - bare wire to amp and speakers.
@Soundgasm - that's the Mash Studio "LAX Entertainment Shelf". It's really nice quality. Picked it up from Smart Furniture - their customer service was outstanding - the first door I received got a slight nick in shipping and all I wanted was a tube of touch up paint...both they and Mash Studio worked together to get me a new door the next week.