I have settled down after years of tweaking and rolling gear to find the perfect synergy. The tubes with horns are sublime to my ears. I listen more these days.
It has been years since I last posted an update. The ASL845 mono blocks have been replaced with an Ayon Crossfire III. It has taken my system to the next level of enjoyment. Upgraded the Auralic to a newer model. I even put the Shanling back in. Life is good.
Ward, even though you have scaled down the scope of your system, it's good to hear you're listening to, and enjoying listening more to your music and system.
I recently had a Chinese Audio Renaissance 845 amp re-capped and otherwise gone through, and I've been very pleasantly pleased with how it makes my Tannoy HPD's sound. Even though it's a very inexpensive amp, it's very quiet, and myself and my Tannoys really enjoy it.
Your Antique Sound Labs AQ-1006 mono-blocs, I would think, are a great match for your custom built horns, still beautiful after all these years.
2020 and I have dialed my system back. I moved the SACD to another system and gave all my reel to reel stuff and the Maplenoll away. Now there is more listening and less playing with gear.
My how time flies. Last time it was a year, this time it's been two years since I posted on my system. A couple changes: Auralic Altair and EAR 834P. Still loving the hobby and working on my system in the Sun room.
I used a Sonic Euphoria PLC for many years, until an amp I bought needed a few more db's of input. It was then I built the Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid, whose sound has been sufficient to please me, with better caps, tubes, and Goldpoint attenuator.
The SE PLC is so transparent, I'm sure you'll be very satisfied with it in place of the McIntosh.
Thanks Dan. Audio is a passion that I really enjoy on many levels. My next change will be the preamp. The Mac is over kill for the 845's. I have a Sonic Euphoria PLC that I'm going to roll in the system.
Schubert - My floor is hardwood glued over a concrete slab, so it transfers a lot of energy. With the speakers so close I wanted to make sure none of the vibration made it to my turntable. It works like a champ and my table is dead quiet.
System edited: Added my reel to reel collection picture. Revox C270,Teac X-2000M, Teac X-1000R, Teac X-10R, Teac A4010SL, and the Tascam BR-20 in back.
Wardsweb Very nice looking setup. However, I'm not sure if you face any acoutistic issues? I'm currently working with an acoustic engineer to get my room acoustic fix! Cheers
Wow, Wardsweb. That CJ is a nice looking peice. Were you running CDP to the SP-80 directly before? Sounded nice before, sure it sounds even better now. Enjoy!
System edited: Time for an update. The McIntosh C36 and Tecel phono have now been replaced with an SST Ambrosia preamp. It is a very detailed and clean pre with no color added to the music.
Your speakers are making me drool. Looking at them, I can imagine how big and free and open they sound. Congrats on a beautiful job; they are just beautiful.