Update! I've taken the plunge into reel-to-reel. It's fabulous! Read on...
I have built this system over a period of many years, and have reached a level of satisfaction that is incredibly gratifying. I would not have guessed how important a role vintage gear would take, but for my listening tastes and preferences, this analog-biased system really floats my boat.
I play the piano every day and compose my own songs, and this system, more than any other I have owned, finally gets piano "right" for me.
The single most astonishing improvement has come with the addition of the Studer A80 RC Mk II reel-to-reel tape machine. Listening to master tape dubs form the Tape Project leaves me speechless! Pictures of this amazing machine can be seen at:
http://gallery.me.com/kip/100054
The Micro Seiki RX-5000 holds piano notes in perfect pitch, something I have found is very rare in a turntable. Pictures of this turntable system can be seen at:
http://web.me.com/kip/micro
The Scintilla speakers are a revelation in transparency and speed, with a soundstage that conjures up performances in an eerily accurate fashion--unprecedented in my experience. I restored these speakers over a seven-month period, and that process can be seen on this web site:
www.kippeterson.com
I love nearly every kind of music, and though I was trained in classical music and enjoy it frequently on this system, I have found my favorite music to be jazz recordings from the late 50s and early 60s. I have come to believe an analog system can depict this type of music better than a digital one, and this one truly creates a palpable, completely musical experience for me.
THE single component that has positively transformed my audio system more than any other. Incredible!
Micro Seiki RX-5000 turntable
After listening to several to several "statement" turntables, ranging from TW Acustic to Transrotor, I found this Micro Seiki RX-5000 and am in sonic heaven! Stunning, almost incomprehensible solidity, bass and imaging with incredibly silent backgrounds. Almost as good as tape... ;-)
Custom AX-1G V
I had this custom armboard made for my Micro Seiki RX-5000 turntable. I added the letter V to it to represent my Vector tonearm.
Micro Seiki HS-80 High Inertia Unit
A passive, stainless steel flywheel system weighing in at 33lbs (15Kg). It significantly opens the soundstage and enhances the solidity of the low end. Amazing!
Transfiguration Temper W
One of the most neutral and musical sounding moving coil cartridges I have ever heard. The MintLP Tractor nails alignment!
Basis Audio Vector Mk 3
One of the best tracking arms I have heard and a great match for my system.
Balanced Audio VK-P10SE with SuperPak phono stage
This phono stage presents with a delicacy and sweetness that completely complements my musical preferences, and beat every other phono stage I auditioned.
Balanced Audio VK-31SE Line stage
This preamp brings a warmth and realism that makes the music soar for me.
Krell FPB-350MCx monoblocks
Powerful, yet sweet and musical amps, capable of driving my Apogee Scintilla loudspeakers.
I adore your system! Apogee Scintilla's, Studer R2R, BAT Pre and P10SE :-) This must yield month after month enjoyment. I'm soon to return to vinyl and will likely invest in the P10SE with SuperPak.