I spent a long time saving up for and researching this system, since I don't really have the luxury of upgrading with any kind of frequency. Now that the system is complete, it'll probably stay just like this until I graduate and can make some money. I'd like to replace my CD player, but at the moment I'm spending all my cash buying CDs and vinyl.
This integrated is absolutely perfect for me. Plenty of power at 100wpc, a great warm, smooth pre-amp section, a remote, and a sub out.
Epos M15.2
These beauties are the newer version of the M15, a well-received classic in this price range. The .2's have some cosmetic upgrades and I believe they have a slightly different tweeter, but in essence haven't changed. Very neutral, excellent transparency, and aside from the lower frequencies, perfect for what I listen to, which tends to be rock.
Monitor Audio ASW-100
This sub is nothing special, but it fills out the Epos speakers, fits in my budget, and looks anonymous enough that I don't feel like I have to hide it. Thanks Monitor Audio for making a medocre product that us poor people can appreciate!
NAD T-534
Cheap little CD player that works ok for now. This'll be the first thing I upgrade, whenever I start upgrading.
Rega Planar 3
I got my P3 from an audiogon member, with a RB600 tonearm, a Benz-Micro ACE cartridge, and the Incognito wiring upgrade. This thing sounds awesome, and is probably my nicest piece of gear.
Project Phono Box II
This little guy does MC and has enough gain for my cartridge. It doesn't make much noise. It's cheap. What else can I say?
Benz Micro ACE Hi (Blue)
This has widely been reviewed as one of the best MC cartridges in this price range. I love it.
DIY Canare/Cardas
My friend and I discovered that buying cables was not only expensive, but rife with all sorts of strange myths and lies. So we built our own cables, based on Canare 4es star quad for the ICs with Cardas Signature Series RCAs. They transport the signal without altering it and are shielded more than adequately. That's about everything I need!
DIY Canare/WBT knock-off plugs
Similarly to ICs, as I built my system I found most cables are about 10% science and 90% snake oil. I made these.
very nice looking cabels. you are right about them being expensive, but the snake oil thing in my opinion is a false statement. cables can make a big or huge difference, but im sure yours sound find. when you get some extra time you should find a dealer that will let you borrow some then you will see that they do make a difference. no snake oil involved.
