Description
My mission was to build a system that is capable of wowing the listener(mostly me) and to create an environment where I can, experience the music rather than just hear it.
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I have always loved a warm and wet sound. I like lots of dynamic range with good detail, but nothing to analytical as my taste in music varies greatly. I have listened to many stereos in my time, especially when I was selling high end equipment in my younger years. I knew the type of sound I was after, and had plenty of time to find it.
My first move was an amplifier. Ive always wanted a nice pair of monoblocks and I found some Kora Titans on Agon. They seemed to be a perfect fit for me since they are high wattage, I love the tube sound, and one of my close friends (a previous Kora owner more on that later) is an expert on tubes and capable of helping me fix any issues that may arise. I made the purchase and oh boy, are they great!
The Titans run HOT with a total of 28 tubes, so I wanted another alternative for summer listening....and to bi-amp as well. Eventually my quest led me back to my buddy, the previous Kora owner. I say previous because after years of begging, I finally got him to sell me his Kora Aries (MOSFET / Tube Hybrid Design) monoblocks and the matching Crescendo preamp to boot! Although I really love the sound of the iPre Preamp I had, I couldnt resist the opportunity to own, not only a sexy matching Amp/Preamp combo, but one of only a handful in the country.
Most recently, I added my third and final pair of Monoblocks; the MC601s. Solid State Design and loaded with power. Not to mention their appearance, Gorgeous!
So with 3 different pairs of Monoblocks, all using a different circuit design; I get to have several different sounding systems in one.
I previously had purchased a pair of BC Acoustique A3 speakers in Black. Sleek, sexy, and OHHHHH MYYYY GOD! Low end like crazy (I like that) and DETAIL to boot! The imaging capability of those speakers is astounding...at least that's what I thought until I heard the Legacy Signature SE.
I've always loved the pristine craftsmanship of the Legacy speakers and after wanting some for 15 years, they're finally mine! I chose the SigSE because it has 2 10" woofers in a sealed enclosure. I was after more definition and coherence than the A3s had and I sure got it. These speakers easily outperform many others costing twice as much. I HIGHLY recommend them.
For my source, I found a good deal on Cairn Fog V2 and it was just the CD player I needed. Its quick, detailed and delivers the music with effortless transparency. I really enjoyed it. For the money, I dont believe it can be beaten! So.... as soon as I saw a deal on Fog V3 I snatched it up. Better sound than the V2 and I can also use it as stand alone DAC.
When not listening to CD, I use an AiportXpress to stream wirelessly from my iTunes library. The AirportXpress connects to my Fog V3 using an Optical cable so I can use the fog as a DAC. It sounds great and I can use my iPad or iPhone using the Remote App to control the music via iTunes.
I always kind of liked the idea of consistency in cabling, so I decided to buy all the same brand and model as well. Enter Nordosts Red Dawn. Again a great match for my gear. FAST, detailed, and naturally accurate; without breaking the bank.
A few other tweaks that have made a difference:
- A dedicated 30 AMP circuit with Hospital Grade outlets.
- 2 I.C.E. AC Line Filters
- Tube dampeners on all 32 tubes.
Enjoy the musical experience!!!
:-)
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