Clearaudio/Benz, Conrad Johnson, and Wilson System.
Dedicated two channel listening, mostly LP.
Thanks Nathalie for letting me indulge. Rudy for teaching me the subtractive method, less is the new more. Music Lovers and Musical Surroundings for honest advice and helping me re-discover hi-fi and Amoeba for the almighty dollar bin.
I don't think I would either Nixon. But taking his course would give one a better understanding of amplifiers, perhaps making possible better equipment choices.
Being in Berkeley, you're close enough to attend Roger Modjeski's engineering classes he's been offering since he relocated up there. If I was still in the Bay Area (grew up in San Jose---Cupertino, actually) I'd do it myself. You can build your own electronics with guidance from one of the living masters!
Amoeba, my favorite place on Earth. I go to the one in Hollywood, you have the San Francisco and Berkeley stores, which I have yet to see. If they're anything like the one down here, aren't you fortunate!
