Listening to music from a sofa isn't enough, it has to be so real and life like that I am immersed inside the music with the players. That's what I aim for and any system changes need to follow this guideline.
My baby from UK in the late '80s. Was my most treasured possession and still belts out a decent tune
Linn Ittok LVII
Upgraded from the Basik arm and improved the sound tremendously
Benz Micro Benz Micro
Changed from my original Supex SDX-9000. Supex used to OEM for Linn and made their Asak cartridge
Balanced Audio VK-5i
Where to start? Damm good pre-amp and having difficulty finding a better one. Upgraded output capacitors (big problem with the original BAT amps), using English Mullard (Mitchem Factory) military NOS tubes and Herbie tube dampeners.
Balanced Audio VK-P5
A head amp for my Linn. Still tweaking it to improve sound. Has potential but needs high output cartridge
YBA Passion 1000 monoblocks
Amazing amps. Replaced my Krell electronics. Can see far deeper into the music and soundstage. Sounds sweet, like tubes. I placed a "sacrificial lamb" on top of the YBA so any child heading for the system would be baited to the toy instead. And it works!
Shunyata Hydra 8
Sold on the Hydra 4 after a blind test shootout. Gradully upgraded to 8 over time
Wilson Audio Watt+Puppy 6.0
Needs time for 'voweling' setup but when done, sounds incredible. Tweeters are the later set (WP7)
Harmonic Technology Magic Link II
Use them between all electronics. Tried many brands, these seem most natural and balanced sounding in my system.
Cardas Golden Reference
Seems to match the WP6 pretty well. Again, tried many different brands, these seemed the most natural
Symposium Isis
4 level Heavy Duty aluminum rack, rollerblocks built inside the legs on 2 levels. Sounds improves more than component upgrades!
DIY Sandbase
Teak sandbases made locally. They help tighten up the sound
Symposium Rollerblocks Jr+, Series 2+
Great vibration control products. Tungsten Carbide G2.5 balls are pretty amazing.
If your current set-up doesn't allow you to 'get into the music' I am afraid nothing will, bravo, nicely done and I would like to echo the above comments on a great looking room.
