The music comes first to me, I just want it to sound as good as possible. I listen to mostly to rock, blues. Allman Brothers Band & jazz, but like just about anything as long as it s good! I prefer a system that is neutral somewhat to the warm side (tubes), this is especially true with classic blues music to me.
Huge fan of Thiel Audio, not only do they produce a product that is outstanding for its value, but there customer service and staff are excellent. I currently own 3 pairs of Thiels and looking to add an SS1 sub in the near future. Conrad Johnson & VTL gear seems to match extremely well with Thiels.
Even for its age, I love this cart. I am always looking on ebay or Agon for them.
Monster Cable Alpha Genesis 1000
Just purchased off Ebay in great condition. .2mv 10-75khz. Sweet little cart so far.
Conrad Johnson PV-5
Craigslist $100 purchase, just had Mundorf Evo Silver-Gold caps put in throughout, IEC socket & silver wiring on the RCAs. Paired with a Shunyata Venom 3, sweet CJ mids...
VTL ST-150
Agon purchase, drives the CS 1.6s with ease, great bottom end
Counterpoint SA-5.1
Just purchased 2/25/13 from a nice fellow in Washington, who bought it from his friend (the original owner) this preamp is unmolested and pristine. Came with original box and literature, which made it a must for me to buy! Not much else for me to say other than I have always wanted a 5.1, now I have one! Phono stage kicks butt!
I had been battling nasty resonances coming from the tin snake pit, otherwise known as my fireplace. I love my fireplace and use it often during the winter, but spring, summer and fall it gets on my nerves. So this is what I did 2 sheets of ¼ inch oak ply 24X 48 cut to fit fireplace opening of 22.5 X 46. I used two sheets instead of one to save space and make installation/removal much easier. Purchased 2 acoustical foam off eBay for $25 and a can of 3M spray adhesive, along with weather stripping around the edges to further eliminate noise from the wood to wood contact. 2 hours of work for a wonderful improvement of tinny hallow sound from fireplace and in the process brought out better bass response from my Thiels. Great DIY for less than $60! Also looks pretty cool if I say so myself!