This system, with 60 comments, is already up under my old Audiogon moniker - Fplanner2000. I've had to duplicate it since they wouldn't let me attach it to my new moniker - fplanner2010.
I started this hobby about 8 years ago and have subsequently gone a bit nuts turning my living room into a pretty nice 2-channel and HT setup. When I first posted this system on 10-4-06, it didn't have very much of what is currently there now. (Actually, all that remains are the Gray conditioner, the sub and Sunfire amp!!)
I have done all the upgrades I had been contemplating 3 years ago (plus a number of others for various reasons), and the dogs have been surprisingly cooperative in not taking out any tubes. With the latest addition of the APL Super-DAC prototype, I am pretty much exactly where I had hoped to be when I started this 8 years ago. FINALLY!!
I'd like to thank all my friends and acquaintances here on Audiogon for your help and guidance along the way. I never would have gotten this far this quickly without your help, suggestions and shared wisdom. I am totally appreciative.
I don't anticipate any more changes anytime real soon, but in this hobby, you really NEVER KNOW!! I'm going to CES in 3 weeks, so we'll see what happens. I'm definitely interested in exploring computer integration and would love to have my 1000+ CDs on a big hard-drive, but we'll see....
Valve Amplification Company VAC Statement 450 Monoblocks
WOW. Not broken in yet
Valve Amplification Company Signature IIa Preamp
Added 7308's 2/12 replacing noisy 6dj8's - incredible soundstage and sonic extension. Unbelievable!!
Esoteric/APL 32-bit NWO-M Transport/DAC
SOTA digital. 20 2nd generation 32-bit AKM DACs/side, double tube Class-A output stage, 96/211 upsampler, etc.
Von Schweikert Audio VR-7SE w/Mk 2 upgrade
Total internal re-wire w/Delphi wire, new mid-range drivers and V-Cap bypass mods to mids, tweets and super-tweets.
Pro ELITE 70 inch LCD w/full Local Dimming
Product of a 2.5 yr project between Pioneer and Sharp engineers to build the BEST in the world w/o economic constraints. Came out several months ago in 60" and 70"; 2 yr 3 mo. factory wty. Expensive but amazing so far. Goes FAR beyond Sony XBR, my prior reference, in many noticeable areas.
Oppo BDP-95
Video processing to 3D plus all latest Audio Codecs
Integra DHC-80.2 HD Processor
All the latest codecs for movies.
Velodyne DD-15+ Subwoofer
A nice upgrade from the prior DD-15
Synergistic Research TESLA Reference Subwoofer cables(2)
Best I've ever had on my sub.
Synergistic Research Galileo Speaker Cells
Speaker tweeker - really opens up the speakers for an even more organic and visceral "you are there" presentation. A pleasant surprise.
Synergistic Research Element Series C-T-S ics
Copper-Tungsten-Silver 1m rca ICs between APL and preamp. Increased clarity, deeper and wider soundstage, better imaging and focus.
Synergistic Research Apex Tesla ICs & bi-wire Spkr cable
A revelation for my system
Synergistic Research Precision Reference XLR ICs
Perfect between Preamp and amps. Tried pure silver, but lost the body of the Prec Ref.
Synergistic Research 3 Hologram A and 2 Hologram D PCs
Improved dynamics and imaging. A's on both amps and preamp.
Synergistic Research D-3 Digital IC cable
Best digital cable from Transport to DAC I have found at any price.
Acrolink Mexcel Digital BNC
Great digital cable for the clock - made for Esoteric.
Legacy Audio Focus 20/20 rear speakers
Full range and great for movies
Legacy Audio Silver Screen Center speaker
Blends really well with the VSA fronts
Magnum Dynalab MD-108T Triode tuner
Best tuner I've found. Replaced a Sansui modded 9900, which I still have.
Finite Elemente Cerapucs under UX-1 & Preamp
Tightens up the presentation.
Digital Systems Ultrabit Platinum Disc Treatment
The best I've found to help my CDs sound their best and remove scratches.