Any audiophiles in here?

[vinniedelpino]

I know this out of left field, but another thread that derailed into classical music has me wondering.

If so, share your setup and any good recordings worth listening to.

If not, that's cool too.

 

[Redheeler]

I am currently running a Thorens TD124 with a Marantz 7 Pre amp, a Marantz 8 amp and have a set of Lansing 15”Silver cone speakers with Lansing horns. Mostly into 70 - 90s rock, some bluegrass, classical,and a little old C&W.
Sad part is I don’t seem to have enough time to sit down and enjoy any more.

 

[vh20]

Paging @Maggot

 

[Maggot]

I am currently running a Thorens TD124 with a Maranta 7 Pre amp, a Marantz 8 amp and have a set of Lancing 15”Silver cone speakers with Lancing horns. Mostly into 70 - 90s rock, some bluegrass, classical,and a little old C&W.
Sad part is I don’t seem to have enough time to sit down and enjoy any more.

Technics SP 10 Mk II with a Kuzma 14" 4'oint arm and a Transfiguration Proteus Diamond cartridge. That feeds into a custom built all point to point wired phono stage and preamp. Those drive a custom built Deja Vu audio push pull 300 B mono block amps with Western Electric 300 B's and vintage Chicago transformers. Speakers are now a pair of Altec 604 E Super Duplex in custom built all white oak cabinets.

, Jazz and Classical, but the damn tinnitus is getting in the way.

 

[calling4life]

This is like reading someone speaking in another language.

What does a person consider an audiophile?
And the shit listed above, what is it?

I have a yamaha audio/video receiver, 7 speaker surround capable, 2 subwoofer capable.

But I just have it rigged as a 5 speaker surround with one sub. Klipsch speakers and sub for me, nothing very expensive, couldn't even tell you the model numbers.

It's my home theater setup but is used for everything, run through a projector, in fact, it's my computer as well and I'm on it right now, so my internet is run through it as well, works great for listening to youtube videos or what not.

Is that what's being discussed here or is this car audio or ...?

 

[n2ishun]

Mains are JBL L116A (alnico magnets) 8" with Focal TC120TDR tweets, cabinets and crossovers by me 8db low pass, 24 db high with time alignment, etc.
Rears are Morel 6" with planar tweets, center is a reworked dynaudio unit, sub is a Peerless XLS 12" with a 600 watt plate amp.
You don't want to know about the electronics.
To say my neighbors hate me is justified

 

[mikeshaw2]

Jazz and Classical, but the damn tinnitus is getting in the way.

Shooting sports and being an audiophile seem to be a weird mix

I'm plugged and muffed both. My tinnitus is bad enough as it is.

M

 

[Redheeler]

Technics SP 10 Mk II with a Kuzma 14" 4'oint arm and a Transfiguration Proteus Diamond cartridge. That feeds into a custom built all point to point wired phono stage and preamp. Those drive a custom built Deja Vu audio push pull 300 B mono block amps with Western Electric 300 B's and vintage Chicago transformers. Speakers are now a pair of Altec 604 E Super Duplex in custom built all white oak cabinets.

, Jazz and Classical, but the damn tinnitus is getting in the way.

Have a Technic SP 10 MKll also. Nice table, instant startup, so much so you can stop the platter, place the stylus where you want and start it with no perceivable drag on start up, just like queuing up a CD. Maybe Maggot can verify, but I believe that it reaches speed in 3 tenths of a second or less. I have a custom made moving coil cartridge with a custom Shibata style stylus that I run on it. And yea, tinnitus sucks.

 

[FWoo45]

SX1250 powering a pair of La Scalas. Denon and B&O turn tables. Sunfire MKII sub. Nakamichi tape player. Nothing fancy but would be a pretty bitchin set up 30 years ago. When I listen to Marty Robbins, my neighbors listen to Marty Robbins.

 

[Pharmseller]

I don’t like to flaunt my wealth, but I’m currently sporting a JBL Flip 5.

In camo.

I know.




P

 

[XikoPlavi]

I can tell you I want to move up to an SME model 30 and sell my VPI HW40 (but do I need it). I’d sure love to have an SME 30

I personally love high end soundsmith cartridges (Paua - Hyperion). But I listen only to rock music mostly and soundsmith shines for that to my ears. Air tight makes a good cartridge also.

Focal Sopra3 speakers

I’ve upgraded my preamp and amp also recently to a C22 & MC1502 (150 eatt)

Shunyata cables

You always want to upgrade

It gets really expensive (I won’t even go into the record collection)

I’m a record guy. I’ve been thinking about maybe getting a DAC but not any time soon

Don’t forget the cost of the HRS rack!

there is always someone else who can put spend you and has a nicer system but I’m finally at a good place for mine.

 

[akmike47]

I have $300 noise canceling headphones, but I’m also hard of hearing. Maybe they sound good, maybe they don’t...same shit to me lol.

 

[Sinned]

Used to have, infinity modulus speaker system, B&K hot-rotted amp, musical fidelity preamp, Sony ES cd player, can't remember name of dac, and shotgun cables. Keep telling myself I'm gonna get back in, this time vinly...

 

[Maxwell]

The neighbors and I listen to all sorts of good music with a Nam CD player, McCormack amp (I think either 150 or 200 watts each side) and a pair of B&W tower speakers. McCormack is now out of business. At one quarter volume I rattle the windows. Never had it full volume.

Maxwell

 

[Redheeler]

Even with bad hearing, vinyl still sounds better than digital. No clipping, no compression, no algorithms for any kind of corrections. I have a couple direct to disc albums that if you close your eyes you could be right there. Of course there is Mobile Fidelity, Classic Records, and a few other that put out some really nice vinyl. Classic Records is base here in Kansas (Salina), have been up to see their place. Got to see everything except the press plant. Even met the owner, nice personable guy.

 

[vinniedelpino]

I never got into vinyl.

I still think SACD and DVD-A should have had more support. I’m debating going the tidal/deezer route.

Building a set of Dennis Murphy’s Philharmonic BMRs right now and arguing with the wife over acoustic tile placement.

Theres some cool stuff listed here.

 

[XikoPlavi]

^ive always wanted to try one of the mofi early 80s presses but I want a sealed copy and not sure which one I’d choose. I think the mofis from like 1982 were the first ones when they first came out.

I mostly collect sealed OG 1st press records from 60s-80s (when I can)

Rare that I buy new record pressings. I do have the 2014 Beatles UK mono masters and they sound almost as good as originals.

Makes me wonder now if the stones did any of the mofi presses (exile on Main Street maybe)???

 

[vinniedelpino]

Technics SP 10 Mk II with a Kuzma 14" 4'oint arm and a Transfiguration Proteus Diamond cartridge. That feeds into a custom built all point to point wired phono stage and preamp. Those drive a custom built Deja Vu audio push pull 300 B mono block amps with Western Electric 300 B's and vintage Chicago transformers. Speakers are now a pair of Altec 604 E Super Duplex in custom built all white oak cabinets.

, Jazz and Classical, but the damn tinnitus is getting in the way.

Jeez.

You’re like the Horta of Hifi

Who knew?

 

[Redheeler]

I never got into vinyl.

I still think SACD and DVD-A should have had more support. I’m debating going the tidal/deezer route.

Building a set of Dennis Murphy’s Philharmonic BMRs right now and arguing with the wife over acoustic tile placement.

Theres some cool stuff listed here.

Being as old as I am, that is what I grew up listening to. Then there was 4 track players, then 8 track players, then quadraphonic 8track players........... up to what’s happening today. Guess I just got stuck and didn’t change. Still have a boat load of pre amps, amps, turntables, receivers, etc. that I have collected over the years.

 

[Redheeler]

^ive always wanted to try one of the mofi early 80s presses but I want a sealed copy and not sure which one I’d choose. I think the mofis from like 1982 were the first ones when they first came out.

I mostly collect sealed OG 1st press records from 60s-80s (when I can)

Rare that I buy new record pressings. I do have the 2014 Beatles UK mono masters and they sound almost as good as originals.

Makes me wonder now if the stones did any of the mofi presses (exile on Main Street maybe)???

Check out Classic Records. They acquire the original tapes, remaster them, and record on 200g virgin vinyl. Last ones I bought were recorded at 45 rpm rather than 33 1/3. Been quite awhile since I’ve bought anything from them so can’t tell you what they have any more.

 

[vinniedelpino]

Being as old as I am, that is what I grew up listening to. Then there was 4 track players, then 8 track players, then quadraphonic 8track players........... up to what’s happening today. Guess I just got stuck and didn’t change. Still have a boat load of pre amps, amps, turntables, receivers, etc. that I have collected over the years.

Even though I’m messing with the RAAL ribbon, BMR mids and digital Hifi right now I have a soft spot for vintage stuff. Newer definitely doesn’t mean better.

You might be sitting on some coin there.

 

[XikoPlavi]

Being as old as I am, that is what I grew up listening to. Then there was 4 track players, then 8 track players, then quadraphonic 8track players........... up to what’s happening today. Guess I just got stuck and didn’t change. Still have a boat load of pre amps, amps, turntables, receivers, etc. that I have collected over the years.

You got any old vacuum tubes laying around (EL34s)? Lol. Just think if you did have some old 70s NOS mullard’s or gold lions. Who knew they would be worth bucks in 2022

 

[pmclaine]

I love Audie Murphy……

 

[Alpine 338]

Old school vintage Yamaha equipment from the 90's. Class AB amplifier that puts the new stuff to shame, but probably banned in California because of how much electricity the amp uses.

JBL studio reference monitors.

I sold all my vinyl years ago, and honestly my CD collection of 700+ discs are collecting dust as I listen to FM stereo most of the time.

Hell, my new truck doesn't even have a CD player in it, and Sirius/XM sounds like crap with the compressed audio, even with my poor hearing from listening to the constant whine of jet engines.

 

[NotByWorks]

SX1250 powering a pair of La Scalas. Denon and B&O turn tables. Sunfire MKII sub. Nakamichi tape player. Nothing fancy but would be a pretty bitchin set up 30 years ago. When I listen to Marty Robbins, my neighbors listen to Marty Robbins.

That’s a lot of juice for a pair of La Scala.

 

[theLBC]

had a denon receiver and definitive technologies towers and surrounds, but recently gave them away.
now i am just using sonos...which isn't audiophile level, but okay for me these days, and the source menu is huge.

 

[GreenGO Juan]

4 way system. Use a DBX Driver rack which has high mid and low output, cross over peq, graphic eq limters and more.

High- compression tweeters from 2.2khz/20khz 24db butterworth slope. Using Jbl2416h. Which are fed at 8 ohms stereo by the qsc1450. Aggressive limiter as the 280watts rms can easily destroy the coil on the diaphragm.

Mid- which is crossed from 24hz/2.2khz with 24db butterworth slope is sent to the dbx 223 and split into my midrange and low that signal is split at 140hz 24db linkwitz slope. The mid feeds a 15”jbl 2032h with a qsc 2402 in stereo at 8ohms around 600 watts per channel. The bass side are 2 JBL 18” 2044’s fed in stereo by the mackie 1400i getting around 700 watts per channel

Low signal is 24/63hz 24db butter worth slope. 2x18 peavy lowriders in an 18cuft box tuned to 25hz, fed by a qsc 3602 Bridged at 3600watts.

Its literally like being front row at a concert.

 

[pmclaine]

 

[Alpine 338]

 

[pmclaine]

View attachment 7957781

So you are the guy banging my mother in law!

I’ll recognize that forearm and find you!

 

[Sean the Nailer]

I have the family gramaphone here, my grandmother bought new with her 'pin money'.

 

[pk5333]

Elac dbr62's
JBL 10" sub (can't remember the model)
Buckeye NC252 amp
Sanskrit DAC

good quality recordings...
anything by Diana Krall. I especially like Live in Paris.
anything by Tracy Chapman.

Other than that I don't often listen to what's considered audiophile recordings.
Metallica, Pink Floyd, Megadeth, lots of 90's rock, etc... though Pink Floyd usually has good sounding stuff. DSOTM sounds great.

 

[pk5333]

I don’t like to flaunt my wealth, but I’m currently sporting a JBL Flip 5.

In camo.

I know.




P

the JBL flip is a great bluetooth speaker. I use my flip 4 all the time.

 

[mrtoyz]

Thought we had a nice setup with Marantz and Def Tech surround but then I read this thread. Wow

 

[XikoPlavi]

These are original mobile fidelity records from 1982. There are a lot of mofi pressings after these but these are the original. And, look at the prices!

 

[philly1010]

I think the term audiophile means different things to different people. By definition it is the love of music. I have been into audio all my life. It costs more money than I make to have a really nice stereo (in my opinion). I've tried the A/V route and hated it. Sounded like crap compared to separates. Currently have about 1400 CD / SACD / Blue Ray Audio / 24K Gold Original Masters, etc. Current setup is:

Livingroom:
Parasound Power Amp
Parasound Pre Amp
Marantz CD / SACD
SAE EQ
Klipsch Palladium P-38F
Rythmik Sub
Shunyata full set period matching (Python) cables
Furman Reference 20i Power Conditioner
Symposium Plinths and Feet

Bedroom:
Luxman Pure Class A Integrated
OPPO B105 Darby CD / SACD / Blue Ray Audio
Klipsch Palladium P-17B
Shunyata cables full set
Furman Reference 15i
Symposium Plinths and Feet

Over the years I have changed up my audio equipment. Here is some of it.

 

[Sandhog308]

I know this out of left field, but another thread that derailed into classical music has me wondering.

If so, share your setup and any good recordings worth listening to.

If not, that's cool too.

Still play & collect vinyl , have been forever. Figure I have 1000 + vinyl albums.
Only drawback is it’s a PITA , disc washing and cleaning the stylus.

Have a McIntosh mc 240 tube Amp.…Bang & Olufsen Beogram turntable…Denon CD player….pair of Klipsch La Scala Speakers ….pair of Klipsch Heresy Il’s. Pair of Sennheiser headphones. Sounds great , music is my getaway from other things ..brings me peace of mind.

 

[Maggot]

I can tell you I want to move up to an SME model 30 and sell my VPI HW40 (but do I need it). I’d sure love to have an SME 30

I personally love high end soundsmith cartridges (Paua - Hyperion). But I listen only to rock music mostly and soundsmith shines for that to my ears. Air tight makes a good cartridge also.

Focal Sopra3 speakers

I’ve upgraded my preamp and amp also recently to a C22 & MC1502 (150 eatt)

Shunyata cables

You always want to upgrade

It gets really expensive (I won’t even go into the record collection)

I’m a record guy. I’ve been thinking about maybe getting a DAC but not any time soon

Don’t forget the cost of the HRS rack!

there is always someone else who can put spend you and has a nicer system but I’m finally at a good place for mine.

On the table you can do better for less. The Technics SP 10 mk II is one of the best all time tables and can be bought used for $2500 or so, then add your choice of am. If you want the ultimate try a cartridge with a diamond cantilever. More open and and better mids and top end than anything Ive tried.

 

[Maggot]

Being as old as I am, that is what I grew up listening to. Then there was 4 track players, then 8 track players, then quadraphonic 8track players........... up to what’s happening today. Guess I just got stuck and didn’t change. Still have a boat load of pre amps, amps, turntables, receivers, etc. that I have collected over the years.

Its simple, vinyl is better.

 

[Maggot]

Check out Classic Records. They acquire the original tapes, remaster them, and record on 200g virgin vinyl. Last ones I bought were recorded at 45 rpm rather than 33 1/3. Been quite awhile since I’ve bought anything from them so can’t tell you what they have any more.

There is also a German company doing excellent reissues. Ill try to find it.

 

[dogman]

PS Audio Stellar S300 2-channel amp
PS Audio Stellar GainCell pre/DAC
Salk Sound SongTower speakers
Roon Nucleus music server with all music as lossless FLAC

I don’t chase gear so I put together a clean, lean, musical listening system. I also have a pair of Elac Debut 2.0 b6.2 bookshelf speakers that punch way above their sub $300 price.

When I was overseas, I used a Schiit Audio Jotunheim headphone amp/DAC with a set of BeyerDynamic DT 770 Pro headphones that sounded fantastic.

 

[Maggot]

View attachment 7957725View attachment 7957726
4 way system. Use a DBX Driver rack which has high mid and low output, cross over peq, graphic eq limters and more.

High- compression tweeters from 2.2khz/20khz 24db butterworth slope. Using Jbl2416h. Which are fed at 8 ohms stereo by the qsc1450. Aggressive limiter as the 280watts rms can easily destroy the coil on the diaphragm.

Mid- which is crossed from 24hz/2.2khz with 24db butterworth slope is sent to the dbx 223 and split into my midrange and low that signal is split at 140hz 24db linkwitz slope. The mid feeds a 15”jbl 2032h with a qsc 2402 in stereo at 8ohms around 600 watts per channel. The bass side are 2 JBL 18” 2044’s fed in stereo by the mackie 1400i getting around 700 watts per channel

Low signal is 24/63hz 24db butter worth slope. 2x18 peavy lowriders in an 18cuft box tuned to 25hz, fed by a qsc 3602 Bridged at 3600watts.

Its literally like being front row at a concert.

I think you'll appreciate this, my old system.

 

[GreenGO Juan]

I think you'll appreciate this, my old system.

View attachment 7957950

That is beautiful!! Bet it sounded incredible!

Edit- I assume a few Jerry Garcia riffs came out of that?

 

[Maggot]

That is beautiful!! Bet it sounded incredible!

Edit- I assume a few Jerry Garcia riffs came out of that?

Many Garcia rifts, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Jefferson Airplane as well.

 

[Maggot]

For those into vinyl, try the Speakers Corner reissues. Best Ive heard, hands down. A German company.

1. www.speakerscornerrecords.comSpeakers Corner Records​

   
   Feb 09, 2022 · Speakers Corner Records produces audiophile vinyl LPs in the highest qualilty and our motto Pure Analogue inspires us since more than 20 years.

Not on that label but one of the finest recordings Ive heard is a Ry Cooder, 'A Meeting By the River'. Laid back jazzy stuff.

 

[abstruse1]

Linn for source. LP-12/Ekos/Akiva/Lingo/Linto. You've got to drink the kool-aid. Been through lots of electronics and speakers. Had Krell amps that could heat the room during winter. Had one of the first pair of KEF 105s in Houston back in the day.

 

[XikoPlavi]

On the table you can do better for less. The Technics SP 10 mk II is one of the best all time tables and can be bought used for $2500 or so, then add your choice of am. If you want the ultimate try a cartridge with a diamond cantilever. More open and and better mids and top end than anything Ive tried.

You can ship your diamond cartridge to me to try out. I’ll get back to you on my review. I assume you know who Peter Lederman is (his bio history)

But yeah I’d like to demo what you got

I’m not necessarily a technics fanboy but yeah I thought about buying one (I bought the VPI I have mainly b/c it is direct drive).

But yes I’m not gonna spend 35k on the SME30. If SME still sold thier tonearms separate I’d probably do that

 

[XikoPlavi]

Still play & collect vinyl , have been forever. Figure I have 1000 + vinyl albums.
Only drawback is it’s a PITA , disc washing and cleaning the stylus.

Have a McIntosh mc 240 tube Amp.…Bang & Olufsen Beogram turntable…Denon CD player….pair of Klipsch La Scala Speakers ….pair of Klipsch Heresy Il’s. Pair of Sennheiser headphones. Sounds great , music is my getaway from other things ..brings me peace of mind.

You got any MINT copies of OG 1st press Blackmores Rainbow records???

The 3 with Dio singing. I have copies but not MINT

Eeww and ZZtop Deguello 1979 sealed??

 

[XikoPlavi]

I think the term audiophile means different things to different people. By definition it is the love of music. I have been into audio all my life. It costs more money than I make to have a really nice stereo (in my opinion). I've tried the A/V route and hated it. Sounded like crap compared to separates. Currently have about 1400 CD / SACD / Blue Ray Audio / 24K Gold Original Masters, etc.

I always wanted to tryout an a accuphase amp years ago (Japan made solid state)

I have seen the 24k sacd packs go for 300 each.

 

[GreenGO Juan]

Many Garcia rifts, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Jefferson Airplane as well.

You know the difference between a hippie and a dead head?


A dead head will kick your ass.