Vote

My system includes a dCS front end, Halcro pre and power amps and B&W speakers. It's the culmination of 20 years of anxiety jockeying for the perfect set-up for my musical tastes. Thanks in part to Stereophile (and to Audiogon!), I've arrived at the state of the art.

99% of the time I'm so involved in the music I find it very difficult to put on my critical audiophool listening hat. Not that I won't ever upgrade again ... I've just lost the urge for now.

Theta Digital DataBasicII/ProBasicIIIA front end (not starting all over again with new media), VTL 2.5TL preamp, Pass Aleph 3 amp, Legacy Audio Victoria LE maxi-monitors (incredible ribbon tweeters & plenty of bass). Perfect for my 12 x 16 office-den-listening room.

I've been searching for a few years now, but it's only now that I could realize what I wanted to have (mostly financial reasons) Monitor Audio Gold GS10, Heed Obelisk i, Philips DVD 963SA.

Finally, I got around to replacing my Radian HCs—now I've got Eidolon Ds, which allow for less powerful amplification: Add Lamm tube amps to the equation now, and my smile grows bigger every minute I listen to my old records.

And if I buy that one last component I will be extremely happy forever and will never need anything.

Just need more time to listen and enjoy!

Is it really a question or are you just giving your readers a chance to brag about their systems? We see it all the time herer and in your letters to the editors......Oh Mine? A modest( by stereophile standards) $35K.

Personally, the most satisfying part of this hobby is the moment you lose interest in how the system sounds, only to find that you now have this incredible stereo system that makes listening to all your favorite music more involving and enjoyable. i doubt that it's a love of music alone that drives our system-building, but once that stage is done, what's left is a nice little portal to wherever it is your music takes you.

Lots of paradigms, and a great amp/preamp.

Whopeeeeee!

With Sonus Faber Strads, Krell, and Audio Research CD7, yes. Ive had the upgrade virus; and am now in remission!

I think if you are really happy with your system, you would not want to change it. But you can't improve it without changing it, so if you don't want to change it, you're not an audiophile! You're a normal human being.

If I were completely satisfied I wouldn't be reading Stereophile. I would just be researching good music, rather than good equipment as well. The tweaking bug is always present. I think it is time to upgrade the output transformers and the coupling caps in my power amps.

My audio propensity is toward "vintage" gear. I can't afford really good stuff and, apparently, neither could anyone else in Edmonton in the 60s & 70s - because there's a pitiful lack of it here. So I live with re-worked ST-70s, a couple of old QUADs and Klipsch and assorted garage sale finds and the like. It's OK but it ain't what I'd really like to have! Noooooo. Not even close!

From a HT perspective, I am completely satisfied. I am discovering the benefits of vinyl and would like to match my existing speakers (Revel F32s), turntable kit (Linn LP12/SME 3009/Shure cartridge), and tube pre (BAT VKi) with a decently powered tube amp.

Upgraded my old system and went over budget by about 200% Boy was it worth it. I will sit and listen to music for hours at a time.

Very, very happy. Of course it could be better, but for what it is it is fantastic!

Without scrapping my son's education, It is better than I sould have ever imagined.

All components of my system are last-purchase items, so what shall I say? I'm off the merry-go-round.

All components of my system are last-purchase items, so what shall I say? I'm off the merry-go-round.

System is A-1. It's the room that sucks.

I have an Arcam Diva integrated, with matching CD player and an entry level Goldring turntable. Guess which of the three gives me the most enjoyment? Pat yourself on the head if you guessed the $400 Goldring. It's given me hundrends and hundreds of hours of pleasure for the last 15 months. Are there better systems out there? Sure. There's way better cars than my Honda Civic, but they will have to do for now. Happiness is more elusive than big bucks, fellas.

Doesn't mean I'm quite finished with it yet!

Of course not! That's why I'm reading Stereophile to find better components.

I have to say very happy. I have a love love hate, love love hate relationship with my system. Every now and then, that's it, I make up my mind and sell the whole thing. I could get by with a cheap receiver like other mortals, or could I? Of course, I could, but well you know...

At times I think my rather elaborate system sounds great, but then I pick up an acoustic guitar and the first note breaks my disillusioned heart.

'80s vintage Polk SDA speakers, Cerwin Vega powered sub, Yamaha amp, and Monster interconnects. I want Krell amps & Wilson speakers made in Provo, UT.

I am quite happy with what I have. For the moment, that is. I don't think anyone can be really really seventh-heaven happy with his system. Just not possible. What one assembles depends on how much disposable income one has, and you know how this varies from time to time at different stages of your life.......In this ever- changing audiophile world of ours, it takes a really great effort to say 'stop, let's be happy with this'. And it's more difficult the deeper your pockets are. Which child does not want the bigger toy? For that matter, which child does not want to own the whole store? And if you think you have grown up, go look at the mirror again.

I was pretty much forced to give up my system due to divorce. 'Nuff said.