Fell in love with music in the late 50s. Got the audiophile bug in 1972 when I could afford my first entry level system (Sansui 2000X receiver + Phillips 212 electronic turntable + Studiocraft speakers). Upgraded the speakers about a year later to Ohm C. Thought the Bose 501s were too midrangie and too smooth in lengthy A/B listening with the Ohms. Liked that acoustic suspension sound compared to the Bose base reflex. Next upgrade was to Paradigm Studio Monitor 9 speakers. Actually liked the Klipsch better but their recommended room placement just didn't work for my living room. Next upgrade was Yamaha RX 596 receiver (80 WATTS). Still have the Sansui and Phillips and both still work but definitely showing their age. Questions now are: next turntable? Amp? Pre-amp? Have always wanted separates since I heard McIntosh, Phase Linear and Adcoms over the years. You old audiophiles out there will know what I'm talking about by now! Thinking of Rega Planar 3 with the Exact; either Parasound A 21 or A 23 or an Anthem 2 channel. Must admit I am a bit intrigued by the Cambridge Audio Azur XD unit but it runs really hot and hot is the enemy of solid state circuitry. So, that instinctively doesn't make sense, to me. Have yet to audition any of these but, based on stats & research, I think I'll lean Parasound. Not sure I really need more than 125 clean WATTS because the Paradigms are efficient, my living room is modest size (about 15' X 30') and post & beam wood (nice dead room; good acoustics). I listen to everything except rap. Mostly listen to acoustic guitar, rock, jazz, classic big band and classical. So, sock it to me all you knowledgeable audiophiles out there. I appreciate any knowledgeable supportive guidance and advice I can get. Thank you and may music always be with you!
Fell in love with music in the late 50s. Got the audiophile bug in 1972 when I could afford my first entry level system (Sansui 2000X receiver + Phillips 212 electronic turntable + Studiocraft speakers). Upgraded the speakers about a year later to Ohm C. Thought the Bose 501s were too midrangie and too smooth in lengthy A/B listening with the Ohms. Liked that acoustic suspension sound compared to the Bose base reflex. Next upgrade was to Paradigm Studio Monitor 9 speakers. Actually liked the Klipsch better but their recommended room placement just didn't work for my living room. Next upgrade was Yamaha RX 596 receiver (80 WATTS). Still have the Sansui and Phillips and both still work but definitely showing their age. Questions now are: next turntable? Amp? Pre-amp? Have always wanted separates since I heard McIntosh, Phase Linear and Adcoms over the years. You old audiophiles out there will know what I'm talking about by now! Thinking of Rega Planar 3 with the Exact; either Parasound A 21 or A 23 or an Anthem 2 channel. Must admit I am a bit intrigued by the Cambridge Audio Azur XD unit but it runs really hot and hot is the enemy of solid state circuitry. So, that instinctively doesn't make sense, to me. Have yet to audition any of these but, based on stats & research, I think I'll lean Parasound. Not sure I really need more than 125 clean WATTS because the Paradigms are efficient, my living room is modest size (about 15' X 30') and post & beam wood (nice dead room; good acoustics). I listen to everything except rap. Mostly listen to acoustic guitar, rock, jazz, classic big band and classical. So, sock it to me all you knowledgeable audiophiles out there. I appreciate any knowledgeable supportive guidance and advice I can get. Thank you and may music always be with you!