So I've been all over the place, and gotten lots of advice on this and other boards. and here is where I am leaning right now:
(1) Audio Note AZ - 2 speaker -- $1,100
(2) Jolida JD 102B - $550 regular or $750 for the factory upgrade
(3) Music Hall 25.2 cd player -- $550.
I want something pretty warm -- My cds are mostly jazz (w & w/o female vocals) and acoustic instrumentals -- that soundstage really well (would the joilida modification help on that?).
What if you could tour all of New York City's best audio dealers by bus and get a custom presentation at each one—all in one day? Would you be interested in a hi-fi dealer caravan in NYC, sponsored by <I>Stereophile</I>?
it sure went through a lot of componets and wires, so again, why would the last few feet all of a sudden make for massive improvemtns, it all starts off this heavily loaded ckt board, lotsa ative ckts, now when you play it back, you say, teh AC cord will make it better? Or the wall outlet is giving it more space and air....hmmmmmmmmm http://www.akg.com/mediendatenbank2/psfile/datei/22/c414b_xl41136043685e2.pdf 
Kal - either in print format or in these forums, I'd love to read your take on these Hybrid SACDs which seem to be proliferating. I don't have the SACD player, so I wouldn't know, but I can't stop but to think that the Vanska's Beethoven 9th sounds much better through SACD playback... or does it also sound a tad veiled in SACD, too? The Mahler 2nd by Ivan Fischer does sound excellent through the redbook, so no qualms there... but what's the word on these? Any difference between the SACD-only discs and Hybrid discs, in terms of SACD performance?
Ive been building and learning for a while. Building a system is obviously a long and occasionally frustrating experience, i have heard enough though to know that the end will be worthwhile.
I think ive finally figured the ideal sound, im using a full set of Quad electronics with Quad 22 floor standers. The sound is very good, the thing that im missing to get to my ultimate sound is scale.
The sound itself is fine, the tone, attack etc of the speakers are great, there is good if a little bloomy bass.
Hola,
I have a favorite product that I am willing to call definitive for its category.
This...
I've had it 22 or so years.
I rank it ahead of the SOTA Reflex Clamp because it weighs less and does the same thing. It's also easier to adjust the amount of downpressure.
Of course I forgot to take a pic of my favorite record mat!
Anyway, if you ever come across one of the Maplenoll clamps, grab it. I promise you won't be disappointed.
I've been looking into getting a stereo system with a TT. I have about $700 I can spend. I was thinking of getting a cheap used TT, around $100 or so. Maybe getting a Technics SL-1200 or a Rega Planar off of ebay. I originally thought of getting a new Rega P1 but decided to put more money into the amp and speakers. Any ideas?
The rest of the money I want to put into an receiver and the speakers. I was thinking of a 2.1 system if anyone has any suggestions.
Thanks!
I can pick up a used Arcam FMJ A22 for $700 Canadian (350 pounds). It's four years old, but in excellent condition. Will be pairing it up with either Monitor Audio RS6's or Neat Motive 2's.
I haven't seen much info on the Arcam FMJ A22, but it's the predecessor to the A32. I've heard that the A32 is a rare Arcam that provides some grunt to the typical smooth sound. I'm hoping that's the case, because I listen to a lot of hip-hop, funk & northern soul.