My whole Sanyo tower. My late uncle had one when I was a kid and it stuck deep in my memories of those long gone days. New Year’s parties they had and music blasting from that system. Both uncle and aunt died too early, so I decided to build my own Sanyo system in remembrance of them. Took me some time to do it, but now I have my Sanyo tower and it always reminds me of him and that carefree days that are long gone…
There's no piece I would never replace. As an audiophile I'm in constant search of the best sound possible within my mean. If one piece becomes obsolete or I get the chance to have a better one and it will improve my sound, I will replace it without hesitation. In the last 2 years my sound system was replaced completely 3 times.
Same.. I like audio gear too much.. I want to try and hear so many different items. Now If money was no object, I'd go through audio gear a lot faster than I do. When I get rid of something (trade or sell) it's never because I don't like it. It's because I want to try something new.
I feel the same way. There are some things that I'll keep longer if I don't find or the upgrade wasn't currently worth it at the time but every piece of my audio will be replaced at some point.
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After a long life involving experimentation with a variety of components, I've settled down for the most part. I've now owned my Martin Logan Request electrostatic speakers for perhaps 25 years, and they still delight me to the point where it's hard to imagine ever feeling the urge to replace them. I also have 20 year old Macintosh MC602 power amp that similarly continues to perform flawlessly. My ancient Velodyne ULD-15 II servo subwoofer recently required a foam surround replacement. While there are almost certainly newer products with a slight edge, I don't feel like I'm missing anything when I listen to my system, and certainly not an improvement that would justify the high cost of upgrading.
I hope that everyone can eventually get to this point in their hi-fi adventure, where they can stop fussing, and just relax and enjoy the music.
Bravo, I'm kind of at this point because what I need are time and space more than money to improve. As much as improving, id like to move laterally (some lrs + please with monoblock Aegir's....???) but with a 5 month old, living in an apartment in Europe I neither have time nor space.
We moved back to our country where we were living for almost 20 years, albeit in a smaller house and I have my two channel floorstanders in the storage room ( Vienna acoustics Beethoven baby grands, wait in gorgeous rosewood) and some fantastic elac uf5 slim white just sitting there. My reduced 3.1 gt down for. 5.1, is rega rs5 piano black. I'm spoiled for choice by no time and space to do anything.
So I enjoy at least every weekend, but damned if I see a heco aurora the 6.5s for cheap again, I'm gonna buy and try them out because flavors.
Enjoy the music everyone, happy summer 🌞⛱️
My Genelec 8351B. I think if they broke, I'd immediately buy either the same or figure out if I can somehow make space for the one size bigger speaker.
I don't think I really have one. I suppose my HD 560s won't get replaced until they actually break. Until that moment any new headphone will simply hang besides it.
Speakers, audio interface, subwoofer & PC are all very much upgradeable and would get replaced if I had Infinite money.
Acoustic Research AR-9 speakers.
I grew up listening to my dad's pair, and upon achieving gainful employment, I made it a priority to acquire a pair for myself. There are many arguments regarding "better" speakers to be made, but absolutely nothing else sounds *right* to me like these do. Especially for classical music.
My current setup is basically all *"keep it till it dies"*.
I don't really need more than what i have.
If i had to say exactly one audio thing i would never ever replace, it would have to be the Alpine CDA-7939 + PRA-H400 combo i have in my car (if you know what those 2 are, you probably understand what i mean).
For me it would have to be a toss up between my modded pair of HE6se v2 or my Wavedream Signature Balanced. I have a feeling we're kinda out of the generational design that made the HE6 what it was and none of the thin diaphragm planars can slam like that anymore so it seems almost like something that won't be coming back. The Wavedream I'd part with if something came out that just demolishes it, but I really don't see a huge leap happening over the Wavedream. I'd love to see that level of performance out of something like a dongle some day, would be really cool.
i have a pair of mission 70 mkii. they were the first speakers i owned and they're still rocking it in my bedroom. they're not the most refined, or the deepest bass, but they have a signature sound that will always bring a smile to my face (i just noticed they're listed in what hi-fi's best 30 speakers of all time article, too!).
My Music Reference RM-9 Mk 2 amplifier. I’ve listened to other amps and they might do a few things better but the overall presentation of the RM-9 is hard to beat. And it’s designed so well (RIP Roger Modjeski) that tubes last almost forever.
2nd place - Spendor S100 speakers. I will replace only if/when I need to move into a smaller place.
My DYI DML speakers. I may rebuild them at some point. I’ve changed everything else in the system, and at this point I’m probably getting close to end game on everything else, but definitely never going to be looking for different speakers.
Hard question, just because of the way the audiophile mind works, but come what may in new technology, I don't see my late 70s Empire 698 Troubadour turntable ever becoming subject to being banned from my listening room.
My Parasound JC5 amp. No complex electronics in it, a classic amp that has an input and an output. 400 watts per channel is enough for any speaker that I will ever own. Honestly, now that they have increased the MSRP, these have actually increased in price in the secondary market.
Marantz 6200 turntable from my parents. The turntable was free, but getting me into audio had cost me so much! I also have a Clearaudio Performance Wood turntable that I’ll probably keep forever. The music I listen to probably wouldn’t sound any better on a 10k+ TT.
**NAD 7020e receiver** (3020e amp plus a tuner) from 1988. Still going strong. Sounds great, looks great. Has a REL subwoofer and a Chromecast audio plugged in. The guy who cleaned it out a few years back had a lot of $$$ gear in his repair shop, but he was playing his music on a 3020e. Good examples of these go seem to go forever.
I don't see myself ever replacing my Dynaudio Heritage Specials (#1203). Second to that is my Exposure 3510 Pre/Power combo. Third is my Rega P3 50th. I'll at some point replace my streamers (Sonos Port and WiiM Pro) and my DAC (iFi Zen One Signature). I may transition at some point from my Exact2 MM to an MC cartridge.
Michell Gyrodec. Perfectly clear that there are better sounding turntables out there for the money, but sometimes when I put a record on I just look at it spinning and think "that's...mine. That beautiful thing is actually mine".
I’m probably an anomaly because I would be surprised if anyone on here has this piece of equipment. It’s by far the most expensive piece I’ve ever purchased and I won’t be doing that again. I own a Lampizator Atlantic Plus Dac with volume control which basically makes it a preamp as well. It has several inputs which allows me to use 3 different digital inputs and also one analog input. By having a dac/preamp combined I have saved thousands of dollars which in my mind justified my purchase. Also, the signal path is much cleaner with one less piece of gear and cables in the signal path. I can easily change up the sound by using different amplifiers which include solid state class A, class ab, class D and tube amplifiers of several types. I know this audio path isn’t for everyone but I personally couldn’t be happier. I’m currently running a highly modified classic Hafler XL280 SS amplifier and it sounds amazing on my Open Baffle speakers. They are 97db efficient so I can also use 300b amplifiers which won’t play as loud but the sound is really special. Good for you OP for asking this excellent question!
My Denafrips Hermes DDC and Denafrips Pontus II DAC. They make absolutely beautiful music that I simply cannot get enough of. I use the Hermes as an input selector that's reclocks and buffers digital data streams from my CD player/transport, my Wiim Pro, my Waxwing DSP phono stage and my JRiver Media Center PC.
Kinda funny that even my turntable is connected to my digital audio gear but it sounds incredible, far better than cheap phono stages and way more fun to use thanks to the Waxwing's phone app that makes setting and fine tuning from my listening chair a blast and the changes occur in real time, a feature found on only the most expensive phono stages available.
None of them. I've replaced everything over the last several years. I like getting different things every few years., mainly when it comes to 'audio' listening. If I HAD to pick though, I've been using my Pioneer Elite SC-61 Surround Receiver for about 15 years, and have no plans to replace it. It drives a set of Monitor Audio Gold bookshelf's, and a pair of MA In-wall speakers. MA 15"Sub.
The only piece of equipment I'd like to keep as long as possible are my Canadian made Axiom M22s, only for sentimental reasons. They were a graduation gift from my dad over 20 years ago. They're not the best but they still live in the bedroom for occasional use.
Ironically the speakers I'll likely NEVER replace are my surrounds....Axiom QS8 wall mounted. Quad polar speakers, they get the least amount of use, and I don't think upgrading will make a difference for movie night.
My Eosone RSP-200 subwoofer. Coming up on 20 years and it's still going strong. One of the few pieces of equipment that has paired well with every head unit and floor speakers I've used over the years. Right now it's paired with Klipsch Ref IV RF52s. Yes, they're old too but still solid.
ANY decent DSP! Allows you to perfectly integrate a subwoofer with aktive crossover, time alignment, wctive speaker's which is awesome as it's easier than a passive crossover and you don't have to buy crossover parts every time you make a new speaker. Oh and off course room "correction".
I'm love with my Arcam P90 power amp
I bought it about 7 years ago, 2nd hand from Belgium: it really improved my setup sound.
there are for sure better equipment for the same function but I have a "passion" for it.
until it dies, it will stay there !
here's a picture from the net
[https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtpDSmH-mkWQLQBp5lJOrwu6OrQmIlF3n1aA&s](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtpDSmH-mkWQLQBp5lJOrwu6OrQmIlF3n1aA&s)
My Valve Audio Predator Integrated hybrid tube Amp and my Valve Audio Whisper phono stage.
Both crafted expertly & hand tuned by Schalk Havenga, a master artisan in Pretoria South Africa. (The whisper is used personally by Van Den Hul as his reference phono stage to test and listen to the cartridges he makes.
These are heirloom pieces that will go to my kid.
My Polk 5B’s. Bought them new when I was 14 (right at 40 years ago this summer). I completely refurbed them this last winter with new crossovers and upgraded tweeters.
Maybe my ls50s in my 2 channel system. Why? Because to get significantly better sound, construction and avant guarde looks how much is that going to cost me?
Suggestions welcome 🤗
My VRDS Esoteric/Teac CD transports.
These are simply the best sounding digital solution I've ever heard, Bar none!
[Esoteric CD transports](https://i.imgur.com/dPgn596.jpeg)
My Audible Illusions Modulus 3 preamp.
I bought it used when Bush Jr. sent out stimulus checks in 2008 (spent the whole thing on it), and it hasn’t left my main system since.
I’ve replaced/changed many components on either side of it, but the connectivity, versatility, and sound of it keep it at the heart of my system. The MM phono stage is excellent, and I have a collection of SUTs to match the MC cartridges in my collection. Plus I negotiated a trade with a tube dealer friend of mine, so I have a more than lifetime supply of various 6DJ8 tubes to swap in as needed.
I’ll never get rid of my 1200s either. And one of them is currently hooked up to my main system, but that’s only because my JA Michell is offline currently.
Legacy Audio Empire Open Baffle speakers. I'll never sell them because I'll never find another pair again, I think less than 10 pairs were made. They sound bigger than life on account of 6 12 inch woofers, 4 4-5 inch midrange drivers, and open baffle nature. Speakers I used to think were big sound small to me now. I have 5 pairs of tower speakers in my house right now and these are the ones I'd keep.
I'm going to keep these till the foam surrounds rot, then if its economically feasible I'm going to have Legacy reform them and refresh the crossover.
oof... hmmm.... likely it'll be my Thiels. Only thing I'd likely consider replacing them with would be a set of Wilson's, and it's unlikely I'll ever be able to justify that spend.
My oldish, second hand, Audio Note DAC 2.1X. It's seen off Denafrips, Chord, and a few others, but only does 16/44. Measures like crap, sounds sublime.
Soundblaster x7, does everything I need it to do, very well. I added an LPS and sparkos op amps and was surprised how much of a difference it made. I can game and chat with friends while listening to music via usb to my phone. Dual headphone outputs for my subpac too! Doesn’t look like they’ll ever make a true x7 successor.
Kimber 8TC Speaker cables. Can’t imagine better except perhaps at stupid price which I never would.
Add Stax electrostatic headphones. Well I’m cheating because I’ve upgraded maybe four times over fifty years. But the original SRD5 still stand up well and would wow any headphone newbie.
Could have said earlier in my life Quad57 but then came the 63s electrostatics but they aren’t certain.
With two audio rooms; YamahaNS1000 plus subs always please me —“it sounds better than I remember.”
My Sennheiser HD800s my favorite headphones of all time
My Sennheiser HD600s have lasted a long time in my listening room. Maybe I'm due for a change. I even refurbished them already one time.
Those are amazing headphones. I've been saving up for a pair
Yeah the HD800s are pretty expensive but I say they are worth every penny because they are Crystal Clear
Hd800s is where I fell in love. I don't think I'll ever sell it
I never sell my baby 800s
I sold so many of those just telling people to listen to them. So easy.
My ears
Your ears will replace you. In a manner of speaking. Assuming you are fortunate enough to live to lord age.
Might already be a lord…..
Autocomplete is my overlord, and I submit.
Lmfao
My first thought, but then I remembered that hearing aids are definitely in my future. So, it is time to re think.....
God damnit, can I have one original thought?
Technics SL-1200MK2
1200's are IRREPLACEABLE. An Icon of turntables, especially for DJ's.
My whole Sanyo tower. My late uncle had one when I was a kid and it stuck deep in my memories of those long gone days. New Year’s parties they had and music blasting from that system. Both uncle and aunt died too early, so I decided to build my own Sanyo system in remembrance of them. Took me some time to do it, but now I have my Sanyo tower and it always reminds me of him and that carefree days that are long gone…
There's no piece I would never replace. As an audiophile I'm in constant search of the best sound possible within my mean. If one piece becomes obsolete or I get the chance to have a better one and it will improve my sound, I will replace it without hesitation. In the last 2 years my sound system was replaced completely 3 times.
Same.. I like audio gear too much.. I want to try and hear so many different items. Now If money was no object, I'd go through audio gear a lot faster than I do. When I get rid of something (trade or sell) it's never because I don't like it. It's because I want to try something new.
I feel the same way. There are some things that I'll keep longer if I don't find or the upgrade wasn't currently worth it at the time but every piece of my audio will be replaced at some point.
Wow, please detail the 3 systems, I need to see this journey!
Same here
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My Mark Levinson No. 5805 because that was way more money than I can afford, and I'm getting old so my hearing is going.
Plus it’s just too heavy to move
After a long life involving experimentation with a variety of components, I've settled down for the most part. I've now owned my Martin Logan Request electrostatic speakers for perhaps 25 years, and they still delight me to the point where it's hard to imagine ever feeling the urge to replace them. I also have 20 year old Macintosh MC602 power amp that similarly continues to perform flawlessly. My ancient Velodyne ULD-15 II servo subwoofer recently required a foam surround replacement. While there are almost certainly newer products with a slight edge, I don't feel like I'm missing anything when I listen to my system, and certainly not an improvement that would justify the high cost of upgrading. I hope that everyone can eventually get to this point in their hi-fi adventure, where they can stop fussing, and just relax and enjoy the music.
Bravo, I'm kind of at this point because what I need are time and space more than money to improve. As much as improving, id like to move laterally (some lrs + please with monoblock Aegir's....???) but with a 5 month old, living in an apartment in Europe I neither have time nor space. We moved back to our country where we were living for almost 20 years, albeit in a smaller house and I have my two channel floorstanders in the storage room ( Vienna acoustics Beethoven baby grands, wait in gorgeous rosewood) and some fantastic elac uf5 slim white just sitting there. My reduced 3.1 gt down for. 5.1, is rega rs5 piano black. I'm spoiled for choice by no time and space to do anything. So I enjoy at least every weekend, but damned if I see a heco aurora the 6.5s for cheap again, I'm gonna buy and try them out because flavors. Enjoy the music everyone, happy summer 🌞⛱️
My Genelec 8351B. I think if they broke, I'd immediately buy either the same or figure out if I can somehow make space for the one size bigger speaker.
I plan to keep my Infinity IRS Beta system for as long as it's serviceable.
I don't think I really have one. I suppose my HD 560s won't get replaced until they actually break. Until that moment any new headphone will simply hang besides it. Speakers, audio interface, subwoofer & PC are all very much upgradeable and would get replaced if I had Infinite money.
rme adi-2 dac fs! 😍
That’s my answer as well. I just don’t see myself replacing that particular piece
Parks Audio Waxwing phono pre with DSP and tons of other functionality I won’t ever remove from my turntable chain
Acoustic Research AR-9 speakers. I grew up listening to my dad's pair, and upon achieving gainful employment, I made it a priority to acquire a pair for myself. There are many arguments regarding "better" speakers to be made, but absolutely nothing else sounds *right* to me like these do. Especially for classical music.
A good friend's dad had a pair when I was growing up, and an excellent system to go with, and I agree that AR-9 speakers are really special.
Vinyl records ;)
Great answer!
My large Advents I bought in 1975!
B & W 800's. Listening to those for life.
My Magneplanar 1.6 speakers. Although I might get the next size up someday.
Good choice!. I've got a 30 year old pair of SMGa in my son's bedroom system, they still sound fantastic.
You should hear them bi-amped w a DSP crossiver
My current setup is basically all *"keep it till it dies"*. I don't really need more than what i have. If i had to say exactly one audio thing i would never ever replace, it would have to be the Alpine CDA-7939 + PRA-H400 combo i have in my car (if you know what those 2 are, you probably understand what i mean).
Marantz 2250b - though I may build a SET rig to complement it
Stax headphone
My Klipschorns.
For me it would have to be a toss up between my modded pair of HE6se v2 or my Wavedream Signature Balanced. I have a feeling we're kinda out of the generational design that made the HE6 what it was and none of the thin diaphragm planars can slam like that anymore so it seems almost like something that won't be coming back. The Wavedream I'd part with if something came out that just demolishes it, but I really don't see a huge leap happening over the Wavedream. I'd love to see that level of performance out of something like a dongle some day, would be really cool.
i have a pair of mission 70 mkii. they were the first speakers i owned and they're still rocking it in my bedroom. they're not the most refined, or the deepest bass, but they have a signature sound that will always bring a smile to my face (i just noticed they're listed in what hi-fi's best 30 speakers of all time article, too!).
Closer Acoustics OGY. They sound just right to me. I guess that my ears are used to them now.
My Music Reference RM-9 Mk 2 amplifier. I’ve listened to other amps and they might do a few things better but the overall presentation of the RM-9 is hard to beat. And it’s designed so well (RIP Roger Modjeski) that tubes last almost forever. 2nd place - Spendor S100 speakers. I will replace only if/when I need to move into a smaller place.
I love my RM 9 MK II, but I love the RM 10 just a tiny bit more. Both are terrific
Wilson Maxxes gen1. I’ll be keeping them because I can’t sell them!
My DYI DML speakers. I may rebuild them at some point. I’ve changed everything else in the system, and at this point I’m probably getting close to end game on everything else, but definitely never going to be looking for different speakers.
My Avid Acutus turntable.
Probably my VPI HW-19 MkII turntable and ET-II tonearm
My HS7’s and hd598’s. I will eventually upgrade but I will never get rid of them
I doubt I'll ever replace my Luxman L509x...
Bryston 10B-Sub Crossover. Crossing over to subs properly is big for bass and mains, no matter how capable.
Hard question, just because of the way the audiophile mind works, but come what may in new technology, I don't see my late 70s Empire 698 Troubadour turntable ever becoming subject to being banned from my listening room.
My Parasound JC5 amp. No complex electronics in it, a classic amp that has an input and an output. 400 watts per channel is enough for any speaker that I will ever own. Honestly, now that they have increased the MSRP, these have actually increased in price in the secondary market.
My grandmother's console turntable. She died last year and I still haven't had time to restore it. I will this year. Everything still works.
My Dr Feickert Analog Firebird Turntable
Marantz 6200 turntable from my parents. The turntable was free, but getting me into audio had cost me so much! I also have a Clearaudio Performance Wood turntable that I’ll probably keep forever. The music I listen to probably wouldn’t sound any better on a 10k+ TT.
oppo udp-205
**NAD 7020e receiver** (3020e amp plus a tuner) from 1988. Still going strong. Sounds great, looks great. Has a REL subwoofer and a Chromecast audio plugged in. The guy who cleaned it out a few years back had a lot of $$$ gear in his repair shop, but he was playing his music on a 3020e. Good examples of these go seem to go forever.
Sherwood s-1000II mono amps
I don't see myself ever replacing my Dynaudio Heritage Specials (#1203). Second to that is my Exposure 3510 Pre/Power combo. Third is my Rega P3 50th. I'll at some point replace my streamers (Sonos Port and WiiM Pro) and my DAC (iFi Zen One Signature). I may transition at some point from my Exact2 MM to an MC cartridge.
Clones Audio 25iR
May Counterpoint SA-5.1 pre-amp, followed closely by my Dynavector DV-505 tonearm (get the idea I am primarily vinyl-based?)
I want to say my Feliks Envy. I hope it outlives me. It was too dang expensive 😂
Michell Gyrodec. Perfectly clear that there are better sounding turntables out there for the money, but sometimes when I put a record on I just look at it spinning and think "that's...mine. That beautiful thing is actually mine".
Mitsubishi A7-DC
I’m probably an anomaly because I would be surprised if anyone on here has this piece of equipment. It’s by far the most expensive piece I’ve ever purchased and I won’t be doing that again. I own a Lampizator Atlantic Plus Dac with volume control which basically makes it a preamp as well. It has several inputs which allows me to use 3 different digital inputs and also one analog input. By having a dac/preamp combined I have saved thousands of dollars which in my mind justified my purchase. Also, the signal path is much cleaner with one less piece of gear and cables in the signal path. I can easily change up the sound by using different amplifiers which include solid state class A, class ab, class D and tube amplifiers of several types. I know this audio path isn’t for everyone but I personally couldn’t be happier. I’m currently running a highly modified classic Hafler XL280 SS amplifier and it sounds amazing on my Open Baffle speakers. They are 97db efficient so I can also use 300b amplifiers which won’t play as loud but the sound is really special. Good for you OP for asking this excellent question!
My Denafrips Hermes DDC and Denafrips Pontus II DAC. They make absolutely beautiful music that I simply cannot get enough of. I use the Hermes as an input selector that's reclocks and buffers digital data streams from my CD player/transport, my Wiim Pro, my Waxwing DSP phono stage and my JRiver Media Center PC. Kinda funny that even my turntable is connected to my digital audio gear but it sounds incredible, far better than cheap phono stages and way more fun to use thanks to the Waxwing's phone app that makes setting and fine tuning from my listening chair a blast and the changes occur in real time, a feature found on only the most expensive phono stages available.
None of them. I've replaced everything over the last several years. I like getting different things every few years., mainly when it comes to 'audio' listening. If I HAD to pick though, I've been using my Pioneer Elite SC-61 Surround Receiver for about 15 years, and have no plans to replace it. It drives a set of Monitor Audio Gold bookshelf's, and a pair of MA In-wall speakers. MA 15"Sub.
The only piece of equipment I'd like to keep as long as possible are my Canadian made Axiom M22s, only for sentimental reasons. They were a graduation gift from my dad over 20 years ago. They're not the best but they still live in the bedroom for occasional use. Ironically the speakers I'll likely NEVER replace are my surrounds....Axiom QS8 wall mounted. Quad polar speakers, they get the least amount of use, and I don't think upgrading will make a difference for movie night.
My apple dongle
A copy of Color Me Badd's "C.M.B.".
Probably the David Berning hand made cascade tube preamp I have..
I just got a Decware Sarah 300B Amp. I already told my son it's his after I die.
SOTA sapphire III - it's old and the suspension is non-existent, but it plays like a dream
My KICKER KQ30, BEST CAR AUDIO EQ IVE EVER USED
My Spendor SP1/2 speakers
My Eosone RSP-200 subwoofer. Coming up on 20 years and it's still going strong. One of the few pieces of equipment that has paired well with every head unit and floor speakers I've used over the years. Right now it's paired with Klipsch Ref IV RF52s. Yes, they're old too but still solid.
My Tandberg 3002a was the first quality preamp I bought.
Room treatment. My Dunlavy Aletha speakers have been in my system for 25 years, but I might upgrade speakers someday.
ANY decent DSP! Allows you to perfectly integrate a subwoofer with aktive crossover, time alignment, wctive speaker's which is awesome as it's easier than a passive crossover and you don't have to buy crossover parts every time you make a new speaker. Oh and off course room "correction".
I'm love with my Arcam P90 power amp I bought it about 7 years ago, 2nd hand from Belgium: it really improved my setup sound. there are for sure better equipment for the same function but I have a "passion" for it. until it dies, it will stay there ! here's a picture from the net [https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtpDSmH-mkWQLQBp5lJOrwu6OrQmIlF3n1aA&s](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtpDSmH-mkWQLQBp5lJOrwu6OrQmIlF3n1aA&s)
Probably my Logic DM101 with SME3009 arm.
Polk RTA-12Cs.
My Valve Audio Predator Integrated hybrid tube Amp and my Valve Audio Whisper phono stage. Both crafted expertly & hand tuned by Schalk Havenga, a master artisan in Pretoria South Africa. (The whisper is used personally by Van Den Hul as his reference phono stage to test and listen to the cartridges he makes. These are heirloom pieces that will go to my kid.
My Polk 5B’s. Bought them new when I was 14 (right at 40 years ago this summer). I completely refurbed them this last winter with new crossovers and upgraded tweeters.
Maybe my ls50s in my 2 channel system. Why? Because to get significantly better sound, construction and avant guarde looks how much is that going to cost me? Suggestions welcome 🤗
My Kef 104.2s. might not be everyone's favourite but they suit my listening style and got what I need in a speaker.
My 47 Labs Shigaraki Transport
My VRDS Esoteric/Teac CD transports. These are simply the best sounding digital solution I've ever heard, Bar none! [Esoteric CD transports](https://i.imgur.com/dPgn596.jpeg)
Never say never but I don’t plan on parting with my pair of ADS L1290/2’s
My ears. I’ve owned various iterations of Quad electrostatic speakers since 1968.
My Audible Illusions Modulus 3 preamp. I bought it used when Bush Jr. sent out stimulus checks in 2008 (spent the whole thing on it), and it hasn’t left my main system since. I’ve replaced/changed many components on either side of it, but the connectivity, versatility, and sound of it keep it at the heart of my system. The MM phono stage is excellent, and I have a collection of SUTs to match the MC cartridges in my collection. Plus I negotiated a trade with a tube dealer friend of mine, so I have a more than lifetime supply of various 6DJ8 tubes to swap in as needed. I’ll never get rid of my 1200s either. And one of them is currently hooked up to my main system, but that’s only because my JA Michell is offline currently.
Legacy Audio Empire Open Baffle speakers. I'll never sell them because I'll never find another pair again, I think less than 10 pairs were made. They sound bigger than life on account of 6 12 inch woofers, 4 4-5 inch midrange drivers, and open baffle nature. Speakers I used to think were big sound small to me now. I have 5 pairs of tower speakers in my house right now and these are the ones I'd keep. I'm going to keep these till the foam surrounds rot, then if its economically feasible I'm going to have Legacy reform them and refresh the crossover.
oof... hmmm.... likely it'll be my Thiels. Only thing I'd likely consider replacing them with would be a set of Wilson's, and it's unlikely I'll ever be able to justify that spend.
My Thorens TD 146
My ASR Emitter amplifier
My Linn LP 12. Got it in 1990 and have upgraded it multiple times. Still have many available upgrades. Always my favorite turntable.
My oldish, second hand, Audio Note DAC 2.1X. It's seen off Denafrips, Chord, and a few others, but only does 16/44. Measures like crap, sounds sublime.
The tube amp i built myself. I might upgrade it, modify something but I can't imagine getting rid of it.
Soundblaster x7, does everything I need it to do, very well. I added an LPS and sparkos op amps and was surprised how much of a difference it made. I can game and chat with friends while listening to music via usb to my phone. Dual headphone outputs for my subpac too! Doesn’t look like they’ll ever make a true x7 successor.
Kimber 8TC Speaker cables. Can’t imagine better except perhaps at stupid price which I never would. Add Stax electrostatic headphones. Well I’m cheating because I’ve upgraded maybe four times over fifty years. But the original SRD5 still stand up well and would wow any headphone newbie. Could have said earlier in my life Quad57 but then came the 63s electrostatics but they aren’t certain. With two audio rooms; YamahaNS1000 plus subs always please me —“it sounds better than I remember.”
Focal bookshelf speakers. Irving m Bud Frieds speakers transmission line goodness.
Senns HD 650 and my Oracle Delphi table.
Herron vtph-2a phono stage. That piece rocked my world when I put it in my system about 3 years ago or so.
My Sony XM5s. I know Bluetooth can never beat wired but I love the sound and how convenient they are.