Any other audio lovers here?

[Maron76]

Wondering if there are any other audio lovers in the group. I hesitate to use the term "audiophile" because I think people generally think of snobs who won't listen to a system if the speaker cables cost under a few K, lol. I have a modest 2 channel system with a few vintage pieces that I have restored. Nothing extravagant or exotic.

For me, it doesn't get much better than listening to vinyl through my tube amp while enjoying a fine cigar. Its the ultimate in relaxation for me. A perfect end to a hectic day. The lights are low in my room, the warm glow from the tubes compliment the lit end of my cigar and perfectly illuminate the smoke gently rising from it. The jazz band sounds like it is live, right in front of me. It is an intoxicating experience.

[BobKincaid]

Very much a sound guy here!

The nature of my business rather compels a semi-fanatical interest in good audio. I work in spoken word, but I can definitely relate to the idea of being transported by the twin joys of great sound and a great smoke.

[bombaybill]

My interests are mainly classical, opera & jazz. Over here in So. California we get a great station 91.5KUSC which i listen to religiously.

I DO NOT own or possess a TV, so my music collection is all i have. 2-3K cd's & lps.

2 music systems in the house, one is all Mcintosh and the other is an tube with Harbeth's.

[investandprosper]

Waiting for MBrody to pop up

[Maron76]

2 music systems in the house, one is all Mcintosh and the other is an tube with Harbeth's.

Very nice... Harbeth makes some nice sounding speakers. One of the few who use the enclosure as part of the "sound" and they do it very well. what tube amp are you running those with? I know the larger models can be a bit power hungry...

I am running Altec 9846-8A Studio Monitors with a Citation II that I completely rebuilt.

[bolivr]

Another audio nerd here. I have been running on a budget just buying '70s vintage gear like Sansui receivers. Love building speakers and tweaking the cross-overs to suit a certain room, amp, cd player etc.

While this approach leaves more money for cigars I would like to be in the higher end of the market one day

I suspect I will always have an appreciation for the old stuff though.

[Aksan]

Audiophile over here.

vinyl: Thorens td 2010 with

amp: audio research vs 55 / ls 16 mk2

speakers avalon

cables: all MIT shotgun S1

Listeting to Marc Cohn with a good glass of wiskey and a cohiba genios makes me feel I'm in heaven

[bc8436]

I enjoy music a lot but don't have the $$$ to spring for a top-end system.

My current setup consists of 2 PSB Imagine Bs powered by an Outlaw Audio RR2150. I also have a small Polk Audio amp for movies. Nothing spectacular but gets the job done. I love the USB input on the RR2150, which allows me to connect my Mac Mini directly to play mp3s.

[Cohiba Stevie]

Modern audio geek here. Running two active yamaha studio monirors through 8 channel desk. Tv, and my mac is set up to wirelessly stream my music from anybodys iphone aswell as my whole library on my mac.

[Scdalak]

Steely Dan, "Aja" on Vinyl... Pure Audio and Mind Candy...

[Scdalak]

I enjoy music a lot but don't have the $$$ to spring for a top-end system.

My current setup consists of 2 PSB Imagine Bs powered by an Outlaw Audio RR2150. I also have a small Polk Audio amp for movies. Nothing spectacular but gets the job done. I love the USB input on the RR2150, which allows me to connect my Mac Mini directly to play mp3s.

Hey lee stop blowing all the money on Cubans and get yourself some Equipment!!

[Torontonian]

Listening to music is a meditative, quasi-religious experience for me. I opt for good-quality headphones.

[bc8436]

Hey lee stop blowing all the money on Cubans and get yourself some Equipment!!

Touche, LOL.

There's a pair of used Harbeths on Craigslist ... and a friend has been thinking about selling his Luxman amp ...

It's ok though, I have a new humidor on the way

[bc8436]

Question for those that combine cigars and audio equipment ...

I've been thinking about putting together a modest system for my office/smoking room. Lately, the "tube sound" has been growing on me. I listen to a mixture of jazz, classical and r&b/soul. Right now, I'm eyeing a used setup of Harbeth P3ES2s to pair with a vacuum tube integrated amp.

Will being in a room with smoke be bad for the vacuum tube? Also, if anybody can share some insight on how to take care of them (tube life expectancy, etc) it'd be greatly appreciated!

[mazolaman]

I've ran all valve class A guitar amps for years,and as you can imagine,they spent their working lives in smoke filled rooms.......my lungs will die before the smoke effects the valves!

Not sure about audio system valves,but guitar amp valves require changing every 18 months - 2 years.

Depending on useage.

Still the best sound though.

My audio system is pretty inexpensive....but it's good,and ocaisionally loud!

It plays everything from Jaqueline du pres to the Arctic Monkeys,with good quality sound.

Currently enjoying Joanna Newsome's "y" album....yes some people do still listen to the whole album....

[Warren]

At the moment I have a record collection but no record player. I miss the sound and feel of the vinal.

How about some photos of all this equipment guys.

[ZinZan]

Always dreamt of getting a high end system but currently have a a cheap sherwood and some tannoys.

[Guest rob]

After years of enjoying tubed gear (Sonic Frontiers pre and Copland power) I finally had enough of the hassle of having to change tubes semi-regularly.

Speakers have also all been tried - panels, ribbons, conventional...

I reluctantly decided to give up my prejudice against solid state gear and dipped my toe in. All I can say is that I love it. FOr all the warmth I sacrificed... I gained in other departments.

After nearly 18 years of full on addiction I have tried and owned plenty of different bits and peices. From Proceed, Classe, Mark Levinson.... my current system is one that still has the ability to give me goosebumps and leave me speechless. The Krell power and Marantz pre comination are awesome!