Your Dream Component.......

[Ninanina]

What is everyones one dream component, whether that be a cd, an amp, a pair of speakers etc etc .... whatever you wish you had but can't, be it because of lack of space or lack of money etc etc...

Mine is a pair of Klipschorns... :(

I could just about fit them in but they'd dominate the room which is ok by me but I don't have the cash...

Everytime I see a pair of Klipschorns it does very strange things to me.... :D

[walpurgis]

A pair of 18" Tannoy Monitor Golds and a room (and cabinets) big enough to do them justice. But they never made them!

[Ninanina]

That'd be a huge cabinet....

[walpurgis]

Pair. :)

[nat8808]

Teasmade

[nat8808]

I'd like to hear some FM Acoustics top of the range gear - too expensive just to find out it might be over-hyped. Also love to have a Gryphon LE pre-amp, only 100 made - Sadly missed one on ebay last month and might have stumped up the cash if the auction had run its course but the guy was approached outside of ebay and sold it for a fair bit less than I think he would otherwise got.. And sold to a guy who people on here have discovered is a bit dodgy in his own ebay sales, which is even more grating.

Mostly though, I hanker after some really well made DIY kit of my own design but not sure I have the skill, design or electronic, to accomplish, let alone time and space.

[Ninanina]

Teasmade

:D

[chelsea]

vox olympians

[Ninanina]

vox olympians

Now they really are very horny aren't they ???

[chelsea]

:)

[The Barbarian]

Dont be blinded by trends.. I need no dreams i use what i use.

[vouk]

Would have to be the new Graaf GM 400 power amp. :)

[jandl100]

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/2007/11/26/mblxtremespeakers_12.jpg

And the room for them to go in.
And the amps to drive them.

Ah well. :)

[Puffin]

The enormous cherry red monsters on the back wall. Mind you the one's that are playing would probably suffice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AScmitRKtoI&list=PL8EB73DD1C58BFF69

[Haselsh1]

Audio Note ANE silvers powered by a 300B single ended amplifier with a Michell Orbe front end. Where's me cheque book...?

[nat8808]

Dont be blinded by trends.. I need no dreams i use what i use.

Not sure there anyone here as mentioned anything I'd consider trendy or trending yet.

So you use what you use but what would you use in an ideal world with money and obtainability no barrier, it would arrive instantly in your room?

[Gordon Steadman]

An original stylus for my Technics EPC205. 'It still sounds brilliant with the after market replacement but I have a feeling it would be even better than wonderful with the original' he said gushingly but with insufficient evangelism.

There is nothing else that I would want to change in my system - how boring is that?

[User211]

http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/2007/11/26/mblxtremespeakers_12.jpg

And the room for them to go in.
And the amps to drive them.

Ah well. :)

Ah but I bet you've never heard them, Jerry. I have - twice - HK and Munich:)

Rest assured they are up there.;) There's not much better around - just comes down to taste.

I'd probably go Trios and a good number of basshorns in preference, but hey. Oh - and a massive made to spec mansion of some kind.

[The Barbarian]

Not sure there anyone here as mentioned anything I'd consider trendy or trending yet.

So you use what you use but what would you use in an ideal world with money and obtainability no barrier, it would arrive instantly in your room?

Even if i won on the lottery i would not change my gear. that is a 100% promise.

[User211]

Actually, a pair of these would do me too.

http://www.hifi-advice.com/images/apogee%20full%20range%20IMG_3417%20500pix.jpg

[walpurgis]

Actually, a pair of these would do me too.

http://www.hifi-advice.com/images/apogee%20full%20range%20IMG_3417%20500pix.jpg

They look like hotel lobby doors. :)

[User211]

They look like hotel lobby doors. :)

I dunno about that but they are advised on hi-fi advice.:eyebrows: :lol:

[petrat]

Top-of-the-line full Shindo system ... turntable, amps, speakers, the lot!

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/mlroadtour1/hero12.jpg


http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/mlroadtour1/roadtour_2.html

[CageyH]

An extensive vinyl library.
The most important component I can think of.

[walpurgis]

Top-of-the-line full Shindo system ... turntable, amps, speakers, the lot!

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/mlroadtour1/hero12.jpg


http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/mlroadtour1/roadtour_2.html

Now that looks like proper Hi-Fi!

[Blueflash]

I would love to hear the AN transport and Dac combo for 190K ....

[istari_knight]

Ugh I don't like that Shindo preamp at all. Some glowing valves in an Amsterdam brothel-like window... How tacky.

[jandl100]

Tsk, James.

What happened to the "young lad in the shower"?

I didn't put you off "him", did I? :eyebrows:

[Joe]

A big house in the middle of nowhere.

[jollyfix]

An extensive vinyl library.

:thumbsup:

[istari_knight]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c129/istari_knight9/kaffeetrinker_2_zpse69921f7.gif No Jerry, I still fancy the arse off "him" :booty:

My pretty modest dream component:

http://noblecustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Eames-Lounge-Chair-and-Ottoman.jpg

[petrat]

Some glowing valves in an Amsterdam brothel-like window...

... well, now you've put that image in my head, it's becoming even more irresistible :smoking:

[istari_knight]

... well, now you've put that image in my head, it's becoming even more irresistible :smoking:

:eyebrows:

[ff1d1l]

Field coil tannoy blacks.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ortofon MC ANNA.

[selby]

Marten Dukes

[Barry]

My pretty modest dream component:

http://noblecustom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Eames-Lounge-Chair-and-Ottoman.jpg

Yep, me too!

[Naughty Nigel]

A lifelong supply of KT66's. :)

Actually no: I might ask for a second pair of Quad II's to experiment with bi-amping.

I am very happy with the systems that I have, and get far more pleasure from tinkering with them than buying new. In my experience 'new' all too often ends in disappointment.

However, I would like a new, purpose built listening room, of sufficient size to let me enjoy really sub-sonic bass; perhaps big enough for a proper house organ!

I wouldn't mind trying a new, top of the range turntable/arm/cartridge, but it would need to provide significant improvements for me to actually shell out for one.

Oddly enough, I had a recent 'discussion' with a salesman trying to sell me raffle tickets to win a new BMW. I told him that I really wouldn't want one even if he gave it to me, which he just couldn't understand. "Surely", he said, "everyone wants to drive a new BMW?"

Not me. :)

Nigel.

[nat8808]

But you could sell it to buy a lifetime supply of KT66s!

[Naughty Nigel]

But you could sell it to buy a lifetime supply of KT66s!

Agreed. But I couldn't sell it quickly enough though. :)

Nigel.

[nat8808]

I think a proper listening place would also be high on the list of a dream "component".

I'd also like a top of the range multi-channel A/D D/A from someone like Digital Audio Denmark but you know, even these leading edge digital companies (sonically in the opinion of studio types recording our music) still base their stuff around readily available chips like the ESS Sabre.. so can't I make my own?

As said elsewhere though, so much top older gear is obtainable with just a little saving and much of the rest is bling.

[Frazeur1]

Probably a pair of Ohm Walsh A's would do, along with a proper amp to drive them with. Then again, why bother with an old design when I could wish for a pair of German Physiks without the old Ohm A's issues.

[Yomanze]

Am pretty much there with my "dream system", but I guess if I could, I'd give the LFD Anniversary preamp and monos a go @ £16k.

[awkwardbydesign]

These. Electronluv 845s. Or almost anything by Josh.
http://hakancezhifi.stereomecmuasi.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/amp5.jpg

[Gazjam]

the ears of a 19 year old...

[Gazjam]

These. Electronluv 845s. Or almost anything by Josh.
http://hakancezhifi.stereomecmuasi.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/amp5.jpg

Does it do a good mocca?

[purite audio]

Perfect large room and the ears of a nineteen year old.
Keith.

[Frazeur1]

I retract my wish and follow you Nat and Keith, certainly a better, dedicated room would be the best thing in my case. Why can't we have three wishes? I just used two of mine up already, now I am screwed with a bigger room. Oh the agony....

[Gordon Steadman]

I retract my wish and follow you Nat and Keith, certainly a better, dedicated room would be the best thing in my case. Why can't we have three wishes? I just used two of mine up already, now I am screwed with a bigger room. Oh the agony....

Well, I already have my dream room - sort of. Its just a matter of getting it finished. Ceiling, walls. floor, stairs etc. 8 Metres x 5 metres with mezzanine for library and ceiling up to over 5 metres. I reckon another two years should see it done :(

The ears are old and knackered like the rest so a quick trip back in time to fetch the whole bit as it was when I was 19 would be good indeed.

[Yomanze]

Perfect large room and the ears of a nineteen year old.
Keith.

He he well can get some hearing aids for critical listening. :D

[Yomanze]

Then again we'd just end up looking for audiophile hearing aids with room correction and minimum phase filters... :p

[IHP]

Quad 57s but not enough room. Leak 12.1s but not enough money. Top of the range Harbeth, not enough money or room !

I sometimes pretend I've got top of the range 2 box Croft gear by getting so p*****d I can see three boxes with no knobs on instead of just the one ;-).

[walpurgis]

Perfect large room and the ears of a nineteen year old.
Keith.

Why stop at the ears? If you're as clapped out as many of us are on AOS, you probably need the rest too. :)

[The Barbarian]

So you use what you use but what would you use in an ideal world with money and obtainability no barrier, it would arrive instantly in your room?

Ok i was not being entirely honest It would be a Thorens 'TD124'/Schopper Plinth/SME3012R for me, certainly nothing flashy high end modern tho... I can afford one now but the Mrs would not be impressed one bit.

[Gazjam]

Then again we'd just end up looking for audiophile hearing aids with room correction and minimum phase filters... :p

I recommend these to those of a DIY ilk.
http://thecreativecollage.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/march-2-042.jpg

Carbon nanotube versions from usual online stockists of course..

[Gazjam]

Why stop at the ears? If you're as clapped out as many of us are on AOS, you probably need the rest too. :)

Naa, no need for new equipment, a bit of diy and job's a good 'un.
http://www.curtisward.com/Mechanical-Pencil-lead-Refill-Packs__p-295.aspx

[shane]

That turntable and arm that have been developing in a nebulous place in the back of my mind for the last 30 years, brought into material reality by an engineer with an obsession for perfection. I wonder what it'll look like?

[User211]

Does it do a good mocca?

Nope but this does. Gimme.

http://www.wholelattelove.com/ItemImages/11364/13414_1_700x700.jpg

http://www.wholelattelove.com/ItemImages/11364/13414_2_700x700.jpg

http://www.wholelattelove.com/ItemImages/11364/13414_3_700x700.jpg

[walpurgis]

Nope but this does. Gimme.

What's the sound quality like? :)

[Joe]

What's the sound quality like? :)

Lots of hiss.

[Macca]

Lots of hiss.

And a dark colouration...

[Joe]

And a dark colouration...

But it will keep you up all night ...

[nat8808]

Nope but this does. Gimme.

It that a Stephensons's Rocket?

[StanleyB]

It that a Stephensons's Rocket?
I doubt it. It does have what looks like a pair of stereo VU meters . But I am not sure what the BAR function on the meters is for. Is it some sort of overload clipping prevention function? Or does it refer to when it is time to get another round of drinks?

[awkwardbydesign]

Does it do a good mocca?
I don't know, but this does a good espresso. Also on my wish list, but now realised, unlike the amps!
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/awkwardbydesign/lapavoni_zpsfe368c3f.jpg

[Gazjam]

Look at the shiney shiney :eek:
That photo, more than any other, hifi equipment or otherwise, illustrates the whole "pride of ownership" thing.
I'd hazard a guess to say that thats why a lot of us like hifi bling, i.e. not all about the sound quality.

"Anyone in marketing? Kill yourselves now."

[The Grand Wazoo]

.....illustrates the whole "pride of ownership" thing.

Yeah, but don't you get tracking problems with a tonearm that short?

[StanleyB]

Yeah, but don't you get tracking problems with a tonearm that short?
It has a long enough arm lift to operate it from the comfort of your arm chair though. None of that modern remote control malarkey for the hardcore vinyl aficionado.

[nat8808]

http://wp.stumptowncoffee.com/assets/aeropress_08.jpg

Not very fancy.. But was on my dream gear list for... minutes before just buying one and getting great coffee.

[The Barbarian]

O dear one wiff of Coffee & i'm off like a shot.. Coffee smell & coffee breath are one of my pet hates..

[The Barbarian]

However i always fancied one of the big Duralit Toasters.. Qwality.

[The Black Adder]

They are superb toasters, we have had one for about 10 years now, never missed a beat.

The only thing is about them is after you have made some toast and then want to put more in, if you run the timer from the same point again it burns the toast so ou have to reduce the time... But after a while you get used to it. lol

[Gordon Steadman]

However i always fancied one of the big Duralit Toasters.. Qwality.

They are indeed quality. We got one as a wedding present. You can't be right about everything obviously as coffee is one of the world's greatest smells:)

[The Barbarian]

:vomfest: We will have to start a vote thread about this. One thing i know is if the wife drank the stuff i would have never married her. She would have been history as soon as i found out..

[The Grand Wazoo]

Agreed on Dualits - and if they do go wrong you can replace the parts.
Buy a new crap toaster every 4 or 5 years or buy a good one once!

[nat8808]

That is the same with any toaster though..

Funny with those Dualits why they should be any better than others - just kind of shows how basic functionality is often the best. Others get thrown away just because the automatic lifter thing breaks, gets clogged with crumbs - a manual lifter is much better! That said Ive a couple here I was going to make in to one good one - guess filament has gone?

Same with that aeropress too - wont get a water tank leak or pressure failure.

Back to hifi, simple design but very well built is often the more desirable to me.

[The Black Adder]

Agreed on Dualits - and if they do go wrong you can replace the parts.
Buy a new crap toaster every 4 or 5 years or buy a good one once!

Bang on... and they are really easy to replace the elements apparently, not needed to do that as yet though.

[Gordon Steadman]

Bang on... and they are really easy to replace the elements apparently, not needed to do that as yet though.
Yup, dead easy, we had to do one recently as one side of the slices were a bit pale!! Not too expensive either.

[The Barbarian]

Yep they are very cheap to replace. Duralit are very fast at toasting too & they toast all over the slice.. We only have a small Classic 2 slicer, id love a big six slicer tho..

[nat8808]

as soon as i found out..

Haha.. :D As soon as you found out.. Like you'd get back early from a weekend away to find her in bed with.... A coffee!

Roasted beans strewn across the living room floor, grinder hastily abandoned - used with grinds falling out - on the stairs.. Kettle thrown down on the landing.. Cafetiere hiding in the wardrobe!

[nat8808]

Sadly I dont have space for a toaster - baCk when this kitchen was designed, grills were the thing. I use the grill. Ok, thats because the microwave takes up space.

Before you ask, I live in a flat with it's original 60s/70s designed kitchen and the flat was purposely bought because of original fittings.

[The Black Adder]

Yep they are very cheap to replace. Duralit are very fast at toasting too & they toast all over the slice.. We only have a small Classic 2 slicer, id love a big six slicer tho..


That's a metal polish.... lol

[Gazjam]

http://wp.stumptowncoffee.com/assets/aeropress_08.jpg

Not very fancy.. But was on my dream gear list for... minutes before just buying one and getting great coffee.

That an Aerospress?
Heard good things about them.

[Yomanze]

I got an Aeropress after recommendations on this good forum, best Americano to date for me, great for long coffees, but for espresso not so good as it doesn't produce a crema.

[Ammonite Audio]

They are superb toasters, we have had one for about 10 years now, never missed a beat.

The only thing is about them is after you have made some toast and then want to put more in, if you run the timer from the same point again it burns the toast so ou have to reduce the time... But after a while you get used to it. lol

You were clearly lucky - I have never used a Dualit toaster that had all elements working; and while in the forces I had to use them a great deal. I got into the habit of turning everything on and waiting to see which holes would toast on both sides.

[Gordon Steadman]

You were clearly lucky - I have never used a Dualit toaster that had all elements working; and while in the forces I had to use them a great deal. I got into the habit of turning everything on and waiting to see which holes would toast on both sides.

I understand that one of the problems is that nobody reads the instructions! I know my sister in law leaves all the elements on all the time no matter how many slices she is toasting. Its important apparently, that the ceramic elements are not left to cook air so you should make sure the selector is set for the right number of slices. Ours is ten years old now and just the one side of one element was down a bit.

[StanleyB]

Talking about toasters, I bought one of those Bugatti Volo toasters. The motorized bread loading and ejection tray is what got my attention. Kind of a technical gimmick, but I like those sort of things.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Bugatti-Volo-Luxury-motorised-Toaster-Red-Colour-150-Brand-New-in-Box-/00/s/NDc1WDQ3NQ==/z/pG0AAMXQVERSvvUr/$_12.JPG

[User211]

If any one wants a Rocket Giotto or similar machine you can get them direct from Italy with the VAT (22%) deducted at source if you sling the right seller a VAT number.;)

[Frazeur1]

Seeing how we got off of hifi components and on to some other very good "components" for the wish list, may I have a Nexus 6 "Pleasure Model" then please? Okay, now I am really out of dream component wishes.

[walpurgis]

Well as we're no longer sticking to Hi-Fi on this thread, I always wanted one of these:

http://i61.tinypic.com/9zojtg.png

Ducati 750 Laguna Seca. Not the fastest by any means, but just amazing sounding and looking. Rare too.

(probably get told off now, as this should go in 'Abstract Chat')

[Ninanina]

Well as we're no longer sticking to Hi-Fi on this thread, I always wanted one of these:
http://i61.tinypic.com/9zojtg.png
Ducati 750 Laguna Seca


Now that does look very nice.... but as I am a bit height challenged I probably wouldn't even be able to sling a leg over it... I have all sorts of problems with bikes as they are all too big.... my last bike, a Honda Hornet, I had the seat cut down a bit so I could ride it.... Now it's really only custom bikes that fit me... :(

[walpurgis]

Hi Bev! Glad you're still talking to us. Yes, I have trouble finding bikes that aren't a bit tall for me. Ducatis are usually on the high side, but the Laguna Seca isn't too bad.

[Ninanina]

Hi Bev! Glad you're still talking to us. Yes, I have trouble finding bikes that aren't a bit tall for me. Ducatis are usually on the high side, but the Laguna Seca isn't too bad.

Of course I am still talking, why wouldn't I ?

Im did sling a leg over a Ducati Monster once and it wasn't too bad but I still would have needed the seat cut down...it's a nightmare being a short arse :(

[gordy]

Ducati 888. the only bike that i ever regret selling. nearly cried when the guy rode it away, i had to disappear into my mancave for a couple of hour's afterwards. but hey, i'm happy with my aprilia rsv mille for now.
gordy.

[Ninanina]

Well I should also add the Quad ESL 57 / 63 speakers

I once had room for the 57's and they were just simply superb but sold them on as soon as I didn't have room for them. I now have no room for them which is a real shame.... superb speakers....

[walpurgis]

Well I should also add the Quad ESL 57 / 63 speakers

I once had room for the 57's and they were just simply superb but sold them on as soon as I didn't have room for them. I now have no room for them which is a real shame.... superb speakers....

Yeah, I had a pair. For better or worse, nothing else sounds like the 57s. They are wonderful in the right system and environment.

[Ninanina]

Yeah, I had a pair. For better or worse, nothing else sounds like the 57s. They are wonderful in the right system and environment.

I totally agree Geoff... I ran the 57's with Quad 33 & 303's and they were simply superb but then my room was about 22' long and I could get them at least 4' from the back wall which is essential

My current room is just not big enough for the 57's (or the 63's) now which is a real shame.. :(

[John]

I would love the TAD Reference 1
http://tad-labs.com/en/consumer/reference_one/concept.html

[337alant]

I always fancied a pair of Wilson Watt Puppies :eyebrows:

Alan