Originally Posted by
Macca
The problem with just listening is that it gives you no idea as to what is happening.
I would ask the question "does it matter". We are all after best sound quality at a price you can afford, so if it offers you that, the rest is of little significance.
I spent my younger days reading reviews and specs, listening to people who had never really earned the right to give comment, and making judgements about extended base, sweet treble etc etc. In hindsight, what a nonsense that was. Now I just listen to see if I enjoy it. If I do, then am I willing to pay the price for that level of enjoyment?
Surely that's all that really matters. Oh, and an open mind really helps.
Source
SW1X Universal Music Server UMS I Signature with Power Supply Unit PSU I Signature
SW1X USB II
SW1X DAC III Special
Audiolab 6000 CDT transport
Amps
Pre amps -- Hi fi Collective twin mono ladder stepped attenuator, with Charcroft Z-foil and silver wired. And First Watt B1 active no gain buffer.
Power amps -- Welborne 45 SET monoblocks 1.8W / Decware Taboo 6W / Elekit 300B TU-8600SVK plus further improved components 9W / ICE Power 1000W
Speakers
Highly modified Endorphin P17 open baffle speakers containing both vintage and modern alnico drivers and paper cones. All silver wired - 8" Cube Audio FC8 full range drivers and vintage 15" Altec VOTT 416 bass drivers. All sat on Townsend Audio Podium seismic isolation platforms.
BK Electronics XLS400FF Sub.
Cabling
Silver mains cables, interconnects and speaker cables by SW1X
Headphones
HRT HeadStreamer and SennHeiser HD650 headphones