Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,
I had to stop my favorite hobby two years ago as a nasty sickness had a grip on me. Among other things caused temporary hearing loss on my left ear as well. I have sold everything as I wasn't sure if I ever recover. However I have recovered fully a few months ago, so it is time to build a new system.
I had a very good system before sickness got me (Kharma Ceramique 3.0 floor standing speakers, Esoteric AI-10 DAC/Integrated amp, PC, Chord Chordette DAC/Interface, Kenwood KD-7010 Turntable, Ray Samuels F-117 Nighthawk battery powered MM/MC phono stage, lots of cartridge, MIT cables)
I was very happy with the main components in this system. They've gone.
Now it is time to build a new system that is more sophisticated on the digital end, eg.: Streamer, DAC with more feature and a bit sparing money on the speakers end. Also during the past years moved house, have smaller listening room than ever before. Therefore small monitor speakers with added sub woofers more ideal right now.
I thought the biggest challenge will be the speakers. You may ask why? Because I have maximized the price of the speakers around £800. I have also set a goal and list of requirements, the speakers have to comply with. Requirements: Acoustically dead speaker box material, Exotic drivers, High quality stands, Must please me when I go for a test listen, parts available. Well, I started looking about 3 months ago. Found it surprisingly within 3-4 weeks. Cost £275 included original stands.
Ended up with the Infinity Modulus: Epoxy Resin - Glass fiber and other secretly added agents sealed speaker box, Injection molded Graphite woofer, Electromagnetic induction tweeter.
Not long ago I have managed to get a two Infinity Servo controlled Sub woofer with the 10 inches Injection molded graphite woofers. So, a 2.2 sub-sat system is ready. Stands now filled up with sand for better vibration absorption.
There were only a very very limited number of speakers and brands those fit to the above requirements. One of them was a Tag McLaren Calliope small monitor, went for £400 on Ebay same time I have found my Infinity Modulus. My only concern with the Tag McLaren was the drivers. I think Quad 12L is using the same drivers. Not bad, but nothing special and no exotic materials in it at all. I had the 12L in the past BTW.
I would like to buy a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge unit, that could reduce boxes in room. Sophisticated little unit with even built in MM/MC stage. However I do not have the fund yet. Hopefully other companies are coming out ASAP with versatile front end unit just like Brooklyn Bridge.
I have imported a Luxman PD-131 turntable from Japan freshly with a Denon DA-790 arm and Technics EPC 205C mk 3 cartridge and a spare cartridge just in case, which is my old favorite a Victor U-1E. So, analog end is OK.
I have some cables mainly Cardas and I have purchased a very powerful vintage Kenwood power amplifier ( Basic M-1D 2x 180Watt/4 Ohm) until I get the Mytek power amp. Yes, I am building a Kallax sized Hi-Fi system. Every single square inch counts.
Also will need a TT wall console. This will be a D.I.Y. console made by me.
Well, that's it so far. Saving up now.
Merry Christmas to everyone!