AKA_Hyfi's gear
 

Posted a few pics in another thread but this is a nice idea also to have them separate. I have been into audio for many years and watched my oldest brother build Heathkits, Dynaco's and Hafler gear on the kitchen table. Always coupled with AR speakers at the time. My first system was a Heathkit he built.

After a simple Onkyo receiver, tape deck, and Infinity speakers, which was what I bought with my first income tax check back in '78. I later moved up to Hafle 945 pre-tuner and matching 9180 amp with Mirage M790s. The Mirages got replaced with Dynaudio 82s and then the Hafler gear was changed to a Sound Valves 101i pre and Stratos amp. I still have and use the Hafler gear. Currently I am using the Hafler 945 with the Stratos and an OPPO93 driving Dynaudio 42s in a 3rd setup.

Second setup is a Rotel 1052 Receiver with an OPPO93 driving some 90s JM Labs Tantal 509s.

My main setup I lucked into when a neighbor wanted to unload it and some repairs were needed. I first tried to sell the gear but could not get any takers just after the market crashed a few years ago. I made a ridiculous offer which at first he refused saying his son in law would sell the stuff but after a few more months and the first snow, I got a call that he wanted the stuff out of his garage to get to his snowblower.

So for $300, I got a VAC CLA1MKII pree that needed tubes, a Counterpoint NPS400 that needed some repair and tubes, an Audio Control 10 Equalizer, a pair of Clearfield Continental speakers (early von Schweikert), 2 pairs of Synergistic Research ICs and a 14' pair of Synergistic Research speaker cables.

I took the amp to RHB Sound Dezign, where Bob Backart and his son Gary do some beautiful custom mods and tube gear work. He repaired the amp for $200 so now I have an audiophile system that cost me a whopping $600 to get running.

I also have a small HT setup using all Audience line speakers.

I need to get some better updated pics but here goes.

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_3167.jpg

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_1028.jpg

With Danes
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...ps805264df.jpg

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_1487.jpg

And the Mirage sub with terrible placement that I can switch between the HT and VAC
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7725a261.jpg

My Now Playing stand of which only 2 exist, because I made them while still working in a machine shop
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_3578.jpg

Family Room with JM Labs
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_1005.jpg

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_3587.jpg

Vintage VAC
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_3569.jpg

Some old Hafler Gear
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...Denon-Polk.jpg

And my real Vintage setup in the Poconos, which was my Parent's First Stereo in the 60s
http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_0564.jpg

AKA Hyfi.......Nice looking system. What a deal you made. :thumbsup:


http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/...1/IMG_3167.jpg

Nice system you put together. You definitely scored a big one for what you paid for the gear.

Dan and RoadDogWest, thanks! I did score big. My neighbor put the system together at the same time I did my Stratos-Sound Valves-Dynaudio setup and I used to get upset each time I spent a Friday night listening session with him and then coming home to mine. The real shame is that nobody in his family wanted the stuff but it worked out for me big time.

Looks like it found a great home.

Absolutely. Really nice you appreciate it.

Really pretty,even the TV does not look out off place.

Hey Bri,

Nice rig! I'm a big fan of VAC and Bob Backert's work too. You got an amazing steal on all that gear, kinda like hitting the lottery.

Cheers,
John

John, thanks for the look and comments. I did hit the lottery, but I also spent many hours researching original price, current values, and posting many adverts before getting lucky. It did allow me to join the Big Boy Club, for which I am highly grateful for.

I was unaware of RHB at that time and some great soul clued me in on his place, which happens to be about 1 mile from me. Shipping the CP without original packaging would have been a challenge. I was able to take the amp to his place, which aided in causing me the need for disk surgery...lol. He does beautiful work and it is truly amazing how many people buy a brand new pc of gear and send it directly to Bob for tricking out along with the older gear coming up to snuff as well as lots of HT bypass customizations. Highly recommended!

Cheers!

Brian

Nice system and a good deal you had.