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.
With Danes
And the Mirage sub with terrible placement that I can switch between the HT and VAC
My Now Playing stand of which only 2 exist, because I made them while still working in a machine shop
Family Room with JM Labs
Vintage VAC
Some old Hafler Gear
And my real Vintage setup in the Poconos, which was my Parent's First Stereo in the 60s
