Filling out the sound

I think one brand systems are a great way to go (I used an all Linn system for about 20 years). I tried Conrad Johnson and McIntosh tube gear about 25 years ago, but just wasn't happy with their relative weaknesses in pace, rhythm and dynamics--beautiful tonality, but the music lost its life and energy. Products from Rega, Naim, and Linn were more to my liking. More recently, at the urging of a local dealer, I took home some Rogue tube gear to try out, but again, the music seemed to fall apart temporally to me.

One other brand not mentioned above that makes almost a complete system (no turntable) is Quad. I'm curious to hear what their lower-end (99 series) components sound like with one of their small, stand-mount speakers.

Jrtrent – Thanks for the pick-me-up! Not often do I see one coming to the defense of solid state products.

Maybe the CJ system I had was not as great as I seem to recall, although I’m sure it was very good in many ways. It’s kind of like how legends grow through time…

One other factor I have failed to mention in previous postings is that my hearing isn’t what it once was. I am 49 and annual audiograms administered here at work show some loss of ability.

You might also want to consider adding a tube buffer to the chain. It could hopefully be placed in a less visual location to preserve the look of your system and might give some of the fullness you are looking for. The Dodd tube buffer gets a lot of good reviews (there's even a DIY kit if you are so inclined), but there are others as well. Eastern Electric's is also well reviewed. There are less expensive prebuilt tube buffer options as well.

((Maybe the CJ system I had was not as great as I seem to recall, although I’m sure it was very good in many ways. It’s kind of like how legends grow through time…))

Roscoeiii your memory is fine and you are still a young guy.
What you owned CJ,Vandersteens and a turntable etc was and still is a high performance high end Audio system.


Compared to what you have now i think its wishful thinking if you feel like most here you can polish a decorator approved system into progress by making small tweaking changes only finding your going in circles.
Could it be cheaper and more enjoyable in the long run to go back to Vandersteens a tube pre an Vinyl?

To confirm what you already know and are second are guessing youself on take a listen to Vandersteens, a Tube pre amp with black records again in my onion its timeless.
Look up the definition of Form following function
and thats what worked for you instead of now your working for it.

Best Johnnyr

you should spend some time looking into room acoustics, treatment options, and speaker placement. Actually reverse what I just wrote...speaker placement, then room treatments, then room acoustics to make sure the treatment options are what you need.

good luck!