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Best Hobby related purchase of 2010

I did a lot of horse trading in 2010, since my job sucked, and I didn't have a lot else to do, and I was wondering what the best deal I made, audio-wise was in 2010.

At first I thought buying Bryston BDA-1 after trying a ton of other DAC's, but since I eventually sold the Bryston due to lack of use, that was out.

Then I thought the modded PS Audio GCPH after trying so many great phono stages, but I after considering the surprise when I got the first of 2 expected Def Tech Supercube 1 subs (ended up with only one since it sounded so good). But that made me think maybe I should look at software purchases, and that's where I am for the year.

I got some great Japanese pressings of favorite alums, and a sublime (which is playing right now) pressing of Pink Floyd-The Wall (Radio station copy), and I realized I had a great software year.

So, the best audio hobby purchase of 2010: The Beatles MFSL Box for $600. Albums where pristine, and had the GeoDisc and booklet. A bit yellow on the covers et all but I didn't care. I love this set, and I know many collectors think there are not the best of the Beatles albums, but they are the pinnacle to me.

So anyone want to share their best 2010 audio deal?
macdadtexas
musicpod
150 posts
 
I'd say it was a toss up between 2 purchases.

1. An EAR 834P phone stage. Replaced an onboard phono stage that I had been using and it made a difference. I bought it partly because I knew that if I didn't do something to improve the audio experience when listening to vinyl that my records were heading back to storage along with the TT.

2. Professional calibration for the audio portion of my system. On this item I'm nerdy enough and curious enough to have spent enough time to get the individual components set. What the calibrator provided was more knowledge than I had to get the individual components working together as a system. This is what I immediately noticed after his calibration--that the components seemed integrated and working together as a system.
inna
5,245 posts
 
Well, I got me Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm. Minimalist design, big sound; simple and to the point.
foster_9
1,610 posts
 
01-05-11: Musicpod
Professional calibration for the audio portion of my system. On this item I'm nerdy enough and curious enough to have spent enough time to get the individual components set. What the calibrator provided was more knowledge than I had to get the individual components working together as a system. This is what I immediately noticed after his calibration--that the components seemed integrated and working together as a system.

This is curious..Can you explain? What specific service(s) were performed? Who provided this service?
musicpod
150 posts
 
Foster_9:

I'll do my best to explain.

Calibrator: Jeff Meier

Company: Accu Cal

Web Site: http://www.accucalhd.com/pricing.htm

The website address takes you to the specific services Jeff performed. This link takes you to a pricing guideline. Go to the Audio Calibration heading. This probably gives you a better explanation than I could provide. I see Jeff raised his price to $300. I guess I got lucky because I hired him when the cost was only $200.

Although I have a pretty good flat panel display--Pioneer KURO Elite, I was most interested in improving the audio portion of my system. Hence, I only had Jeff do the audio calibration. I was satisfied with his service. He was probably here between 4 to 5 hours. He seemed to take pride in his work. I like working with people that take pride in what they do.

And my system souded better after he left. I believe he took it to a point of performance that was above my ability to achieve at the time.

Hope this helps.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
12-27-10: Macdadtexas
Tvad, Audio Note: Sweet. What are they driving?
Audio Note AN/SP-E HE. 98dB. Piano lacquer Wenge.

The best purchase of 2009.

;)
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