Words From the Wise

1/ In speakers, with very rare exceptions, fewer drivers is better but a single full-range driver is usually not adequate. 2-way and 1-1/2 way designs rule.

2/ Keep things simple. For example, some people buy a disc player for Redbook and another for SACD/DVD or some such. Keep yourself sane, channel your funds, and buy one good source that will play all the formats you want to buy.

3/ 2 Channels done right are enough. Better really, even for movies.

4/ A good tube amp on a simple chassis is the best performance-per-dollar buy in amplification. You have plenty of choice at any price point.

5/ If you don't buy a tube amp, one of the McIntosh autoformer solid state amps will be grand.

All else is comparatively minor. Well, 3 more: The "previously-owned" market has tremendous bargains; no one ever regretted owning an EL-34-based tube amp; don't expect anything resembling music to come from any device labelled "Krell."

Phil

* Dont compete, someone always has better, but at more cost.

* Dont put-down other peoples gear, just because you can afford more doesnt make you better, and to insult anothers hard earned money spent on what they enjoy is pathetic.

* If your music to equipment ratio is way out of whack rethink if you are truely a music lover ($20000 in gear and $1000 in music is crazy, you love equipment more than music

Great thread. 1)Tube amps are over rated-but they do sound lovely; solid state is a better bang for the buck but not as much fun to look at in the dark. 2)Vinyl is wonderful but it is a pain, and expensive and you need a record cleaner. 3)SACD is wonderful with much better dynamic range than CDs but the selection sucks. 4) Add a subwoofer with an electronic crossover is usually the best bang for the buck upgrade. 5)Building your own speakers using electronic cross-overs, will give you the best sound for the money, but buy expensive drivers. 6)Don't live in an apartment, live in a house. 7)Enjoy the music, not the equipment. "If music be the food of love, play on!"

1. Buy the best (analog) source component you can afford, first! If you can't recover it, you will never hear it, no matter how "great" your speakers or amps are.
2. Keep in mind that the strength of synergy in your system is vital. Everything needs to work together.
3. Get lots of great (records) music that you love, old, new, reissued.
4. Please don't buy gear that does not clearly sound better (in your system/room) than what you already own.
5. Sit down in the sweet spot with someone you care about and realize that this is what it is all about... have a zen moment.

1. Invite attractive women to your house and play music they bring over. (very key)

2. Beverages (sorry I am a bartender)

3. Then repeat...