Normally in the all ARC rack in the front room (that's Audio Research Corporation in case you were new to this) the ARC REF2 SE phono stage decided to make a visit next door to where the Brinkmann Bardo has been holding court. Now what is it doing in there, with the likes of Leben and Line Magnetic, all wonderful gear to be sure, yet not what one would normally pair together? Making my hair stand on end, for one, and giving goose bumps, for another. Rock solid images, texture like putty, tonal colors like the great St Louis Symphony was what came to mind as I played record after record. Using a system comprised of a Line Magnetic 518 integrated, DeVore 0/93 speakers, WTL Amadeus table/Dynavector XV1t cartridge wired with Auditorium A23 cabling, I swapped out the WTL for the Bardo table and the Leben phono/Auditorium Hommage stepup for the big ARC REF2 SE. Source first, of course! It's awesome. Shows to me why always improving your source will always improve your overall musical output. Period. I need Suze Orman to say those lines to some of you. Pound her fist and make you repeat it. If you're a newbie and reading this then know that I'm not addressing you per se.
But do start off with something decent as a source or you'll forever be in danger of not enjoying your system or music at home like you should. Call me and I'll give you an honest answer, even for products I don't sell yet recommend.
For others that are still quibbling about amps and speakers when your sources quite frankly blow, well, come see me for a demonstration. You'll see the light.
Happy Listening!
But do start off with something decent as a source or you'll forever be in danger of not enjoying your system or music at home like you should. Call me and I'll give you an honest answer, even for products I don't sell yet recommend.
For others that are still quibbling about amps and speakers when your sources quite frankly blow, well, come see me for a demonstration. You'll see the light.
Happy Listening!
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