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Originally Posted By: Quest
personally, I don't have a dream system at all, at least not anymore.
As I gradually venture deep into the unknown, I realised the following:
(1) I luv BBC voiced speakers (recently also includes speakers whose been co-developed by NRC in Canada). Speakers like 80s KEF, 90s Epos, and recently Energy are my faves.
(2) I can design/make tube amps that give excellent soundstage ...(ref: "Buddhafied Loftin-White 2A3 amp, by Quest).
(3) NFB are primarily used in preamp/small signal/large gain stage controls.
(4) I like direct coupling of tube gain stages.
(5) I have been into tape recordings (tape decks, etc.) since I was 8. Recently, I found a prestine TEAC 450 (over 40+yrs old) that I fell in-luv all over again. (I have a collection of tape decks, from Technics to Akai GX heads to Naks, etc.)
(6) I still spin vinyls, and recently stocked up on V15-typeIII replacement stylus, enough to keep me spinning until I kick the bucket.
(7) I can tolerate MOS-FET based SS designs. I cannot tolerate bi-polar Class-B types of amps due to distortions in the high-order level...
(8) I still value some of the 80s and 90s tube amps, such as AR SP12, S-F Anthem, Counterpoints, etc.
lastly:
(9) I cherished the vulnerable, yet absolutely glorious sounding single-ended amps driven using DHTs. 45, 2A3, are simply out-of-this-world beautiful. 300B is a different beast, however, and when treated with care---can sound equally glorious...
Q.
I too,have a soft spot in my heart for vintage tape decks. I have an Aiwa F990,a 70s era Pioneer (one of those huge silver ones with the blue fluorescent recording level meters),and an early 80s era Technics with the huge needle meters. I've always wanted a 70s era reel to reel.