Last audio gear purchase you made that was a complete gamechanger

This:

http://www.marantz.co.uk/uk/product...ifi&subcatid=usbdaconverters&productid=hddac1

Not a day & night difference from my ex-DACs (Audiolab M-DAC, Teac UD-501) but plays everything I throw at it plus has a really handy front panel usb input for my ipod/ipad etc. Also sounds a tad more (I hate to say it, but) analogue-like than my previous two players. Easy to set up with my Mac. Interfaces well woth my old Meridian CD transport via spdif. Killer headphone stage which had really been the game-changer for me. Listening to so much more music late night now via headphones. Looks lovely, well made. Have hardly played any LPs since I'm truly enjoying this thing so much.

My first game changer was a pair of Quad II amps and 22 pre-amp given to me aa a teen by my Grandfather. THAT more than anything turned me onto this whole audio malarky!

- John -

 

Now that is the definition of a game-changer. Congrats. (black or champagne?)

 

1. First Watt amps. Nelson Pass designed class A FET solid state (sand) amps. I was a tube fundamentalist until I heard that.

2. Macbook. No more digital transport and ugly CD rack.

 

Very nice.

 

5 years ago when I bought a Mac mini and wavelength usb dac. Not only sound wise but also I have a wife, kids and a small house. Having my full cd collection at my fingertips in an iPhone or iPad remote has kept music in my life daily.

 

An iPod Classic. Hooked it up to my main system via the dock outlet to the RCA's with needle drops lossless for the music.

 

tried that app a few years ago. it sure sounded good but man was it buggy. could barely get it to play an album all the way through, it kept stopping

 

GIK Soffit Bass Traps:

http://gikacoustics.co.uk/product/gik-acoustics-soffit-bass-trap/

Now I hear the music, not the room!

 

They really do make a substantial difference. I had all kinds of bass problems that were eliminated once I installed them.

 

Yeah, paying attention to room acoustics can bring large improvements. You can make your own traps if you have DIY skills.

 

A used pair of Sennheiser HD 600. These sound great with anything I've thrown at them. I don't even fool around with speakers, placement, and room treatments anymore. Now I can cut out the variables and enjoy the music without my OCD kicking in.

 

Naim CD 5SI-2. LOVE it.

 

KAB EV-1

 

Toeing my speakers in just a touch, getting them away from the walls.

 

I'd definitely qualify my purchase of HD600 phones, a Perreaux SXH1 amp, and a Stefan Audioart Equinox cable as a total gamechanger.

 

JBL S4700 speakers. Probably the best speakers I've ever owned.

 

Just like Kristeva says above, the addition of the right Step Up Transformer (SUT) can make a world of difference. I built a SUT using the Cinemag 1254 transformers and it has great synergy with my modified Denon 103R. The right cartridge/SUT/phono stage combination can make a HUGE difference!

 

+1 on SUT. Added a Budgie and sweet Jesus.

Might I add to 'game changers': dialing in my VTA just so with an Ortofon Quintet Black.

 

So what's your issue with the usual square or rectangular .............

 

of course the real game changer with a SUT is correct loading with the best resistor you can afford.

 

Thorens 124 MK2
Thorens 125 MK2
Omega Super 7 XRS speakers (I listen to 70's reggae, dub, late 70's-early 80's funk and I was concerned I might need a sub, but hell no! these speaker deliver)
Eico 81F tube amp, soon to be replaced by a Torii Decware, despite it being very very very nice.

and, last but not least, for ease of use, Audioengine wireless gizmos that let me stream the music stored on my Mac to the stereo.

 

Just replaced my Mcintosh MC 275 with a pair of MC 1201 mono blocks.

 

An Onkyo TX SR 606 7.1 A/V receiver, picked it up at a thrift store for all of $50. So now I have surround, a game changer. I also have multiple low distortion amps, audibly superior to the amp section of my vintage Kenwood KR 9600 receiver. The Onkyo receiver also has much improved D/A converters. This all shifts things in favor of Digital replay.

 

My Rega Aria has given my set up a much needed injection of life.