Best hardware acquisition of 2017

Technics 1200GR

 

My best audio hardware acquisition of 2017 is the Phiree U2S, which converts USB to SPDIF. The USB performance of the PS Audio Digital Link III isn’t as good as the SPDIF.

 

Bumped into a sweetheart deal on a van den Hul Frog. This was one of those "in your dreams" type cartridges for me, so got it... and a 2nd JMW-10 armwand on the used market. Nice compliment to my Lyra Delos.

 

I haven't spent a lot on hardware this year. My best acquisitions were Schiit Freya pre-amp and 7N7 Sylvania NOS tubes. I also got 2 Schiit Vidars. I'm still on the fence on these, since I had to return one due to an excessive hum coming from the unit.

Regards

 

Thanks for posting in this thread

 

2017 was the year my beloved B&W Matrix 802s began giving up the ghost after twenty years of daily, dedicated service.

It's also the year I replaced them with Rockport Atria IIs! The future has never sounded better.

 

Eor: "Get back with me next year. I keep spending my equipment money on music."

 

My only hardware purchase this year has been the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS, which I'm liking so far. Actually, I used gift cards from work to get it, so I really didn't purchase anything!

 

Guess it would be my K-01x 30th Anniversary player (Top left). Only 5 made for the USA. 30 Total worldwide... I got #30

 

So it was cheap on ebay then?

 

Chord Hugo 2.

 

I would say my Herron phono stage but for it to be as good as it is, I think my Art9 LOMC has a lot to do with that. So I'm going Art9. Absolutely love that thing.

 

Schiit Vidar and Totem Arros.

 

Tanks too for posting thread. Maybe we need another entitled Expected 2018 Acquisitions?

 

Marantz Reference PM-10 and SA-10

 

McIntosh MC601 mono blocks. Traded up from an MC452

 

I purchased a used M/S Surface Pro as a music server.

Turned out well..

 

New Turntable for 2017. Opportunity came up to move on a Michell Gyro SE with SME 309. But, as much as I absolutely love this turntable (a keeper for life for sure) my favorite component might be the Bob's SKY 20 SUT. That thing just makes music so pure and real.

 

You are welcome. In 2018 I also will look out for components I won't buy.

 

I have a feeling that cost more than my car. But my car gets better gas mileage. So I have that going for me.

 

Sony PS-X7. The most modern of my vintage Push button magic TTs. Carbon fiber tonearm delish. Near minty condition/shipped in original box. Just couldn't pass it up. Prolly the last TT until after i retire.

 

Love my Rega Elex-r and RX3 speakers!

 

Naim Supernait 2.

 

Got a pair of Audeze LCD-X headphones for Christmas.

 

The best that happened during 2017? That would be the upgrade of the study setup which is now based on a TEAC AI-501DA integrated AMP, a pair of KEF LS50 speakers, a Violectric HPA V281 headphone amp and my Sennheiser HD600 headphones. The TEAK, KEF and HPA V281 were all bought this year together with a Teddy Pardo i80a integrated amplifier for the living room.

I'm done and I guess I'm not going to spend a lot in 2018.