Best and worst audio purchases in '13

[DaveyF]

This year I did some pretty good upgrades to my system. I upgraded my TT with the new power supply and a new bearing and sub-chassis. Both very worthwhile upgrades. Let's hear it from the other member's who did upgrades this year--and what they were and from those who were less pleased by their purchases.
I didn't do anything that wasn't good, BUT maybe there are others who did.

 

[edorr]

This year I did some pretty good upgrades to my system. I upgraded my TT with the new power supply and a new bearing and sub-chassis. Both very worthwhile upgrades. Let's hear it from the other member's who did upgrades this year--and what they were and from those who were less pleased by their purchases.
I didn't do anything that wasn't good, BUT maybe there are others who did.

Best: Shunyata power cabling / ARC Ref 5SE Pre-amp
Worse: Custom spec'ed CAPS 3.0 multi media server. Quality issue - damn machine just was not working and will probably work out fine in the end. Meanwhile my old CAPS 2.0 is humming away nicely sounding better than ever. MSB Femto 140 clock was also a bit of a disappointment, but MSB DAC itself was huge winner.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

BEST: Upgrading to the Genesis G7.1f Loudspeakers.
WORST: Not yet adding a tubed phonostage.

I did get lucky this year on the vinyl front. Bought some amazing records that I never thought I would own. I'd be very happy if I could duplicate that in 2014.

 

[treitz3]

Best - split between some great albums and the crossover upgrades for the Tyler's.
Worst - some not so great albums I thought would be good.

Tom

 

[BlueFox]

My best audio experience was various Shunyata upgrades and/or additions along with upgrading to a Pass Labs XP-20 preamp in June, and Pass Labs X600.5 amps a month later in July.

The worst was getting the electric bill in August. It made me have solar installed in September.

Also, I had a second dedicated 20 amp line installed for my amps yesterday, and I am still in awe at how much better the system is now.

 

[jap]

Best - A match pair of RCA Red Base 5692s

Worst - Shunyata Venom Defender

Happy Holidays!

 

[AMP]

Best - I bought a high-end audio store.

Worst - I bought a high-end audio store??!?!? What in the hell was I on???

 

[mep]

Best - A match pair of RCA Red Base 5692s

Worst - Shunyata Venom Defender

Happy Holidays!

Not to get off topic on Davey's thread, but I thought people on WBF were loving the Venom Defender.

 

[MadFloyd]

Best: Wilson Alexias
Worst: Not enough funds for everything I want!

 

[rockitman]

Best: TechDAS AF1, Allnic H-5000 DHT phono stage/HA-3000 head amp, Table Stable active isolation shelf, stillpoints, Nordost Odin Cabling.
Worst: None so far.

 

[rockitman]

Best - I bought a high-end audio store.

That takes the cake !!!

 

[mep]

Best: Wilson Alexias
Worst: Wilson Alexias (not getting the setup I paid for and spending more time trying to voice them than enjoying them)

Didn't you buy them brand new? If so, how come they weren't set up according to Wilson standards?

 

[jap]

Not to get off topic on Davey's thread, but I thought people on WBF were loving the Venom Defender.

That's exactly why I tried one.

 

[audioarcher]

Best: Exasound e20 mk3. 30 day free trial. It was a keeper! I can finally enjoy my digital now.
Worst: Modwright OPPO 105. Did not get to hear it first, and there is no trial period. You win some, you lose some.

 

[mep]

Worst: Modwright OPPO 105. Did not get to hear it first, and there is no trial period. You win some, you lose some.

Another piece that I thought lots of people were gaga over.

 

[audioarcher]

Another piece that I thought lots of people were gaga over.

Yup. I'm sure lot's of people love their's, but it did not work out for me. This hobby is funny that way.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Another piece that I thought lots of people were gaga over.

Ok, but what are your choices?

 

[mep]

Ok, but what are your choices?

I guess mine would be the LS50s and custom made Sound Anchor stands I bought this year. I didn't buy anything this year that I thought sucked.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I guess mine would be the LS50s and custom made Sound Anchor stands I bought this year. I didn't buy anything this year that I thought sucked.

Good to hear.

 

[JackD201]

That takes the cake !!!

Nope. That took the BAKERY! LOL!!!!!

Best: TechDAS AirForce One

Worst: A couple of CDs bought in Japan that turned out to be 78rpm transcriptions. Digital Shellac. Sigh. Then again, these would be great for pranking tweak heads!