Mandatory Introduction:
Actually, it's about time I signed up here. I've been using this forum for untold numbers of research investigations. I'm probably not that different than many here, trying to buy, trade and sell my way up the audio food chain. Having a limited budget and even more limited space (condo, so a one-in-one-out rule has been negotiated with she who must be obeyed) means I began with some vintage Luxman and AR speakers, and have tried to make some smart purchased along the way.
Soon, I hope to move into that tube-pre and SS power amp combo that many seem to be the right set up. I do like a warm sound. Current set up is a nice trio of vintage Sony TA 2000/3200/5150 that really have been a surprisingly good set up.
In a vain attempt to garner some street cred in this hobby, a few winters ago I drove from my coastal CT home to Ottawa, Canada for a pair of speakers. Probably not a distance record, but it was fun explaining my trip to the customs agent.