[Stuartk]

I've been a member of another audio forum for quite a while and thought I'd try this site.

I'm nearly 66, live in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California and have been a music lover since I was very young. I've played guitar (acoustic and electric) since 1973.  I've had the musical influences one would expect from anyone who grew up in the 60's/70's but in the mid 70's, was drawn into an exploration of Jazz that continues to this day. I still listen to some Classic Rock but it's not my main focus. Aside from Jazz (50's to present), I enjoy (in no particular order) Americana, Folk, Blues, Country, NewGrass, Celtic and singer-songwriter artists. You will not hear me say "There's no good music, now". 

I've been interested in audio since the early eighties but until very recently, have never had much to spend on the hobby. I'm not engineering-minded by inclination or training; I'm a creative person and first and foremost, a music lover. I appreciate how a nice system can bring the listener into deeper connection with the music but whether I'm a genuine audiophile or not remains an open question. 

And now, to the system.
(Note that I do not have the luxury of a dedicated room. Our living room is my listening room. This will change, should we move but there are no plans to do so, soon).

SPEAKERS: Silverline SR 17.5 monitors on sand-filled Target HR stands fitted with Herbie's Threaded Gliders, placed atop large cement pavers
AMP: Hegel H390 Integrated (This was acquired about a month ago. It replaced a Wells Majestic).
SOURCE: SimAudio Neo 260 DT transport / Aqua La Voce 2 DAC
OTHER: Schiit Lokius EQ
ICs: Acoustic Zen Silver Reference
ALL OTHER CABLING: Audio Art
TWEAKS: Integrated, DAC and transport all sit on Symposium Rollerblock Jrs. and Svelte Shelf +'s

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome to AC 
This is a impressive list of Hi-End equip and accessories.

[Stuartk]

Thanks for the welcome, FullRangeMan!

It's been a slow process. I started out, ignorantly, with a very fatiguing Rotel/Creek/B&W system, then went to the other extreme with tubed Jolida CDP and integrated, before
finding my way here, somewhere on the warm side of neutral, with the current system.

The Hegel has been my most expensive acquisition, so far.
I was able to get an open-box deal on it from Kevin at Listen Up ! Denver, who also sold me the Sim transport.

I do try to buy from brick and mortar shops when I can and furthermore, to stick with dealers who provide the sort of service I appreciate.

[Phil A]

Welcome as well

[noreilly]

Welcome to Audio Circles, I look forward to researching your equipment and comparing to what I have.

Regards,

Niall

[Stuartk]

Thanks, Niall and Phil.

Niall: the Silverlines have since been superseded by the pricier SR 17 Supremes but everything else is still available. 

I neglected to mention that, due to furniture placement, I Have no good places for subs.  Should I still be involved with audio once we move, I'll probably go with full range speakers.
The Hegel's control of bass has dramatically improved the bass as it stands but of course, monitors can only reach so far on their own.

[JLM]

Welcome!

Recommend sticking with monitors and adding subwoofers versus full range speakers.  Subwoofers add flexibility and can be placed where they are most effective (near corners/walls) as opposed to monitors which work best away from walls.  Suggest reading Floyd Toole's "Sound Reproduction" (either edition).  He is a highly respected acoustician. 

[mresseguie]

Welcome to AC, StuartK.

Poke around and enjoy yourself here. I like you Desert Island suggestions. 

Michael

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Stuartk   

[Stuartk]

Thanks for the suggestion, JLM.  Will keep it in mind!

Thanks, mresseguie and Arthur Dent.

I'm hoping this site will prove less contentious than one I've belonged to for over 10 years.

[Stuartk]

Thanks, Michael.

That desert island question is a tough one-- so hard to choose just a few !