[seamonster]

Hi, all -

I joined today, but have been reading this forum for a while. Bought a pair of DVA M225 amps a few years ago, and am really happy with them.
They're powering a pair of Daedalus Muse Studio, which likewise bring about joyous feelings.
A VPI Prime turntable, Soundsmith Zephyr MIMCStar cartridge, Soundsmith MCP2 MKll phono stage, B.A.T. VK-42SE line stage, and a Marantz
Ruby SA-KI player round out my hodge-podge system. I think it sounds really good.
Anyway, I have to go submerge for a while -   

[oskar]

Killer system there. I'd love to hear it.
Welcome to the forum 

[Jeff_From_Michigan]

You might call it hodgepodge, but when I look at those components, they look to have been carefully chosen.  That is one very nice system.

Welcome to AC!

[AllanS]

Welcome aboard! 
One person’s hodgepodge is another’s curated.  Nicely done either way.

[seamonster]

Thanks, everyone - concerns about quality pretty much dictated my decisions to buy, not to mention attempts to control spending. Also, I always try to buy assembled, if not made entirely, in U.S.
Looking ahead to learn from members here -

[peter4jc]

Very nice!  Welcome, seamonster.  Where are you located, if I may ask?

[seamonster]

Been in Texas for a little while.

[1965]

I think most somewhat run a hodgepodge. Just found a never used NOS Soundsmith MIMC from an old dealer. Not sure I don’t like it a bit better than the Voice😊 Same weekend found a year old NP1 -owner moving to tubes. 

[seamonster]

1965, I believe you're right. I see few folks with full suites of gear.

I think I'm about due for a rebuild of my cart. Haven't really noticed any degradation of sound, but I've been running it for a few years. I'm guessing I've got a thousand hours on it. The fact that my records are
super-clean helps. I had an ART9 previously, which I'll remount while my Star is at Soundsmith.

Also looking to upgrade my preamp. Bought 4 ODAM series V-caps, per Steve Bednarski's instructions, but have yet to find a reputable shop that doesn't have a six-month waiting list,
and I'm not experienced with a soldering iron. I might have to buy a preamp to use for the duration. Was looking at Schiitt gear.

[AllanS]

I might have to buy a preamp to use for the duration. Was looking at Schiitt gear.

Hard to go wrong here, especially if you’re looking for high value to hold you over.  I’m not the most critical but have been content for the last couple of years relying on a Lyr+ as my pre as I ponder what to do with what little remains of a modest budget.

[seamonster]

"Hard to go wrong here..."

That's what I figure. I'm sort of excited to hear other electronics, hear how my nearly 20-year-old preamp stacks up.

[heiba]

Have several AVA preamps, but the 45 years old one is in daily use. Sounds slightly darker than a regular solid state pre. And not ulike a tube preamp. Nice to have bass and treble controls. Will never sell - a Pat-5 Super-Fet preamp from Jensens Stereo Shop. Was given to me by some nice people.