Hi, my name is Rich, and I suffer from audio nervosa.
I guess there were signs when I was young, always fiddling with electronics, taking things apart, and building Heathkits. In my early 20s, I felt like I had it managed: Some B&W 805s, Sony ES components; I was happy then. However, moving into a new home a few years ago is when the symptoms started to set in. I had set up a home theater (with those same 805s) but came to realize all I was doing was listening to music, never utilizing the other speakers and amplifiers. I thought it would make sense to "simplify"; later to learn its anything but simple. I would build a nice stereo/hifi. I got some better B&W speakers. Realizing the Rotel amplifier I was using didnt cut it any more, I started to research tube amplifiers, and ended up with some Luxman MB3045 monoblocks.
I was content, for a while. I messed with bi-amping, using SS for the low end, but it wasn't ever quite right. I tried changing up configurations, tweaking, but never was as satisfied as I could be. I got a Luxman integrated, but still left me tossing at night. I tried an NAD DAC, but still wasn't finding Nirvana...
It got so bad I found myself driving in the pouring rain on night through New Jersey, to a a pushers house only known as Shadowlight. Hours later, my car was loaded to the brim with Zu Audio Druid Vs.
What a mistake. B&W stuff made it easy. The Zu speakers dont play the game easy. They want the best, they want more. They constant push for better, to tweak, to change, to give the absolute best. I built a knockoff Zu "Undertone" subwoofer. I added Dirac Room correction. Another pair of Luxman monoblocks.. a Luxman DA06 DAC... a Luxman C700 Control Amplifier.. a Luxman E200 phono stage... each addition making them sound even better, and yet always leaving the question "Is there more??" Did I mention I had to support this affliction by getting all of that from Japan? And it runs on 100V through a PS Audio P3? Sheer madness.
And now.. I've become "SET-curious"
Thank you for having me. My name is Rich, and I suffer from Audio Nervosa, and there is no cure.