Much better than my previous play, a Rotel, which was very good for its price point. However, the Ayre provides a much better foundation for the music, and a meatier presentation, with significantly more body. Much needed for the compact disc medium.

This replaced the stock arm on the Sonographe. At first hearing it installed, I thought it too thick in the midrange, and not quite resolving enough. After further listening, I learned that it was equally resolving to the arm it replaced, but that its midrange was now there, as opposed to being merely hinted at. Is there another audio component that offers as much bang for the buck?

This replaced a Shure V15MR. Comparisons are difficult because the Clearaudio has few hours on it. I think it better than the Shure in every way, but one. Oddly enough, I find the quality of its highs better, but I also think that it a shade more forward than the Shure.

Probably the sexiest piece of gear I own. Built like a tank, with the tray gliding from behind the fold down display.

This pre-amp replaced a PS Audio 4.6, which I purchased used in college, and used for about thirty years. It was probably the best sound for dollar component I've owned. But I wanted a fully tubed pre-amp, and the Janus brought me a more focused sound, by which I mean that I thought the PS Audio is a little reticent in the mids compared to the Janus, which I think calls attention to a the highs and low bass a little. The Janus is silky smooth in the highs, whereas there was just a glint of glare from the PS Audio by comparison. I notice a little less bite to recordings, particularly digital.

Powering the voice coils on the Reference 3.1

3.1 reference.

I use it to listen to a local metal program Saturday nights, and Little Steven's Underground Garage on Sunday evenings.

Solid maple stands which Scott Stein made. They are filled with sand, and I purchased threaded rods that fit into the bottom of the speakers and fit into similar holes in the top of the stands to hold them in place.

This is the MKII version, with the capacitor forming function. Probably my favorite component. Dead quiet. Very much an improvement on the Adcom 555 it replaced.

My first high end purchase while I was in college. I still enjoy the fast, light, and nimble sound. I also enjoy the oak base.