Audiophile:

I often get asked questions regarding my knowledge of "sound quality" (i.e. How do you know that this version sounds better than that version?) I can answer that fairy simply--I've compared the individual sources and have heard differences. I firmly believe that good sound quality starts at the source and a "good" recording will sound relatively better than a "bad" recording (of the same material) regardless of the equipment it's played on. Likewise, the better the equipment, the better your music will sound. I have spent years picking and choosing various equipment in order to improve my listening environment. Pictured below is my current setup:

These are my speakers, Infinity, model RS-1b. They stand about 5.5 feet tall and have 4 columns. The 2 center columns are for treble and midrange and the 2 outer columns are the subwoofers (6, 8" speakers per side). Each set of columns requires a separate amplifier. These speakers were built sometime in the late 80's. When I first heard them, I knew someday I would own a set of these! Prior to this, I owned a pair of Magnapan, model MG-III, then, Infinity, model RS-2b (similar to the above, but only 2 columns).

This is my "equipment rack". From top to bottom (and left to right): Infinity Crossover (to mix the 2 amplifiers), Hafler DH-500 Amplifier. This is a solid state amp that provides power (~500 watts into 4 ohms) to the 2 subwoofer columns. Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck. This deck is one of the best cassette decks ever made. I also had a Nakamichi 1000ZXL, but sadly, analog cassettes are almost obsolete these days and it was collecting dust. Sony CDR-W33 CD Player/Recorder. This machine has a built in digital equalizer,  which sometimes comes in handy for re-EQing, recorded material which is EQ'd poorly. Audio Research SP-11 Mark II pre-amp. This pre-amp is a hybrid, which uses solid state components as well as 6 vacuum tubes. I previously had an Audio Research SP-6b, but wanted to upgrade. I was very pleased with the results. Otari CDR-18 CD Player/Recorder. I used to have a Pioneer PDR-05 Player/Recorder which I absolutely loved. The Otari is a "professional" version of the same machine. SOTA turntable. You can jump up and down on the floor or hit the side of the turntable with a hammer and your record will not skip as the platter is completely isolated from all other surfaces. Attached to the turntable is a Sumiko (?) tone arm and a Grado Reference Platinum cartridge. Next to the turntable and stacked (top to bottom) is an ADC Equalizer, which I sometime use to completely re-EQ a bad source; Denon DCD-1015 CD player. I bought this CD player because it has the highest specs of any CD player that has a pitch control (+/- 12%). Sometimes you get a CD, which needs speed correction.; Nakamichi ST-7 FM tuner. I really don't listen to much FM, but every now and then there might be a Who broadcast!; Sony DTC-790 DAT Tape Player/Recorder. I don't really use the DAT format that often (I prefer CDr). However, every now and then some very nice people send me DAT tapes! On the bottom shelf: The Power Supply for the Audio Research SP-11. (All those components just don't fit in one box.) Audio Research D-115 Mark II amplifier. This amp weighs about 70 lbs and has 17 vacuum tubes. It is used for the midrange and treble speaker columns. I originally used 2 Hafler D-500 amps, but felt that the mids and highs had no "feel" to them. I then hooked up this monster and immediately went, "WOW!" - a complete improvement to the entire system. This amp puts out about 200 watts into 4 ohms.

Lastly, is a VPI HW-16.5 record cleaning machine. This machine cleans your records so that they are spotless. Even brand new records contain microdust. It really is a "must have" for anyone that still plays vinyl. The way the machine works is as follows: You first clamp your record to the platter and apply some recording cleaning solution. You then aim the "suction tube" over the record and turn on the powerful vacuum. After 3 revolutions (per side) you have a spotless record.

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