My system is an old school two channel stereo with a subwoofer that's bi-amped with tube and solid state amps with both active and passive crossovers. It has a lot of poor man's high-end touches... I've built, upgraded, or modified many of the components. My hands have been inside just about every part of this system including the DAC. Its a great way to get better gear than budget allows, and it helps me understand what's under the hood.

The same tube amps, preamp, and speakers have been part of my system for nearly 35 years. though they've all undergone some updates. The system was good enough to make me happy over 30 years ago, and has methodically improved over time by making refinements. The latest upgrades include a Hagerman Cornet 3 phono stage build, an enhancement to the baffle treatment, and an upgraded power supply for the active crossover. I'm mostly in heaven these days. 😎

- Sterling Acoustics Acumen II transmission line speakers

- Lazarus Cascade Basic tube preamp with CAT caps

- modified Dynaco/VTA tube monoblocks on midbass/tweeters w/CAT caps, SS rectifier, and Tung Sol 6550 in triode (inline high pass crossover)

- Linn LK-140 solid state amp on the woofers (w/active low pass crossover)

- Sansui SR1050C with a blended Nagaoka MP150 body and JN-P500 stylus

- modified SMSL C100 DAC w/MUSES02 and linear regulated PSU

- New! Hageman Cornet 3 with linear regulated PSU and some upgraded caps and resistors

Here's a rare glimpse of the speakers pulled out from the corners of the room:

Right side speaker and tube amp:

A glimpse of the wife approved version of the room:

Sansui SR1050 with FrankenNag cart:

Hagerman Cornet 3:

The layout as of early December 2025:

Edited January 2Jan 2 by knotscott

A really lovely looking system there - congrats 😁🎶

3 hours ago, crtexcnndrm99 said:

A really lovely looking system there - congrats 😁🎶

Thank you!

I recently added a Miida T3115 direct drive TT to complement my newly completed DIY Hagerman Cornet 3 build. The Miida is the same as the Denon GT700 or SL-7D.