Just a dilatant

[JimTimP]

Well, i've been lurking here for a few weeks, so I thought it time to say something about me. Always hate doing that.

Seems Myles has spotted me and welcomed me. Thank Myles. I read your posts with a nod to a master.

I've been a pseudo audiophile for as long as I can remember. Cruising by the Lafayette store on my way home from high school and drooling over a Teac X-1000 in the window. My first 'stereo' was a Sherwood system bought in 1982 in Denver. Served me well. I bought a LOT of MFSL releases in the early to mid 80's. Still have them all. I finally got that reel-to-reel in 1986 when I purchased a Teac X-2000R I still have it today.

Currently, I'm sporting a Yaqin MC-100B integrated amp with a Yaqin SD-32A CD Player and ProJect Tube Box DS2 Phono Preamp with a DIY upgraded power supply. Besides the 4-track Teac X-2000R, I have 2 Otari MX-5050 BIII's and a MX-5050 BII. The turntable is a VPI Prime Signature with a Soundsmith Voice and as an option a second arm with a Shure V15Mx with the VN5xMR stylus that I've had for a while mounted. I also have a Nobosound Headphone Amp driving a pair of Sennheiser HD-650s headphones with an upgraded cable. All tubes have been rolled and I'm using Golden Lion match quad KT-88s in the amp with Sylvania 6SN7's and ECC803 Gold Pins from JJ. Except in the Nobosound. I've got a Tesla 12AX7 between those 6SN7s.

Speakers are a DIY kit from Madisound based on the John Krutke designed ZRT 2.5 speakers sporting upgraded components in the crossover. I'm in the process of adding a DIY/self designed sub with a ScanSpeak Revelator driver and class A/B plate amp. Should fill in the bottom octave.

After seeing some of the components you guys are running, I think I should stay a lurker. Why I feel I'm 'just a dilatant'.

You'll find me active on the VPI forum and as I have something to contribute, here as well.

[Bill Hart]

Welcome from one of the great unwashed here. I think you'll find it less about the gear as such and more about what people do with it--including some of the most basic things having to do with set up, calibration and the like. Even the best components (whatever those are- I regard it, as I think most do, as a system) can't deliver their promise without some knowledge, and I think that's what we are here to share. My bent is more music than gear at this point, but there's room for that too. (And, as others have reminded me, I wouldn't be posting on an audiophile forum unless I liked gear). Contribute where you can, learn what you can. The dynamics of any forum evolve over time, and I'm glad to see all the different people-- some of whom I know from other fora- who have migrated here. Why? Largely substantive, very minimal snark, and it isn't because there's heavy handed moderation. I think it is because those who have joined up actually enjoy this stuff and are willing to share and help where they can. There is no shame in being a dilettante; they used to call such people "renaissance men" (B.G.S. -before gender sensitivity) or polymaths- someone with multiple talents or knowledge in disparate fields. Look at it this way-- some of us are getting smarter, and some of us are getting dumber. It all evens out in the end.

[Guest]

polymaths without competencies are dilettantes

people who point this out are still called smart aleks :-)

welcome JimTimP - talking about "upgraded components in the crossover" you sound like an audiophile to me

[GaryB]

. . . people who point this out are still called smart aleks :-)

The true smart aleck posts to tell you that you've spelled smart aleck wrong . . .

I knew someone would take the bait... :-)

[jonathanb]

Bait? Suuuuuuuuure!