Hello all, figured it was time for a quick introduction and a little bit of how I ended up here. First, I do consider myself an audiophile - totally infatuated with music and equipment and have been chasing audio nirvana for most of my life. I don’t however consider myself an expert in either. I just know what I like and what I don’t like - not necessarily the reasons why, but I’m always learning.
It all started when I was around 8 years old and dad brought home a used mono cabinet that had a radio, record player (a true record player, not a turntable) and a single mono full range speaker. I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. It also came with 3 very used Ventures albums which I promptly finished wearing out (still a major Ventures fan today). anyway, that was it - I was hooked.
Will skip the next 50 or so years except to say that it has been the most wonderful and the most frustrating thing ever, this chase for the perfect sound.
Jumping forward to a year or so ago when I started watching Paul’s videos and reading his blogs and lusting after PS Audio gear. The thing that hooked me with PS Audio is how genuine and completely nerdy Paul comes across - Very real and very grounded. Everything and everyone associated with PS Audio that I have interacted with presents themselves the same - makes it feel like home. Which is how this forum feels - like home. PS Audio and most importantly you guys should be very proud of the home you have built here.
So after much thought and consideration I decided to check out the PS Audio sound if you will and bought a Sprout 100. Now I’m certainly no expert on audio hardware or music even and would never claim to be - I just know what I like when I hear it. I had recently gambled on a pair of KLH Kendalls based on what I remember KLH sounded like back in the 60’s and 70’s. I could tell the sound I wanted was in them, but wasn’t quite presenting itself with the AudioLab 6000A Play integrated I was driving them with. Swap that out with the Sprout 100 and … truly it was one of those moments where the hair on the back of your neck stands up. All those descriptors I have heard about and been searching for all my life suddenly appeared before my eyes and ears - transparency, 3-dimensionality, clarity, speed, openness, etc., etc. Even in my small listening room that dosen’t have one redeeming characteristic for proper music reproduction - I had the sound I wanted. A little speaker location tweaking and it got even better.
But, didn’t I say I was an audiophile? So yes, I’m already planning my next moves. Maybe adding a S300 amp and using the Sprout as a pre, or maybe jumping in with the S300 / GainCell DAC combo, or maybe a Strata or a pair of S700’s - who knows. All I know for sure is I feel I’m home with PS Audio.
Current system -
PS Audio Sprout 100
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon TT with Ortofon 2m Blue
KLH Kendall tower speakers
Apple TV 4k (Apple Music)
Roon/Qobuz/Tidal via USB
