Hey guys, i am another new guy to the forums.
I recently purchased my first tube system from Steve. I have been in the SS analog world for a bit now. I purchased a ZMA, CP3, ZROCk, some pills, the phone stage and a few other things to get me started along with a pair of 945s. most of the speakers are i own are B&W, I own some CM10s some 804s and few bookshelf jobs. looking to hook up the ZMA with my VPI TT over the CP3 and Phono stage and plan to use the 945s. i do own a REL t91 that i also plan to use, by connecting it to the amp via the High Level Neutrik Speakon, i was wondering if this will detract at all from the sound.  good to be here.

Congrats Fred! It's going ti be a wait, but it will be worth it!

Fred,

I have the ZMA, CSP3 and ZP3.  I pretty much did what you are doing several years ago.  No regrets!  My room is about 17X35 with high vaulted ceilings.  I'm using the HR1s with great results.  It's not rock concert loud but they do fill the space.  I think large volume rooms will always be a challenge.

I think the HR1s are more like 92.5db.

Fred my listening room is about 32 x 25 with half having a high angled ceiling and the HR-1s conquer all the difficulties and fill the house with sound. I love these speakers, enough to have a spare pair that I find it hard to part with!

Fred- Welcome, and as Jeff said you really jumped in with both feet! Keep us posted when things start coming together. We love our Decware/Omega rig and have never been happier. Chris

First post:

First want to say that I have been a casual stereo NOVICE for decades and have always wanted to piece together a tube system.

I have done a fair amount of reading about amps and integrated amps and have finalized my short list to Decware.

Having spent a decent amount of time reading Decware forums, I have learned a great deal from the members and want to say thank you.

My current system is nothing to brag about, Nakamichi av-10   5.1 HT /  Polk audio speakers FL FR RL RR C with Velodyne CHT-10 sub using (and don't laugh) monster cable. I know, I know, sounds really silly after learning what real audiophiles use in their rigs. And finally (cue more laughter) a PS3 for cd and DVD with a Samsung 65"

As far as my new system that I have just started building goes:

Tekton Pendragon speakers that will be delivered next wed
Mogami 14 ga cables (Eric Alexander's suggestion) also delivered next wed.

The integrated amp I have decided on is the SE34I.5 Rachael that Steve says (via email) will drive the Pendragon's very well.
The DAC / transport I have tentatively decided on is the Oppo UDP-205 because my wife and I stream most often. I am also planning on a tidal subscription.

Out of the gate, if the Oppo is finally purchased, I will use the Oppo's rca output to the Rachael until I get the ZBIT for use of the analog out.

I want to thank Steve and all forum members for all recent and future advice that I hope I will receive.

Welcome Ginny!

The Rachel is a great amp.  I have two   We all started where you are at more or less.  Take your time.  Do your research and make purchases when they make sense.  And a year later, you will look back with astonishment as to how far you have come.  

I noticed in your post you were considering the Oppo 205.  And one of the reasons for attaining this unit was for streaming purposes.  I want to point out the with the 205, Oppo eliminated ALL third party apps.  Unlike the 103 and 105 prior, you cannot stream with the 205.  No Tidal, no Netflix, nothing.  I have a 205 and it is really a quantum leap over the prior model sound quality-wise, but a major step back in terms of services it offers.  According to Oppo, the reason they eliminated all of the apps was for simplicity and improvement in sound quality.  Regardless of the reason, you won't have any streaming capability.  That is what ultimately led me to the PS Audio DirectStream DAC.  I am a big Tidal and MQA fan and wanted the ease of app based streaming.  I used to be able to do it through the Oppo via my modded 103.  I assumed I would be able to do the same with the 205.  Not the case.  

Anyway, I still think the 205 is a great unit and it is serving me well in my system.  I just wanted to make sure you are aware of this limitation before shelling out the cash.  

Cheers!