My Current HiFi System 2026 – Updated January 29th 2026 – NOW COMPLETE!
Audio has been in my life since I was a kid. I started listening to my mom’s records at age 9 on a portable all in one crappy turntable in 1978. I bought my first “system” at 15-16 (1984) and every week I would buy a new album. I would listen to that album all week until it was time for the next purchase or sometimes wear out the grooves! I still own some of those original albums today though they do not get played anymore. These days I am 100% into digital streaming as this brings millions of tracks right to the fingertips and the sound can be so immersive with the right setup.
I get emails from time to time asking me what the state of my system is. It has changed often, usually every few months in the past as I get new pieces in that I fall for. I am a HiFi addict after all, lol. Just because I change a piece doesn’t mean what I had before is bad or no longer loved, I just like to keep things fresh for the videos and to experience as much as I can. I do this to learn, to compare and to understand what makes some gear cost as much as it does.
This is my current 2026 system used for personal enjoyment and review puposes:
Main Reference Speakers Stand Mount
SMALL SPEAKER #1 – T+A Talis R330 in Silver – Full Range Stand Mount made in Germany.
These are pure reference end game smaller speakers for mid sized to medium large rooms. These sooth my soul on those nights when I want a bit of warmth, a smooth sound but also beautiful detail up top. T+A makes Talis models in larger sizes as well for larger rooms but there is always something about a small two way that does magic in the right space.
These look the part as well with an all aluminum enclosure and in silver they are as gorgeous as any small two way speaker I have come across. I have always had a love for a small traditional well done two way speaker and these from T+A, while small compared to some others, sound almost as big as my large floor standers in every way from soundstage to impact with bass, say 85% as big which is crazy for the size. In my 13X18 space of course. The bass on the R330 is simply incredible and competes with the best 2 way speakers I have heard in the high end $10-$20k area. The treble is sweet, airy and never overdone. The midrange has richness and beauty as well as some soul. Some warmth and richness that is palpable rests inside as well. Couldn’t want for more in a speaker of this size and while very expensive you do get what you pay for with this German made speaker. All drivers and the entire speaker are made in house by T+A and these are not a hard drive. I have even driven them with a 300B amp that puts out 25 wpc. For those who want to step up their sound to the high end while keeping things small and easy to manage. These may be the finest speakers that I own, truly.
Posted a bunch of first looks and sound samples at my instagram @hifihuffofficial
SMALL SPEAKER #2 – Fleetwood Helios – Audio art made in the USA.
The performance here is so good and surprising really. As small as they are they are huge in scale, soundstage width, height and depth and the imaging and soundstage is also quite surreal in my 13X18 space, besting the T+A above in these areas. The midrange is magic and so real in timbre, the treble is extended and open yet quite smooth. Very immersive and spatial presentation and in fact, some of the best I have had here in this regard, regardless of size or cost.
These will never shout at you but will instead give you an immersive soul stirring listening session within the right setup. Immersion is top tier when set up away from walls a bit, a bit wide apart and allowing them to breathe. After months of use, these have also tamed up from the first couple of weeks of use. These now have some warmth as well and are just remarkable in their realism. The bass plumped up over the months of using them vs fresh from box.
These are not like the T+A R330 above but rather quite different. As for Bass these are very good for the size but will not do deep bass (as in down to the 20’s or 30’s) and they are not “fat” or “juicy” in the mids either but rather about bringing you all of the information within a recording in a human and beautiful way. For those who do want a sub and some of that reinforcement from the bottom up Fleetwood offer the perfect match at their website in the Fundamental sub. You can see a three song sound well recorded demo in my members area at YouTube HERE with no sub. With the Helios, voices greet you, instruments are focused and separated very well and again, come out in the deep and tall stage. The Helios is not lean or fat but neutral with a hint of warmth in the mids.
They like to be placed wide apart, slight toe in and love powerful amps, tube amps and an amp with some warmth behind it will plump them up a bit. I sit 8 feet from them and they are about 8 feet apart. There is magic in these boxes.
They do well with my Dazzle and a 25 WPC 300B amp I have here that sits in the “exotic” lane of HiFi. Just beautiful.
Posted a bunch of first looks and quick sound samples at my instagram @hifihuffofficial
Buy these or see more info at Fleetwood Sound
Full Size – Speaker #3 – Updated Soon
Analog Integrated Amp – The Vinshine/Kinki DAZZLE – HiFi Huff Product of the Year 2025
The build quality of this integrated is pure end game and seen in $20k and up amps, no joke or hype here. It’s solid as a tank in all ways but also feels like a tank when you lift it. Seriously, I have never seen an integrated amp of this build quality unless I was checking out $20-$30k amps. The dials on the front are the finest in feel I have come across as well. Ultra premium.
I have tested the Dazzle with five sets of speakers ranging from 82DB to 98DB efficient. Each time I was blown away by either the raw power on tap or the delicacy to which the Dazzle can perform. The sound is big, bold, powerful, dense, full bodied and with some warmth that also has an effortless flow and some slight darkness in the mids compared to some other high end brands. It is detailed, punchy and dense, with body, a bit of warmth. It’s very musical but doesn’t skimp on details. The Dazzle comes with world class bass performance that may have you repositioning your speakers. Just a sublime analog integrated amp. It’s as if it is alive at times but this one will not fatigue nor will you want for more bass, humanity or drive.
You can see more info on the Dazzle HERE.
Tube 300B SET Integrated SET Amp – Western Electric 91E
This one comes with the legendary Western Electric 300B tubes, wood sided crate and all. While I would have made a couple of changes in the design (no bluetooth for one) as is, this is one heck of a 300B amp. It is large yet not a 100lb beast and the handles up top make it easy to move. Also, there is a cooling system here for the tubes that ensures it doesn’t get super hot, and it doesn’t.
Glow, haunting vocals, immersion and warmth yet with amazing transparency. I love me a good tube amp and since I have always had a soft spot for the 300B tube, this amp spoke to my heart. It also comes with a new set of the legendary 300B Western Electric tubes, wooden box and all.
This does not have a sense of mass power like the Dazzle, It is made for easy to drive speakers. If you have a set of speakers that are easy to drive this amp can bring a beautiful sound and vibe.
I would say it does best with speakers in the 89db and up range but the easier to drive the better. The Icon 12 sound glorious with the 91E.
You can buy th 91E direct at Western Electric right here in the USA.
Mono Amps and Pre – Galion Navy/Discovery – Affordable but Awesome
I love what Thomas is doing at Galion. He creates some killer gear at prices that are much more affordable than the big names, hence why many call his products “Giant Killers”. I have in house a set of his discovery mono amps and his Navy tubed preamp and it is an awesome setup. These amps are 80 WPC but sound more like a 150 WPC set. The look and sound is really quite amazing for what these cost and then some. With the Navy you will get airy highs, deep bass and a nice clean yet fleshed out midrange with some soul. The amps will bring attack, dynamics and a sense of power with clarity and some warmth in the mids that flesh out the music some. For those who refuse to pay more, Galion is your ticket to beautiful sound for less.
Will be doing a review for these in March!
Streamer – Matrix NT1 Streaming Transport
This NT-1 has upped my level of digital streaming. Add the SC-1 clock and SS-1 Pro switch and you will have a super refined streaming setup that sounds better than you can imagine. Pricey, sure. Worth it? All depends on how far you want your streaming to go and your budget for such things. We are not all as crazy as I am.
I am using it now with the SC-1 clock and SS1-Pro switch and this is the best I have ever heard digital sound. Magic indeed. On its own though the NT-1 is as good as those $6k streamers for $2k less. See the review linked below for all of the details.
See this on the Matrix Website HERE
Site Sponsor Dedicated Audio also offers the Matrix NT1
DAC – The Audio Mirror Wave Tube DAC
It’s staying and here is why.
I have never heard another DAC like this one, ever and I would regret not finding a way to keep this one.
The Wave is a master of emotion. A master of immersion. This DAC weaves magic and makes any speaker I hook up to the system sound unreal. Yes, a DAC can make a huge difference or a small one, or maybe none at all. THIS ONE brings something special to the sound and when I take it out I lose that all out immersion magic. The way this DAC separates instruments and does detail is next level as well.
Due to having tubes it also brings some humanity. This is not a bright dac in any way nor is it a warm mushy DAC. Its tone is all about spooky goosebump realism. Not sure how Vlad did it but this is a masterpiece of a DAC and sadly the price is very high but in reality, I have heard DACs that cost more but were not as good in sound as the Wave. Keep in mind that I have heard many DACs that sit in the $3-10K price range and many times they sound more similar than different but this is not the case with the Wave. It brings a pretty drastic improvement to streaming for me and while I could be happy with a dozen different DACs, this one brings that little bit extra to the system. I will say your speakers must be up to the task, and be somewhat revealing to really hear this change in sound. I noticed my warmer speakers that obscured the highs some made it harder to hear the magic in the Wave detail retrieval. With the Talis and Helios, I hear these changes easily between the Wave and other high end DACs.
I am a daily listener and this DAC is addictive. I missed it instantly when I took it out and tried a few others (ranged from $1k to $10k) so I found a way to buy it and Vlad at Audio Mirror worked with me on this one so I was able to do it. So yes this DAC will now stay and I hope to have many years of enjoyment from it. This is the kind of DAC that once in, your search for better digital stops. It’s expensive but it’s end game digital. This means…the cycle ends. There are other DACs that have this effect but most of them cost more than the Wave.
The only con I found with the Wave DAC is that it takes about 60-90 seconds to boot up. This is to soft start the tubes for max tube life so the wait is worth it.
See more about the Wave Tube DAC at Audio Mirror HERE
My full review can be seen HERE
POWER CONDITIONER – Puritan Audio PSM 156 NFR + GroundMaster City Ultra
Bottom line? This Puritan PSM 156 NHR is one of the finest power conditioners I have had here. It’s that good and sort of a small secret within the audio community. One of those “if you know, you know” kind of things. But again, I cannot say if you will think the same as I do as audio is so personal. I am just giving my experience.
“After a while in the system I simply unplugged my Vinshine Dazzle integrated from the PSM 156 NHR and plugged it right into the wall, which by old school belief should have sounded better. I couldn’t believe what happened. The sound went a shade darker, soundstage shrunk and the depth and holographic nature was much more subdued. The sound was still awesome but a little flatter now”. – Me.
I feel almost any higher end revealing system can benefit from one of these and JaguarAudio allows for a trial period with this piece. Check ’em out.
There are many options out there for power and some may be better, I haven’t tried them all. Of what I have tried (so far) I seem to have always enjoyed the Puritan products.
You can get this from Jaguar Audio HERE.
CABLES
SPEAKER CABLES – Sticking with my Nordost Valhalla OG
The Valhalla for me are what perfection in a speaker cable is at their used price for me. I love the design, the complex build and science behind them. I prefer them to the newer V2 models. I could never afford these new back when they came out ($13k) but I was able to get a used set for $2800 and the only cable I would trade them for is another longer set of Valhalla or the newer Tyr 2 which is basically the Valhalla. ; ) Getting a set of these used at around $3k would be a steal for a 3M set. Keep an eye out. These have been in use by me for almost a decade now, and I can not imagine being without them though I do wish for a longer 4M set. I have had many brands of cable in here from transparent, audioquest, cardas, kimber, acoustic zen and more. I have tested all levels of Nordost up to Valhalla 2. For my budget and likes it’s tough to beat a nice used set of Valhalla plus they are light and will not stress the back of your amp with weight and pull.
Interconnects
I love Nordost due to my enjoyment of the Valhalla speaker cables. They are just so damn expensive though with their Valhalla 2 IC costing several thousand dollars for a 1M pair. These are out of my league so over the years I have tried several brands of IC from Cardas (Clear Reflection, awesome), Nordost Red Dawn and Valhalla (RD great, VH Awesome), Audioquest, Kimber, Analysis Plus and so many others that were downright cheap ($30) to pretty expensive for me ($1600 for the Valhalla, used).
Of all of these the best I had was the Valhalla. They offered dynamics, tremendous bass performance and made the imaging spooky. I ended up going to RCA and sold off my Valhalla XLR (which I now regret) and I was never able to get those Valhalla back in RCA form. I do have fond memories of them.
Just recently I was using Nordost Red Dawn RCA which are great middle of the road cables from Nordost. They do not offer the punch or resolution of the Valhalla IC but sound super for what they cost. A bit airy. sweet and clean but not lean. I also own a set of Mad Scientist Black Magic RCA which bring more solidified bass and a little sizzle to the treble, in all of the good ways. More “beef” and less airy.
To make a long story short I went over to Mad Scientist audio and saw he has created a new kind of cable that uses a material that he says no other company uses for cables. He has three levels in this “White Magic” line of IC’s and Digital cables from basic to ultra to prime.
He sent me a USB and RCA set in his starter range. The RCA’s retail for $399 so nothing insane. When they arrived I was blown away by the RCA cables as they brought a sound that was insanely musical with such a wide stage, a sweetness and a realism. It sounded so welcoming and it was easy to hear the difference from his Black Magic to the White Magic as they are completely different sounds. The BM was more hard, more sizzle, more oomph. The White Magic is airier, lighter, more resolute with inner details and yet there is a warmth, a smoothness to it all that makes it quite nice. I loved these cables so much I went to order a set of PRIME versions.
I did have a couple issues with the construction of the cables as I remove and replace them several times per week being a reviewer so I was torture testing them, but Mad Scientist fixed the issue I had immediately.
All in all I will be using his White Magic USB and RCA cables in my system. The sound is sublime and yea, it was easy to hear what these do. The prime is a bit more resolute sounding vs the standard and also a little more open in sound.
POWER – PURITAN AUDIO ULTIMATE POWER CABLES
I exclusively use Puritan Audio Utimate power cables for all of the gear above and have for 3 years now. They are awesome in all ways but I love that they are floppy and can be routed so easily, which is the main reason I enjoy them. I own three 1 Meter cables and two 3 Meter cables and will always use them for as long as I have a system. I am not a fan of the big thick unruly cables, and yea, I tried many of them over the years and many were and are fantastic but I value great performance and ease of installation as well. BTW, the Ultimate cables sound as good as I have found in the price range so I stopped seeking “better” here years ago. Love these cables.
Jaguar Audio sells these Cables HERE
TWEAKS – Stack Audio Auva 70 and EQ Isolators
The AUVA 70 are used under loudspeakers to control vibrations and this in turn tightens up the bass and brings things into focus. Made for systems that are revealing. I didn’t use to believe in these things so much but now that I have all in place. yea..these are doing SOMETHING.
The EQ isolators go under equipment such as your streamer, DAC or amp. This also helps to snap everything into focus, and yea…they do help to do this. The effect may be small or large deepening on your system and how much vibration you have going on. I have used ISO Acoustics, Nordost and Axxess Noir feet and the Stack Audio is as good or better than any of those. These are made well, feel solid, do not use ball bearings. If you have set up a solid system and do not have a fancy rack that isolates for you, these will do similar things to what those fancy isolation racks do. I do not use a fancy rack so these work VERY well in my system. I have a set of EQ under the NT-1 and SC-1 as well as my DAC and Integrated Amp. A set of Auva 70 under my speakers, using the spikes.