Kenneth Forton's system
(MA, USA)


It seems like, of those listed on the website, only Caspar and I have "full" Shigaraki systems. I am so overwhelmed by the performance of my Shigaraki DAC, transport, amp and cabling, that I don't often think of upgrading to Gaincard, etc. You see, I have been on an audio odyssey.

The most recent incarnation of it began with a simple Arcam integrated amp, a CAL CD player and a small pair of Dynaudio speakers (and some KimberKable, of course). I told myself that I had finally spent enough money on a system to be satisfied for at least another ten years, probably twenty. My wife still laugh's herself silly when she recounts that story while I am playing music for guests who are bold enough to ask how much it all cost.




Besides the above gear, I have owned pieces from Creek, Air Tight, Krell, Sonus Faber, more Dynaudio speakers, Proac, Neat, Reynaud, Naim, Conrad Johnson, Sonic Frontiers, Pass, Nordost, Cardas, Rega, another Arcam integrated amp, another CAL CD player, Wadia, Plinius, Michell, Audiomat, Vecteur, Basis, SME, Shelter, Clearaudio, Moth, Tara Labs, Camelot, Lehmann, and some I am sure that I'm glad I have forgotten about.

Nothing has made me as happy as the Shigaraki gear I have now and have had for the last year and a half. I admit that I own an Audiomat Phono 1, but I promised Yoshi that I would upgrade to the Shigaraki some time in the next few years. I still don't think I've learned enough about the Audiomat yet. I run a Michell Gyrodec SE with a Rega RB300 arm and Shelter 501 Mk.II cartridge. I have heard the RS-A1; I covet it. I am also scared to death to place it on the sprung Gyro. You see, I have already mangled my Shelter once. So, a Miyabi is out of the question! I am thinking of trying the Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck with the RS-A1. That would allay some of my fears.

But really the greatest joy of owning 47 Labs equipment is dealing with Yoshi. He is a true renaissance man, capable of a wide variety of conversation and truly interested in all of the arts. I also thank him for selling his old Audio Physic speakers to me. I am still so intrigued by them! It will take me years to figure them out. In the meantime, I just listen and count myself blessed to have found such a wonderful way to enjoy my modest music collection.

Ken





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