Here are some pictures of my current audio setup, the best I can momentarily obtain with my current audio budget, slowly progressing into a “higher end”.
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My current setup – side view
Retro Fostex Laboratory Series 600 power amplifier – used as monoblocks
Fostex Laboratory Series 600 – monoblocks side view
Floating Systems Voice – center speaker
Audiophile PC & music server – silent operation thanks to Streacom case & decoupling of internal components – intel core i5 – SSD – Paul Pang Red Sata cable, Paul Pang Pico PSU & Paul Pang USB card
Rega Apollo cd player
Fully revised Thorens TD 124 with Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge, Cardas headshell cables and RCA conversion kit
Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge
Model 3009 MK II improved Shure / SME tonearm
Mytek Digital 192 stereo DSD dac
DIY hifi rack & Marantz AV8003 audio/video processor & preamp – used as stereo preamp & 7.0 surround processor
Fostex Laboratory Series 600 used to drive surround speakers & Fostex Laboratory Series 300 used to drive center speaker
Accuphase E-205 used to drive surround back speakers
All RCA-, XLR-, phono-, SPDIF-, speaker- & power cables handmade by love cable
Hi! I’m coming late at the party, but I’m looking for some insights on the Fostex 600 power amp. I have an opportunity to buy one but I have some questions to ask before making my mind. First, did you have any issues connecting it to your preamp? I guess not, that big Marantz surely has xlr connexions. But still, did the fact that it’s actually an unbalanced input raise any issues? I’m also having difficulty deciding the right price to offer. He’s asking about the same as an Adcom gfa555 on ebay, which seems hefty to me. I’ll take the Adcom anytime at the same price. He’s asking about 450$ US. I’m thinking offering 300. Is that reasonnable? I see old ads asking for less. Is there anything I should know about this amp before I make my mind?
Hi there Allan
Sorry for the late reply 🙂 No worries about the Fostex. It also sports XLR inputs if I’m not mistaken. I’ve had various parts upgraded, but not the XLR’s in my recollection… If your preamp does not have balanced output, and only RCA, you could use a Neutrik XLR to RCA converter plug. Make sure you get the correct male or female XLR type to properly make the connection. Good luck! 🙂 Dries