Not sure what's next
falconcry72
Posts: 3,580
I am at a good place with my 2 channel system, and I'm not sure what the next step is. Here's what I've got going:
Source: computer>SPDIF out
DAC: Parasound DAC 2000 Ultra
Preamp: Parasound p/ld 2000
Poweramp: Parasoud HCA-2200ii
Speakers: SDA-1C's (for rock, fusion, harder jazz etc) Magnepan MG-12's (for softer jazz, acoustic stuff, etc.)
Cables: MIT AVT-1 IC's, MIT AVT-3 speaker cables
I'm looking to spend less than a grand. I'm not sure what the next step is that will make a big improvement. I'm pretty happy with everything. I'm thinking either tubed preamp, or new speakers. As far as speakers go, moving up the SDA chain is not going to do it for me, and I don't think moving up the Maggie chain will either. Ideally I'd find a speaker that does rock better than the SDA's and acoustic music better than the Maggies, but I'm afraid that a speaker cabable of those things may cost big bucks. Suggestions?
Source: computer>SPDIF out
DAC: Parasound DAC 2000 Ultra
Preamp: Parasound p/ld 2000
Poweramp: Parasoud HCA-2200ii
Speakers: SDA-1C's (for rock, fusion, harder jazz etc) Magnepan MG-12's (for softer jazz, acoustic stuff, etc.)
Cables: MIT AVT-1 IC's, MIT AVT-3 speaker cables
I'm looking to spend less than a grand. I'm not sure what the next step is that will make a big improvement. I'm pretty happy with everything. I'm thinking either tubed preamp, or new speakers. As far as speakers go, moving up the SDA chain is not going to do it for me, and I don't think moving up the Maggie chain will either. Ideally I'd find a speaker that does rock better than the SDA's and acoustic music better than the Maggies, but I'm afraid that a speaker cabable of those things may cost big bucks. Suggestions?
2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's
Post edited by falconcry72 on
Comments
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If I were you, and I'm not, I would work on acquiring a different source. Therefore, that is my suggestion to you.~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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There's no guarantee of success when you try something different. But if I had your system I'd try a tube pre. But you will need to bump your budget a little north of a grand in order to consider more options.SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
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Are your 1C's x-overs modded? Room treatments? Introduce some tubes in the mix...several ways to improve on what you already have...my 2c.
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If I were you, and I'm not, I would work on acquiring a different source. Therefore, that is my suggestion to you.
I have to use my computer as a source because I absolutely love the convenience and can't go back to cd's. If there is a markedly better way to use my computer as a source, then I'm all ears, but I'm not going vinyl or back to cd's.2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's -
falconcry72 wrote: »I am at a good place with my 2 channel system, and I'm not sure what the next step is. Here's what I've got going:
Source: computer>SPDIF out
DAC: Parasound DAC 2000 Ultra
Preamp: Parasound p/ld 2000
Poweramp: Parasoud HCA-2200ii
Speakers: SDA-1C's (for rock, fusion, harder jazz etc) Magnepan MG-12's (for softer jazz, acoustic stuff, etc.)
Cables: MIT AVT-1 IC's, MIT AVT-3 speaker cables
I'm looking to spend less than a grand. I'm not sure what the next step is that will make a big improvement. I'm pretty happy with everything. I'm thinking either tubed preamp, or new speakers. As far as speakers go, moving up the SDA chain is not going to do it for me, and I don't think moving up the Maggie chain will either. Ideally I'd find a speaker that does rock better than the SDA's and acoustic music better than the Maggies, but I'm afraid that a speaker cabable of those things may cost big bucks. Suggestions?
If you are in a happy spot - then rest for a bit - enjoy the music, use your money to buy some nice wine and enjoy the moment!
H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music. -
Fair enough. That's your choice and I can respect that.falconcry72 wrote: »I have to use my computer as a source because I absolutely love the convenience and can't go back to cd's. If there is a markedly better way to use my computer as a source, then I'm all ears, but I'm not going vinyl or back to cd's.
In that case, I would recommend an X-over/tweeter upgrade on the SDA's and looking into some room treatments, if the wife or significant other wouldn't disapprove.~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
Erik Tracy wrote: »If you are in a happy spot - then rest for a bit - enjoy the music, use your money to buy some nice wine and enjoy the moment!
I think you're right.
2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's -
...I would recommend an X-over/tweeter upgrade on the SDA's and looking into some room treatments, if the wife or significant other wouldn't disapprove.
Tweeters are done. Doing the crossovers would help, but I don't think it would get me where I want to go.
Room treatments is a great idea. My only signifigant other is my dog, and he's pretty open-minded in terms of decor.:biggrin:2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's -
bump.
Still looking for suggestions. Speaker suggestions would be helpful; I'm looking for something that will bridge the gap between the SDA's and the Maggies. 2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's -
This maybe isn't pertinent and I personally haven't done this... but you could buy an EICO ST-70 integrated 35wpc tube amp and a pair of vintage high efficiency speakers on your budget.
And because you're buying them vintage at market value, if you don't like them you can always sell them for what you paid for them, essentially.
-- wayne --Yamaha RX-V2700, EMI 711As (front), RCA K-16 (rear), Magnavox Console (Center & TV Stand), Sony SMP-N200 media streamer, Dual 1249 TT =--- Sharp Aquas 60" LCD tellie -
wayne3burk wrote: »This maybe isn't pertinent and I personally haven't done this... but you could buy an EICO ST-70 integrated 35wpc tube amp and a pair of vintage high efficiency speakers on your budget.
And because you're buying them vintage at market value, if you don't like them you can always sell them for what you paid for them, essentially.
-- wayne --
That was so far from what I was looking for, but so perfect. Thanks for that, I was hoping to get a suggetion I hadn't already considered. :biggrin:
It totally makes sense to try a completely different style rig and compare. Time to research... thanks again. 2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's -
falconcry72 wrote: »Room treatments is a great idea. My only signifigant other is my dog, and he's pretty open-minded in terms of decor.
Room treatments so you can accurately evaluate your current components.
Arthur SchopenhauerAll truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
