2 channel overload

cstmar01

So I'm at a point where I've been wanting to upgrade my 2 channel gear but I'm having the hardest time figuring out what the hell to upgrade to.

At first I figured from what I read BAT would be the answer. Then it came down to wanting to hear it because for me still buying on the used market I would feel better knowing that it will be the sound I'm looking for before still making a big purchase (to me at least its big.) I've heard BAT before at a dealer awhile ago but didn't have much time with it. Not my own recordings and speakers I wasn't fimilar with.

Then I hear a Musical Fidelity system and loved it. But then is MF at the level BAT is? is it better getting used BAT gear, then new MF gear and would it provide the same level of performance and sound.

Then figure in trying to find a dealer somewhere near by to hear BAT. Cloest was 2 hours but due to the state of the market, no longer have anything so then have to go 8 hours away to finally hear something which isn't always easy to do.

But then of course there is always Krell, McIntosh, Parasound, and others that I've heard but once again, I just can't decided on one.

Any advice or anyone know anyone within the WI area that has BAT stuff and would be willing to allow someone to listen to their system? I'm just getting frustrated with this because I want an upgrade (and yes I know all of these things could be better than what I have) but at the same time don't want an upgrade that is going to leave me hanging and wanting more.

Sorry for the rant, but sometimes I feel like there's too much gear and not enough time and money to obtain it.

PS I do have to thank those that have provided me opinions on things in the past. I listen to everything you have to say but its just so hard because I guess I just want something I can have for more than a year and not want to change it out so quick like I've wanted to do in the past because I wasn't getting the sound I wanted.

Erik Tracy

cstmar01 wrote: »

So I'm at a point where I've been wanting to upgrade my 2 channel gear but I'm having the hardest time figuring out what the hell to upgrade to.

At first I figured from what I read BAT would be the answer. Then it came down to wanting to hear it because for me still buying on the used market I would feel better knowing that it will be the sound I'm looking for before still making a big purchase (to me at least its big.) I've heard BAT before at a dealer awhile ago but didn't have much time with it. Not my own recordings and speakers I wasn't fimilar with.

Then I hear a Musical Fidelity system and loved it. But then is MF at the level BAT is? is it better getting used BAT gear, then new MF gear and would it provide the same level of performance and sound.

Then figure in trying to find a dealer somewhere near by to hear BAT. Cloest was 2 hours but due to the state of the market, no longer have anything so then have to go 8 hours away to finally hear something which isn't always easy to do.

But then of course there is always Krell, McIntosh, Parasound, and others that I've heard but once again, I just can't decided on one.

Any advice or anyone know anyone within the WI area that has BAT stuff and would be willing to allow someone to listen to their system? I'm just getting frustrated with this because I want an upgrade (and yes I know all of these things could be better than what I have) but at the same time don't want an upgrade that is going to leave me hanging and wanting more.

Sorry for the rant, but sometimes I feel like there's too much gear and not enough time and money to obtain it.

PS I do have to thank those that have provided me opinions on things in the past. I listen to everything you have to say but its just so hard because I guess I just want something I can have for more than a year and not want to change it out so quick like I've wanted to do in the past because I wasn't getting the sound I wanted.

With choices that offer good value for the money - isn't it about enjoying the journey?

I like a good Cabernet, and probably have more of those than any other wine, but sometimes a good Zin or Syrah is where I'm at.

I view my audio 'hobby' pretty much the same way - I doubt that I will get to any *final* setup....is there such a thing?

For me its more about stops along the way where I can pause and enjoy where I'm at and what I'm hearing....and then deciding to get back on the path to the next stop - not that there is any final destination to get to.

With the choices you've listed - I wouldn't think any of them would be 'wrong'. I'd listen to as many as I could first hand and then get what pleases you most....rest for a bit...enjoy the sonic goodness - then decide where next to go.

cstmar01

Well I guess it more comes down to, for me there are so many choices I want to make a smart choice. But with so much out there its hard to determine what is the "smart" choice with gear.

I've enjoyed what I've done so far, and I'm very pleased. I know I will always want to upgrade and try different things, but would like to do it less than what I was doing in the past.

I just want to be smart about my upgrades and not just spend a ton of money to find that I should have done something else. What makes it more difficult is that living in an area that doesn't have a population that is into this makes it hard to meet locals that have gear anything like what you want to hear or see in person.

Thats mostly why I still depend to a point on what dealers carry because at least I can hear it and see it to get somewhat of a feel for it. Its just lately the more "2 channel" stuff is going out and being focused on HT gear which just gets annoying after awhile.

JimAckley

I doubt that I will get to any *final* setup....is there such a thing?

I think this guy found it....

heiney9

Chris you need make that trip this Spring down here. BAT and MF gear is great, they are different just like Pass or Krell or Parasound, etc, etc. You will drive yourself crazy trying to decide if you are looking to make this singular purchase for the rest of your lifetime.

BAT gear tends to lean towards the SS end in my experience rather than having a lush tubey sound. You also have to think of integrating the pieces as a whole rather just concentrating on one piece of gear.

Everything matters.

H9

tonyb

If by "smart" choice you mean you want to skip a few levels on the way up the ladder, then Bat,MF, would be a good start. Depends on budget, do you want tubes, blah,blah,blah. Lots of variables,also some other not too mainstream gear that would be notches above the mass marketed stuff. Like a McCormack dna 500, or a Moscode 400hr, both highly regarded amps. Your right though, lots of choices, for every size wallet. You have to start somewhere though. Are you thinking of upgrading your speaks along the way too ? Or other source gear ?

newrival

Erik Tracy wrote: »

With choices that offer good value for the money - isn't it about enjoying the journey?

It's not about the journey for everyone. For some people it's about the destination. To tell you the truth, I might be much happier if I could afford my destination (let alone knew where I was going). I just want to enjoy the music. Not everyone has the same perspective about the hobby. Some people are collectors, some are just deal whores and the thrill is getting something for a "steal."

I find the "journey" interesting, but for me this isnt about enjoying the journey, it's about enjoying the music. This and other forums just offer new routes, lots of shortcuts, some briars and brambles, and some dead ends.

I'm kind of beating the road analogy to death, but i think there's a take-home message in there somewhere. haha

cstmar01

Thanks for the info again guys.

And to be a bit more clear I'm not looking for this to be the be-all end all system by any means. I just want something that I don't feel the need to upgrade every 2 months because I always feel like something is missing.

I'm just wanting to step it up a few notches but also make sure its a good move and not to something that people have problems with, or something that I can't grow with my system.

Such as right now I'm using the Carvers. I like them a lot. However I've had the idea of maybe moving to some ML's down the road so want something that can drive them no problem. So I don't want to get something now that well maybe next year ops you bought an amp that isn't going to cut it, so gotta upgrade again.

Brock, I will for sure be coming down that way this spring. Have some days off end of March I'm looking to go down to the BAT dealer in central IL (I think) to see what they got.

dkg999

My suggestion would be to do as many road trips as you can to listen to gear. And keep in mind that the best sounding amp/speakers from a highly rated brand may sound like crap in your system. Synergy between the gear/cables/room is just so important.

My main system doesn't have much audio-snob brand name gear in it. It does however have a very nice synergy between the gear/cables I do have and sounds far better than it should. That's what you are looking for.

SCompRacer

Like Doug suggested, all you can do is get your ears on as much different gear as possible. Don't be afraid to get off the beaten path. Experience will lead you to the type of sound you want.

Are there any audio clubs within reasonable driving distance to you? Even a music club could open you up to different systems.

Flash21

Figure out what your weakest link is, and upgrade that. It will keep you happy for a while anyway...then do it again.