RTI-A1 & Lsi-7 time to upgrade to 4x lsi-7
Hey guys,
I was at my friend Dr Kim's on Sunday to hear his new rig.
Classe ssp-800 / ca-5300 and Dynaudio c1 and center and 2x JL Audio F112 subs.
We watched The Dark Knight on his rig and I was blown away!
We didnt listen to any music but I was inspired to go home and take my main rig apart so I could get to the back and try to rework things. One thing was that the 4002 doesnt have a phono preamp on it so i had to figure that out with the GTP-500 II. I am running the phono into the GTP -500 II so I can hear the record player. The marantz has 3 hdmi ins. I dont really need them because this is not really a HT rig. its meant for music and I love the music sound on the marantz but I also like the 90's adcom sound but the inputs are limited so ive been running everything except the record player into the marantz.
here are some photos of what im dealing with.
(main out lab) power amp out of the adcom preamp to the lsi 7's
(norm out) into the aux2 in the marantz)
marantz L/R speaker channels to the Velodyne
velodyne parallel out to the RTI-A1's at my computer desk across the room from the LSI-7s
The reason for all of this is that I am mixmatching 4ohm and 8 ohm speakers. If I run off the preouts in to the amp the 8ohm rti-a1's at my computer are louder than the Lsi-7 and overpower the sound field. I want the lsi7's to be in charge. So I set it up this way so I can control the lsi7 independently from the rti-a1. Is there a better way to do this? I saw the lsi7's blowout specials on ebay from the polk seller site. Should I match the Lsi's with lsi's and go all 4ohm? the problem is this marantz is 80w x7 channels @8ohms.
I dont know what I should do. Should I just leave it? If you were limited to the same setup what would you do to squeeze the most out of this setup?
I was at my friend Dr Kim's on Sunday to hear his new rig.
Classe ssp-800 / ca-5300 and Dynaudio c1 and center and 2x JL Audio F112 subs.
We watched The Dark Knight on his rig and I was blown away!
We didnt listen to any music but I was inspired to go home and take my main rig apart so I could get to the back and try to rework things. One thing was that the 4002 doesnt have a phono preamp on it so i had to figure that out with the GTP-500 II. I am running the phono into the GTP -500 II so I can hear the record player. The marantz has 3 hdmi ins. I dont really need them because this is not really a HT rig. its meant for music and I love the music sound on the marantz but I also like the 90's adcom sound but the inputs are limited so ive been running everything except the record player into the marantz.
here are some photos of what im dealing with.
(main out lab) power amp out of the adcom preamp to the lsi 7's
(norm out) into the aux2 in the marantz)
marantz L/R speaker channels to the Velodyne
velodyne parallel out to the RTI-A1's at my computer desk across the room from the LSI-7s
The reason for all of this is that I am mixmatching 4ohm and 8 ohm speakers. If I run off the preouts in to the amp the 8ohm rti-a1's at my computer are louder than the Lsi-7 and overpower the sound field. I want the lsi7's to be in charge. So I set it up this way so I can control the lsi7 independently from the rti-a1. Is there a better way to do this? I saw the lsi7's blowout specials on ebay from the polk seller site. Should I match the Lsi's with lsi's and go all 4ohm? the problem is this marantz is 80w x7 channels @8ohms.
I dont know what I should do. Should I just leave it? If you were limited to the same setup what would you do to squeeze the most out of this setup?
Adcom GFP-750
Adcom GFA-555II
Monitor Audio silver RX2
NAD T585 SACD
Technics sl-1200mk2 / ortofon m2 blue (signal cable/ Eichmann mod / Sumiko HS-12 Headshell
Jolida JD9 II / Mulllard Tubes
SignalCable Ultra speaker cables
SignalCable Analog 2 IC's
"ROMANCE WITHOUT FINANCE IS A DAMN NUANCE CAN YOU DIG I???"
Adcom GFA-555II
Monitor Audio silver RX2
NAD T585 SACD
Technics sl-1200mk2 / ortofon m2 blue (signal cable/ Eichmann mod / Sumiko HS-12 Headshell
Jolida JD9 II / Mulllard Tubes
SignalCable Ultra speaker cables
SignalCable Analog 2 IC's
"ROMANCE WITHOUT FINANCE IS A DAMN NUANCE CAN YOU DIG I???"
Post edited by trans am on
Comments
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It's time to completely revamp the front end of that setup. Ditch the Marantz to another room or sell it, period. I'd base the new rig on the Adcom pre-amplifier and phono you have now, and keep it 100% Adcom. You can find cheap efficient power very easy in that brand.
It's also time to step up your game. I'd also suggest simplifying the wiring and ordering only the essentials from Signal Cable. Signal is also modestly priced and high end enough to keep the wolves at bay, let alone knock your sonic socks off compared to what you own now.
If you really want to do this, do it right and don't re-use anything but the stock power cables and your hopefully new audio cables.
Those easy choices will completely change your perspective and audio life for that rig. Plus? You're amp choices will be ready for the next step when you choose to do so.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
Dude, sorry to say this but sounds like you are just simply out classed by your friends rig. If I were you and only had what you have to deal with, I'd dump the adcom pre, sell it, connect everything by way of the marantz, get yourself a used phono pre and a MF V-dac for your computer stuff. Think about it.
Mark just told you to do the opposite in regards to the adcom and Marantz. You could go either way, matter of preference. For me anyway, not a big fan of the adcom pre's,thats just me though. Cables will also add to the SQ as Mark also pointed out. You can only do so much with what you have my man, sooner or later you have to step up your game.HT SYSTEM-
Sony 850c 4k
Pioneer elite vhx 21
Sony 4k BRP
SVS SB-2000
Polk Sig. 20's
Polk FX500 surrounds
Cables-
Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable
Kitchen
Sonos zp90
Grant Fidelity tube dac
B&k 1420
lsi 9's -
Tony, I'm with you but figured he's already got Adcom in the mix and as far as seperates, they work. Plus, as far as adding amps, they can be found cheap and are as common as houseflies. The first look at his rig with all Adcom gear will mean business and since the LSi is a laid back loudspeaker, should add some needed edge to them.
Get where I'm going? I believe that your suggestion is solid and he can't go wrong either way....he just needs to decide where he's going and what he's willing to spend.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
dorokusai says dump the marantz tony says dump the adcom. Now I'm more confused. This went from a thread about taking advantage of the lsi7
deals on ebay for 480 bux and ditching these Rti-a1s
and now its all about changing my cable and tossing receivers. I would have to side with dorokusai on this. The adcom stuff is so low tech and no frills but sounds so awesome and the fact that it made it this far is beyond me. I just want to know how the hell I run 4x lsi7 off a 150watt amp with only 2 speaker outs? And I would still want to use the velodyne sub. also. I wasnt expecting this response but I did ask what "you" would do. Like I said. I dont believe in spending money on $35K audio rigs when you are tone deaf. I like to think I have a detailed hearing but I havent heard a lot of high end setups. I bought 100 feet of 14 gauge speaker cable on ebay for $20 bux and a pack of 16 nakimichi banana plugs for 20 bux and the rca cable is all crap. I know it. The last rca cable I bought was 3 days ago from cables for less. I need 15 feet rca female to male so I could get the sl 1200 to my adcom on the other end of the room.\
I paid 40 bux. the rest is radiocrap.
http://www.cablesforless.com/Super-High-Quality-Individual-15-Foot-RCA-Cables-Red-And-White-RCA-To-RCA-P5169C201.aspx
Dr kim said he spent $2K on a single cable. that freaked me out. not just because that costs more than my whole rig but the fact that dr kim is tone deaf and this is his first stereo since he was in premed. Call me jealous. I'm just a working man with very good hearing that wants to make the most of this setup.Adcom GFP-750
Adcom GFA-555II
Monitor Audio silver RX2
NAD T585 SACD
Technics sl-1200mk2 / ortofon m2 blue (signal cable/ Eichmann mod / Sumiko HS-12 Headshell
Jolida JD9 II / Mulllard Tubes
SignalCable Ultra speaker cables
SignalCable Analog 2 IC's
"ROMANCE WITHOUT FINANCE IS A DAMN NUANCE CAN YOU DIG I???" -
Just FYI, Dr. Kim is an audio moron....or creditcardophile in smaller circles. You can best his rig with far less money....and I bet my reputation on that.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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Dude, sorry to say this but sounds like you are just simply out classed by your friends rig. If I were you and only had what you have to deal with, I'd dump the adcom pre, sell it, connect everything by way of the marantz, get yourself a used phono pre and a MF V-dac for your computer stuff. Think about it.
Mark just told you to do the opposite in regards to the adcom and Marantz. You could go either way, matter of preference. For me anyway, not a big fan of the adcom pre's,thats just me though. Cables will also add to the SQ as Mark also pointed out. You can only do so much with what you have my man, sooner or later you have to step up your game.
Yeah the pre is limited but I have that matching amp and they seem to really sing together. my gripes about the adcom pre is that defaults to a different output setting when you power it on so you have to switch it to the desired source everytime but it sounds strong. When you said I should step up my game what did you mean? I know what you meant but can you guys tell me what rigs you have currently so I can read about it? I was just happy getting my turntable connected and able to play off the marantz and the adcom pre at the same time. Do you guys know about that preamp on the marantz? Should I revert back to that and go straight and run the 8 ohm and 4ohm speakers together? Maybe move the lsi7 set to my computer since they come in quieter than the rtia1 and just run it all direct off the marantz and just use the adcom pre as the phono preamp? These are fricken noob questions I know its annoying everyone. You've all been here before. What was the thing that made you see the light? what was it that made you hear the next level? For me it was when I had a pair of rti-6 and a harmon kardon 2 channel receiver and then I got some lsi-7's and the adcom rig from a generous member on this forum who gave me a deal in 2008. That changed my life because I never had a real amp before and some decent speakers. now its 3 years later and want that excitement again. What did you guys spend on your rigs? Is the cable that important? also there are 4 speaker post on the speakers. do you guys bi amp them so the bass and treble are separate? say I do go adcom all the way and want to get a 2nd set of lsi7 can I piggy back them off the adcom amp with male/female banana plugs? is that enough power for 4 lsi7?Adcom GFP-750
Adcom GFA-555II
Monitor Audio silver RX2
NAD T585 SACD
Technics sl-1200mk2 / ortofon m2 blue (signal cable/ Eichmann mod / Sumiko HS-12 Headshell
Jolida JD9 II / Mulllard Tubes
SignalCable Ultra speaker cables
SignalCable Analog 2 IC's
"ROMANCE WITHOUT FINANCE IS A DAMN NUANCE CAN YOU DIG I???" -
Just FYI, Dr. Kim is an audio moron....or creditcardophile in smaller circles. You can best his rig with far less money....and I bet my reputation on that.
dude I tell him this everytime he buys something. I dont know why he did it but he lives close to this fancy A/V store on park avenue that is 2 blocks from his house and I think they talked him into it. One thing Ive learned is that doctors although smart in one side of the brain are completely lacking in the side of the brain that makes decisions like this one. We both overclock computers as a hobby. One of the fun things about overclocking for me is taking the cheap cpus and ram and making them perform better than the top binned chips. I use liquid nitrogen and dry ice. Dr kim on the other hand buys the most expensive components at the time and then uses a water cooling setup that costs more than my whole rig and ln2 gas. Then when I tell him lets insulate your rig and get the ln2 on there he says he doesnt want to risk killing some hardware. I look at this audio rig the same way. I want to overclock it and make it better than the high end. So is cable that important? I went to that signal cable site and they want 100 bux for 6 feet of rca cable. Is that what it takes? The way I look at it is that the components I have are not even worth that cable. I would say the fancy cable is what you buy when you have maxed out your credit card on the speakers and amp/preamp. I have a long way to go. Or is it the $100 cable next breakthrough for me? heres a question for you. what is more important $100 on speaker cable or $100 on rca cable?Adcom GFP-750
Adcom GFA-555II
Monitor Audio silver RX2
NAD T585 SACD
Technics sl-1200mk2 / ortofon m2 blue (signal cable/ Eichmann mod / Sumiko HS-12 Headshell
Jolida JD9 II / Mulllard Tubes
SignalCable Ultra speaker cables
SignalCable Analog 2 IC's
"ROMANCE WITHOUT FINANCE IS A DAMN NUANCE CAN YOU DIG I???" -
I am going to go with Adcom all the way I think. I already have 2 adcom units and I love how it sounds. The interface is low tech but I have a logitec universal remote that it works with. I am getting all new cables from signal
http://signalcable.com/ultraspeaker.html
and these rca
http://signalcable.com/analogtwo.html
I want to replace the rti a1 with some totem dreamcatchers and get the a MF V-dac. will the V-dac make a difference? I have a razer barracuda pci card already.
http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/en_US/pd/ThemeID.26460500/productID.169415400
Do i need this? It looks more to me like this is meant for users on laptops and onboard sound. what I am doing right now with this sound card is I have a 1/8 in male to line out on the card to rca and then female couple to a 25 foot rca cable that runs all the way around the room to the the receiver. the main benefit i see from the v-dac is that its external so there is no motherboard noise interference and it has rca jacks on it so I dont have to keep adding couples to it to get it to the receiver.Adcom GFP-750
Adcom GFA-555II
Monitor Audio silver RX2
NAD T585 SACD
Technics sl-1200mk2 / ortofon m2 blue (signal cable/ Eichmann mod / Sumiko HS-12 Headshell
Jolida JD9 II / Mulllard Tubes
SignalCable Ultra speaker cables
SignalCable Analog 2 IC's
"ROMANCE WITHOUT FINANCE IS A DAMN NUANCE CAN YOU DIG I???" -
Nice, sounds like a really cool rig Trans am. After you get everything setup, post some pics.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.