Strange comparisons.

cnh

So it's Sunday and I just got my 50 watt NAD integrated back with its new caps, etc., a couple of days ago.

Hooked it up to the LSI-7s. What a nice combo that is!

Today I put on the Dylan "Desire' CD--used a HD 990 (Harman Kardon CDP). A little too much 'digital' glare on the NAD/LSI system.

So, I pulled out some of the vintage stuff I've been collecting:

A Technics SA 5570 (late '70s, 85 watts x 2, about 39 pounds), hooked it up to my Dynaco A25s and switched from the system above to this one a few times.

Now, while the Technics receiver did not quite have the resolving power of the NAD and the A25s were not 'quite' as detailed as the LSIs. This Technics/A25 combo really smoothed out the glare and Dylan's performance was less ear-bleeding.

I've noticed this problem on a lot of gear that has more 'resolution of detail'. That unless you're running a primo tube CDP (I have a decent one, I may hook up to test this later), or a 1500 dollar plus DAC with a good transport, you're pretty much 'not' going to like what you hear on most 'good' systems with a 4-500 dollar CDP? At least I don't.

I've even heard 1000 dollar CDPs with good equipment that sucked it. I am 'unbelievably' sensitive to digital sound, it's like fingernails on a chalkboard.

So I'm wondering. Is it the fact that the chain...An old receiver and an old set of speakers just don't give you that harsh detail (that, to be honest, some here actually seem to 'like'. lol).

Because I don't really mind that the sound is a little softer with the old stuff. It makes it more listenable.

Now, having said that. I have to break out the Jolida and try this again with 'tubes' in the mix. I suspect that's the culprit. But then again, you never know!

Of course, maybe the Dylan CD isn't up to par! But, frankly, having to be so 'sensitive' to particular CDs is not attractive either.

But I'll definitely be listening to my HK on vintage receivers from now on. It actually sounds 'nice' there?

cnh

VR3

I am a huge believer that a CDP can make or break your system.

cnh

I have to agree. Pulling out the Jolida Music Van MKIV. Looks like the LSI-7s need a better CDP.

The HK is not really that bad, but it has its limits. The Jolida has always had a smoother, more analog sound--4 'tubes' there.

cnh

George Grand

Live music doesn't sound like tubes to me. That is all I will say along those lines.

I had one of those 5570's for awhile. I stuck it in Tiffany's room driving KLH Model 6's. It sounded fine. I sold it to a guy from North Jersey about ten years ago. I replaced it with a 40wpc NAD. It sounded fine. In fact, it's still in there.

inspiredsports

Let the NAD run for a couple weeks before critiquing it. I think things will sound a bit different than what you are describing today.

audiocr381ve

You're no special case in hearing that awful digital "glare" but IMO you may be over analyzing your situation a bit dude. I know you know this but some recordings are going to sound that way and some won't. I really believe you can't have it all in this hobby. You may build your "dream" system only to find out another piece of music sounds better on a different system. This is my conclusion after spending many many hours on what are considered to be the best of the best systems out there at the many different hifi shops 15 minutes away from my home. Sometimes the problem is realizing that your dream Ferrari will NOT have success on an off-road trail. Their are other vehicles for that!

For me, SDA-2B (TL'ed) and vintage Marantz have been hittin' the spot and their is nothing I can throw at the system that I won't enjoy listening to, even crappier recordings.

cnh

There is a lot of the 'subjective' involved, of course. In fact, I've often heard the same system several times and it does not sound the 'same'. Even had that effect demonstrated to me at PolkFest. One day a set of speakers on a pre/amp sound great. The next, they're just OK.

I do think that I-sports has a good point though. This unit has just been 'recapped' so a break-in period may be warranted.

Are some recordings better than others. You bet! It's also the case that some speakers, like the Dynaco bookshelves are very forgiving and easy to listen to (does that mean they're the best? Hardly.) But they sound passable with most sources and amps, so far (most of the time, that is).

Good to get a bit of feedback from Mr. Grand there. KLH 6s (I'm trying to get a set repaired--crossovers--a real pita--because the cabinet is sealed all around and the drivers are epoxied to it).

I like the NAD sound, I always have, that's why I had my unit repaired. I also, apologies to George, like tubes--they're growing on me, let's say.

I guess, I don't really believe in the perfect system, especially since my various systems almost never sound the 'same' from day to day to me. lol (I have a set of 2Bs as well..not TL-ed but the same observations apply to those too).

There are just too darned many variables. Even 'humidity' and Barometric pressure, electrical current, background noise, room effects, and on and on. Perhaps this even affects our eardrums? How's that for 'neurotically' analytical?

It was Heraclitus who said you can't step into a river in the same place twice. And I guess the corollary would be you can't hear the same thing the same way twice. Because 'everything is always changing'...even you.

cnh

George Grand

cnh wrote: »

Good to get a bit of feedback from Mr. Grand there. KLH 6s (I'm trying to get a set repaired--crossovers--a real pita--because the cabinet is sealed all around and the drivers are epoxied to it).

I like the NAD sound, I always have, that's why I had my unit repaired. I also, apologies to George, like tubes--they're growing on me, let's say.


cnh

No aps required. I have some tube equipment as well as SS.

deronb1

:eek:I had a NAD 35wpc integrated while stationed in Hawaii. Did a fine job of powering a pair of Bose 501s.

This was in 1986 and had a Technics portable CD player hooked up to it. Paid 260 bucks for the CD player in '86! Wow, those were the days