I'm back in the 1990's and everything sounds better..

ukcolin99

I drank the Parasound Kool-aid & broke up my existing set up to make way for much better 2 channel sound.
Gave up iTunes, ethernet into the back of the 3020 and iPad app to control it all. Instead 'enjoying playing my CDs. More clarity because there appears to be more space in my listening room is best way to describe it (although I haven't moved the 705's).
The 703's are doing a pretty good job for my HT after promotion from Rear duty, I'm primarily a 2 channel music guy and that rocks.
Christmas list includes a Bs Vault 2 should bring me back to 2015 until then the sound of the music is worth getting up and inserting each CD. As always wit & wisdom appreciated from all. I need cables.

cfrizz

Wow, very nice set up!

teekay0007

ukcolin99 wrote: »

As always wit & wisdom appreciated from all.

Sweet collection of gear you have there. Looks like you've got all your bases covered very nicely. However, from your picture, it looks like you might get better sound with toeing in your fronts some...unless, of course, you're sitting 38 feet back.

Just a thought.


And...see postings (with pics) by 'mantis' for tips on cable management. Or, just do like the rest of us and buy racks/stands that aren't so "transparent", so you can hide your cable mess behind them. Although yours isn't all that bad and could certainly be much worse.

Stew

Welcome back! I never left. Nice setup!

mhardy6647

EDIT: looks good to me...

[Deleted User]

mhardy6647 wrote: »

EDIT: looks good to me...

+1

what stands did you use for the 703s?
Also, have you heard the A23?
Should I just save for the A21?
I've heard that the circuitry is the same.
The 703's like the A21?

ukcolin99

Thanks for the kind words. I bought Sanus Steel Foundations 34 Inch Steel Speaker Stands, Pair (Black) - SF34-B1, $160 off Amazon, (couldn't wait for a sale, they would be a steal at $99), easy assembly, do the job.
Technically the 703's are too heavy at 30lbs, Sanus max is 25lbs, don't see any issues, steel is steel.
I did not audition other units, reviews of this Parasound paring are excellent, so far I am v impressed. Appreciate other members input on 21 vs 23, believe big difference is power, I got the 21 for the output to drive the Polks.
I did try & run the A21 through the 3020 (before the P5 arrived) got a hum, messed with multiple causes never really got a clean silence.
I separated my 2C & HT set ups, the 703's are the fronts for the 3020 HT set up, the 705's are paired with the P5, A21 & CD player, nothing else. Gonna play with the toeing-thank you tk(12ft).
I am no audio expert, 'think I know what I like (although after every upgrade I realize I don't). My take is the 705's work v well with the P5, wattage is comparable, Polks are getting what they were designed for (250w @ 8ohm) music is fuller, details cleaner, increased power over the Yamaha is tangible. Let the tweaking begin..

nooshinjohn

Nice looking bit of kit you have mate.

[Deleted User]

thanks for the info. Good look indeed and it seems like the path
I'm taking.

ukcolin99

Thank you nsj (you're doing alright), yw rnt. I hesitated before going w/ULine wire shelving they are a little overbuilt & industrial for stereo components but allow great access, it's easy to turn components to work on and payload means you can lean, tug and reach with no fear (shelf capacity apparently 800lbs). Air flow is superior, best of all no shelves to dust.
Word of warning you are not moving these shelves when loaded, even after you unplug & remove every component be careful. Entire structure is held together through gravity means you cannot lift the bottom shelf to move the structure because it pops up. Absolutely love these shelves.

nooshinjohn

This is my setup...

cnh

Parasound Kool-Aid is good stuff! Love the industrial racks. Each shelf might even support more than one Polkie? lol

ukcolin99

nsj very nice, I can feel the tube warmth..cnh at 800 lbs per, gotta hope so..

Polkie2009

Love the setup Colin, looks sharp! Are you enjoying the RWC? Go All Blacks!

soundfreak1

Very nice. Have you entertained an external DAC yet for your cd player yet? This can (with a good one) dial in your cd's to a new level.

cfrizz

Those shelves are awesome, it's the way to go if you want to truly make sure it doesn't collapse on you with all that expensive gear. I've got a 36" 5 shelve one holding my 120lb 32" CRT TV, as well as my Sunfire amp, and big Boston Acoustics center channel.

When I moved I bought wheels so that I could easily move it to hook things up.

I think your whole set up looks very classy. Congrats and enjoy.

ukcolin99

thank you P9, Following English loss, I can embrace my neighbor countries vs bloody Aussies & the 80's enemy.
Thanks af1 noted, holding out for a Bs Vault 2 to hold all my music, understand has a good DAC. That will be sweet, no more CDs to load.

msg

Hey Colin, I like the racks/shelving you used. I have a similar interim setup and planning to go further with it. Where did you source your shelves? What height are your posts?

Like cfrizz, I also added casters to mine. In your case, however, you could get some of those carpet sliders for under the feet. This is what I use for my shelf system in a secondary space. Just make sure when you move it, as you've noted, that you grab it by the bars and not the shelf, and a lower grab point works best, too. The sliders work very well. I use them on everything heavy. Resist the urge to go with the ones that are the same diameter as your posts. Although they do work and make for the cleanest look, I've found that these aren't a large enough footprint, and sink into the carpet a bit much to easily overcome, and that the 1-1/2" to 2" cups work better. You can get these at Lowe's, Home Depot, or Amazon.
http://amzn.to/1PpQAZ0 or http://thd.co/1PpQFvG
I prefer the "cupped" ones if you can find them. If you choose to try this, be sure to get some with adhesive (essentially just double sided tape)


I've also cut 3/4" MDF boards for beneath the equipment, typically 17"x18". I experimented with hockey pucks and isolating pads at first, and also with standard hardboard, but I think I like the MDF the best. I plan to paint them and use some sort of vibration damping material beneath, between the board and shelf.

I went this route because I'm still not really settled on gear yet and need the adjustment flexibility.

Did you use a rubber mallet to set the shelves? I also use these at work. Once they're tapped down, it's a relatively rigid storage system.

Also try these velcro ties for wire management - http://amzn.to/1PpQnF4

ukcolin99

thks msg, I ordered one set (4 shelves, 4 posts) 24" x 24" x 63" plus 4 additional shelves, total $250 plus shipping from uline.com. Heck of a deal imo. Thinking of adding painted MDF floor boards or similar to improve the look although once the rack is up & system running I have no urge to move it. Of course in Texas beneath the carpet is concrete slab..

ukcolin99

I ordered the Velcro, 'cable mess in my photo looks bad. When I moved the cable box & Blu-ray to the TV stand, added 4 cables crossing the divide, also 'gonna add a base under each rack cover the carpet.

erniejade

Looks great. Sometimes we over complicate things and it takes away from what we enjoy,,,, the music!

tonyb

Nice setup there Colin, and your right, you need cables. My ears are bleeding just looking at them. lol Parasound and Polks....whats not to like ?