Source vs. tweeter upgrade??? (check out the rack!)

I-SIG

Y'all,

Well, I think I want to upgrade something, but I'm not sure which way to go.

On the on hand, a source upgrade would be nice so I could play everything on one machine and get a video source that will do my HD plasma justice. I'm thinking of the Denon or Marantz machines much like steveinaz. Obviously my Bel Canto DAC 2 really handles the PCM audio well, but the cheap **** Tosh3960, despite being progressive, I know isn't giving me everything I need for video.

On the other hand, all my audio runs thorugh the SRS's and thus the tweeter upgrade would be felt across the board irregardless of the source, preamp, or amp. While I'm at it I would go ahead and get bucking magnets to shield the speakers for use near a tube. I know I don't need that, but it would enhance the resale value whenever I upgrade to 1.2's (for use of mono amps) or the SRT's.

If there any better suggestions, I'm all ears. Right now I'm thinking I'm gonna have around $400-$600 bucks for this endeavor. Or should I pinch some pennies, sell the SRS's, 1c's, maybe a firearm and make a roadtrip to CO for sambandit's 1.2TL's?

Wes

I-SIG

It goes great with the SRS's and mostly black gear.

I'll post a full review of the rack in a day or two.

Wes's VTI rack

Wes

F1nut

My $.02, upgrade your source now and down the road (or sell that firearm now) buy the replacement tweeters.

steveinaz

I'd say upgrade the source, but with a caveat---only if your going dedicated CDP. Upscale Audio has had a used Musical Fidelity A3CD for a while (excelent condition) for around $469. I'd grab that. MF's are extremely low jitter transports and built like tanks.

Let the tweets be the next project...

EDITED: Someone finally snagged that A3CD..Still, look for a dedicated CDP.

reeltrouble1

Source.

heiney9

If you are going to continue to use the Bel Canto, I'd say tweeters. A new transport (cdp or Dvdp) will not make a huge improvement. I realize you want better video and in the end that may be what you decide. But you already have a great source with the Dac and if sound is what your main priority is then go with the tweeters.

It's a tough call......the tweeters can't improve your video and a new Dvdp will give you the same sound you have now, but improve your video.

Flip a coin, best 5 out of 7 wins

H9

ND13

The only reason I say the 1.2TLs is because of their condition and rarity in that condition. I know that in the last 6-8 months, the big boys seem to have been more readily available, but that will have to end soon. As Brock said, his source isn't all that bad and anyways, a new source can be found anytime.

I-SIG

Thanks for the replies, fellas.

Last night, I decided to mess around a little bit with the system. I fired the ole NEC CD-ROM up feeding the Bel Canto. All I can say is, "Dayum!" I wasn't drunk or even buzzing either!

The difference was noticeable all around. The bass cleaner and had more impact. Vocals seemed more natural and had more air. My onk DVD changer is apparently dragging the system down.

I guess now the question is do I go for a universal or try to split it up and get a nice transport and a nice video-driven DVD. I'm thinking the latter. No I just gotta figure that out. :rolleyes:

Wes

I-SIG

Zero wrote:

I-SIG,

Mind your words around here; remember some hold the idealology that 'cheap crapola is cheap crapola".

My advice to you is to take your time, and do things right. Can you live with the NEC a little alonger? If so, aile those video woes and upgrade to a DVD player that will satisfy you. The inexpensive Denon Steveinaz has works fabulously for most standard tube / projection / mid sized LCD TV's.

No, its not quite as nice as fullfilling the stereo lust, but it's the more immediate logical approach!

Sean,

I'd love to stick with the NEC, but the thing won't read some of my favorite CD's and (being a lazy ****) no remote is a bit of a turnoff. I'm not sure if this is an issue with this individual unit or a problem across the board. I've been thinking of checking into a newer external CD-ROM to hopefully alleviate this problem.

I have this hunch that computer-based transports are gonna be the way to go. My theory is that they have to be more accurate because one lost bit or byte of data could make the whole system crash. I'm no computer expert, but I learned that much in my CS class at GaTech.

With all that in mind, on one hand the Azur 540Cv1 @ $199 from Audio Advisor is awful appealing for transport duty. On the other hand, the Creek CD50 or 53 @ $700-1k used also have a lot of allure. In the middle is the Parasound CDP-2000 belt-drive unit (and it's CEC equivalent) in the middle @ around $500 used.

Video-wise, the Denon 1910 @ $199 refurbed on uBid seems like a lot of bang for the buck on my video. It has the DCDi by Faroudja FLI-2301 Decoding Engine. Is this significantly better than the slightly older Denon's with the Silicon Image decoder?

Wes

I-SIG

Zero wrote:

About the NEC. Understood.

As for a transport; I can't emphasize the Rotel rcd02 or 1072 enough. Almost a completely silent drive, great build, inexpensive and easy to attain.

Just the same; The 1910 would seem to be the most logical upgrade for the moment. It wont set you back too much and will leave room for the stereo goodness.

Well, after some research last night, it looks like the 1910 may not be my best option due to my plasma TV. Macroblocking, whatever that is, seems to be pretty bad with the combo of plasma and the particular chipset the Denon has. Oh well. Now, I'm looking at the 2900 or the Oppo.

I'll definitely keep an eye for those Rotel's. Thanks. I guess I'll look for that Arcam that RuSsMaN alaso tested out with his Rotel 1072.

Wes

steveinaz

I just went thru this, I'd recommend NOT doing the universal thing---I don't think you'll be satisfied with the results.

Get an Azur or used MF. Both would work great with your Bel Canto.

I-SIG

Steve,

I'm thikning about waiting a while longer for a DVD player to see if the macroblocking issue works itself out. So for the time being, I'm gonna look for a nice transport, preferably with HDCD.

Wes