Stereo Rig - Am I forgetting anything?

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited April 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Here's my system . . . any suggestions?

Preamp: Rogue Audio Metis
Amp: Nad C272
Source: Oppo 981HD
Interconnects: Signal Cable Analog Two
Speaker Cable: Signal cable Ultra Speaker Cable
Speakers: Lsi15

I think I finaly got everything to a point where I can begin to treat my room for any acoustic issues. Right now I'm trying to decide whether I should purchase foam systems from HSF acoustics or build my own treatments. Thoughts?
Post edited by SolidSqual on
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited April 2007
    Magic Power Cord on the amp and preamp. Then start with isolation components on the preamp and source.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2007
    Looks good. However, the source doesn't fit. The Oppo sounds very good with CD playback compared to other DVD players, but it's not a CDP.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited April 2007
    Looks good! I second the source comment from Early. You could go my route and add a solid DAC to the Oppo. Easy option for $100 - $300, depending on DAC.

    I'm also at a point where I'm starting to slow down the major purchases for my 2-channel rig and finally do some setup, wire management, and tweaking.

    I'll take some suggestions, too. Sorry to leach off you, Solid, but this is a good idea!

    2 Channel Rig:
    Musical Fidelity A3.2 Integrated
    Thiel CS 1.2s
    PS Audio XStream Plus Speaker Cable
    Kimber Kable PBJ ICs
    Sony CA80ES transport & Theta Pro Progeny DAC
    Marantz ST-6000 tuner
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited April 2007
    Early B wrote:
    Looks good. However, the source doesn't fit. The Oppo sounds very good with CD playback compared to other DVD players, but it's not a CDP.

    Agreed! Get a REAL CDP!
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    Andy, No worries. I learn from everyone and every post in this forum. I appreciate any posts that will add to the discussion.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    I was looking into the Cambridge Audio line of CDPs. The price is pretty competitive and fits within my 500-600 range.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    Russman, thanks for the reminder on the powercords. I currently have a Monster MKII 3500 Power Conditioner. I'm actually pretty impressed with the unit despite the Brand. My house was hit my lighting about 5 months ago. I lost a couple clocks, a microwave and a fridge, but the power conditioner saved my sound equipment. I got the unit checked out by a service tech and it was still in working order despite being tripped during the strike.

    My question is . . . would the Signal Magic Power Cords still be as effective hooked up to the Monster?
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    Sorry for spamming the forum with posts, but what are isolation components?
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited April 2007
    Andy makes an interesting suggestion...
    Just keep in mind that if your DAC does not offer HDCD or DVD-audio capabilities, you will lose this particular feature when adding a DAC.

    But I have to say I'm in agreement with the majority here. My Oppo has filled in admirably while I'm inbetween sources, but there was a noticable step-back when I moved from the Rotel.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited April 2007
    I looked at CA for a bit. There are some Jolida (used) options in that range as well. Rotel 1072 gets some good pub, too.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited April 2007
    I think for under $1000, you just can't touch the Rotel RCD-1072. If my next player is in this $ category, it will be the Rotel.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited April 2007
    I have exactly what you need.

    FS: Arcam CD73T
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2007
    Move beyond Cambridge Audio. Go with the Rotel, Jolida, Bada, etc. Use PS Audio power cords. They start at $50 and are a fantastic bargain.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • markmarc
    markmarc Posts: 2,309
    edited April 2007
    Solid:
    A memeber is selling his Cambridge 640 V1 for $225 in the for sale section. You could then use the extra $350 to have Parts Connexion to modify it and have a killer unit when it's all done and said.
    Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
    Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
    Former Staff Member TONEAudio
    2 Ch. System
    Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
    Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
    Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
    Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
    Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited April 2007
    yeah, that's a great option (well, both the CA and Arcam). Regarding the Arcam, I maybe should've just bought that instead of adding a DAC to my cheapo sony ES player, but I need a headphone amp, which the ES has. Oh, and I would get silver to match my MF integrated, if I got a new one.

    Great option for anyone looking for a good dedicated CD player.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2007
    Oh, NM.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    wow, I jus read some reviews on the Arcam. It sounds like an amzing deal, but I don't like buying equipment that has changed hand more than once. I had a bad experience . . . with what was supposed to be a a respected seller. The Arcam would look great against my subdued Metis.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited April 2007
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I don't like buying women that have changed hands more than once. I had a bad experience . . . with what was supposed to be a a respected lady.

    Whoa, Solid, TMI
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    I have no problem with sloppy seconds. After all a lady needs to get used a bit before she moans(ahem) . . . purrs like she's supposed to. I do take issue with sloppy thirds and fourths, etc.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited April 2007
    Okay, now that really is too much info :)

    Back your regularly scheduled program, here is another Arcam 73T on Agon in silver. Great price, claims to be original owner, has good feedback. If you don't buy it, I might. . .

    http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1181761303
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    Hey, I was just checking that out. Go for it if you want. I'm going to keep researching. I really think my next investment should be some acoustic treatments. For ****, I threw a blanket over the back of my speakers to dampen the rear reflection. . . the difference was ridiculously noticeable for the better. I think people too often forget the room is part of the instrument. I'm keeping my eye on that Arcam. Perhaps Lexicon?
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited April 2007
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    wow, I jus read some reviews on the Arcam. It sounds like an amzing deal, but I don't like buying equipment that has changed hand more than once. I had a bad experience . . . with what was supposed to be a a respected seller. The Arcam would look great against my subdued Metis.
    ahhh, we live in the same city... You could check it out before you buy, there would be no surprises...
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    Oh man . . . now that's temptation!
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    Thank you so much guys. You've really given me a lot to consider.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited April 2007
    Ditto on getting a new source. Although the OPPO isn't too shabby. But don't discount the power of room treatments. By far your room influences the sound more than any one piece of gear. You can add PC's, IC's, new this & new that until you empty out your wallet, but until you've addressed the room you have no ides what your missing. A properly treated room with so-so gear will out perform an untreated room w/ more expensive gear any day of the week.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • Music Joe
    Music Joe Posts: 459
    edited April 2007
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Hey, I was just checking that out. Go for it if you want. I'm going to keep researching. I really think my next investment should be some acoustic treatments. For ****, I threw a blanket over the back of my speakers to dampen the rear reflection. . . the difference was ridiculously noticeable for the better. I think people too often forget the room is part of the instrument. I'm keeping my eye on that Arcam. Perhaps Lexicon?

    You could start with eggcrate foam cut into squares and pushpinned by the edges at the first reflection points. Ugly but effective and cheap enough to find some potential improvements.

    Put up some basic room info,is it open room,size,many windows?
    A couple of snaps would be good.Those towers produce healthy amounts of low end so traps(diy if budgeting)are a good idea if in a smaller room.1st reflection treatments are a wonderful start.
    Do you have any large video display near them? Any source you keep or end up with is going to have to play through the rooms weakness or strength.
    "The Web is a monoblog"
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    Here is a link to my show room. Right now its a bit cluttered, but you get the idea.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=72663

    The room is roughly 15W X 11L X 8H. I have a window in the back left corner directly across from the room entrance. There is a small door size passage in the wall at the front right corner of the room. There is a closet door on the other side of the same wall as the room entrace. Sorry I don't have better pictures ar the moment, but I'm at work.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    http://www.soundstage.com/synergize/synergize091998.htm

    Here's a great article that I am using for some ideas.

    http://www.hsfacoustics.com/studiopacks.htm

    I like the control room studio pack from HSF as well.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited April 2007
    Just looked at your showcase photos again. Did you change your Halo out for the NAD? What are your impressions on the two with your LSi15s?
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited April 2007
    yeah sorry the photos are not up to date. The NAD runs far cooler than the HALO. After getting the NAD I also noticed my mid range is more balanced with the highs and lows. The NAD has four binding post on the rear which is ideal for bi-wiring, biamping or even adding a set of alternate speakers (thanks to the AB switch). I like the HALO, but ultimately I believe its many options were never used by me. I never used the balanced inputs. I never used the alternate outs for adding other amplification. I think NAD chose a simpler design and focused more on the quality of the remaining components.

    I even did a blind test with a friend. Each time, he and I picked the NAD over the HALO.
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