Please Rate My Mid-Fi System

knownalien
knownalien Posts: 143
edited July 2008 in Speakers
In my sig you can see what I have. I am curious as to see what any of you guys would upgrade first. As a general rule, I use the OPPO for music CD's.
Outlaw 990 PreAmp
Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
Polk LSiC Center
Polk LSi9 FRONTS
LG 42LK520 42" LCD
SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
Post edited by knownalien on
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited June 2008
    Why would you want to change anything? You have put together a GREAT system that should entertain you for years!

    Congrats & enjoy!!!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • knownalien
    knownalien Posts: 143
    edited June 2008
    oops, i have the OPPO 981HD
    Outlaw 990 PreAmp
    Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
    Polk LSiC Center
    Polk LSi9 FRONTS
    LG 42LK520 42" LCD
    SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
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  • knownalien
    knownalien Posts: 143
    edited June 2008
    tthanks. just curous wher others would go from here. i will never sell my speakers, but they may be assigned another room. i worked too hard and long to get them. and they were all retail. :)
    Outlaw 990 PreAmp
    Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
    Polk LSiC Center
    Polk LSi9 FRONTS
    LG 42LK520 42" LCD
    SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
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  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,864
    edited June 2008
    very nice set-up and if it makes you happy keep it, enjoy it, and save your hard earn cash

    now as far as "retail" goes

    thats a dirty word in our house ;)
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  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited June 2008
    Power conditioning? Cables?

    Nice setup, srsly.
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  • knownalien
    knownalien Posts: 143
    edited June 2008
    i have a monster conditioner. wish i had a rack version . . they look cool!

    the interconnects are all OUTLAW PCA and the speaker while for the center and mains is audioquest.
    Outlaw 990 PreAmp
    Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
    Polk LSiC Center
    Polk LSi9 FRONTS
    LG 42LK520 42" LCD
    SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited June 2008
    front projection if room, light condition are in favor of it. Nice setup, lets see some pics.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • knownalien
    knownalien Posts: 143
    edited June 2008
    well, i live in a condo now (thanks to divorce) and the 9's are the mains and the 15's aren't even plugged in . . . the mono amps are turned off. The SVS sub is NOT even set up. it is in a closet. so pictures would not exactly show what I have. Still, if you want to see what I have I will take pictures. Since it's a condo (and I am renting), room treatments are not an option.
    Outlaw 990 PreAmp
    Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
    Polk LSiC Center
    Polk LSi9 FRONTS
    LG 42LK520 42" LCD
    SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited June 2008
    I wouldn't change ****.
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  • zx_toth
    zx_toth Posts: 417
    edited June 2008
    I agree with everyone else that once your set again it is a great system. No doubt you could invest another several thousand dollars into it and only get incremental improvements because you already have a solid system. Im sure someone will eventually pipe up and give you what you want to hear .... that is what to upgrade, because it must be disappointing after all the planning and saving to arrive at the end. :-) Perhaps you could upgrade to the new $30,000 Krell preamp :-)

    http://www.hemagazine.com/node/Krell_Evolution_707

    Zsolt
    My Home Theater Rig
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  • RutgersFTW
    RutgersFTW Posts: 458
    edited June 2008
    If you want to be silly, the newer Oppo 980 and 983 models are supposed to be better music transports than the 981. Otherwise, you've got a very nice system.
    Currently listening to:

    Marantz SR5004
    Sony BDP-S370
    Apple TV V2
    Audio Technica AT-LP120
    Mirage CMD-5 x 5
    Bic H-100
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited June 2008
    What are the M-2200's powering? Rear speakers? Your 7500 is a better amp than the 2200's just as an FYI so I would use it for front, center and surrounds.....

    Great setup you have there, I would not change any of it just for the sake of change.

    I assume it is mainly for home theater. If you do alot of audio listening, getting a real CD player may be a nice upgrade. In all honesty, I would think about the room and setup rather than throwing more money at things blindly. (Unless you hear something that is lacking you want to correct - if so, mention it)

    If you have not already, consider the following.....
    • Get a Radio Shack SPL meter and calibrate all channels.
    • Get an Avaya or DVE disk and Calibrate your audio channels (using the SPL meter from above). Also calibrate your video setup as well as you can using the test tones and patterns on the disk.
    • Start reading up on room treatments and consider making or purchasing some acoustic panels. Don't go hog wild from the start, but get some (maybe 4-6 or so) and decide for yourself if it is worth the improvement they make in your room.
    • Try some different cables - Don't know what you have, but I find cables more a synergy with your system thing rather than a basic better or worse. Pick up a nice used set and see if you hear a difference. If not - no harm, no foul. Sell them and get your money back. if you do - decide if it is better or worse and experiment from there.
    I think the components you have are great - if you just have to spend money on something and none of the above floats your boat. Purchase yourself a comfy chair, take a day off of work, and enjoy what you have. A day spent enjoying your efforts can give you some big rewards in stress and relaxation levels... (not to mention it is often cheaper than a real vacation)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited June 2008
    Nice sound setup, but definitely lose the projection TV: KDF-50WE655. Get a flat panel (depending on light conditions - plasma or LCD) - you'll love the difference.
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • knownalien
    knownalien Posts: 143
    edited July 2008
    Keiko wrote: »
    Those LSi speakers are terrible. You should just give them to me and buy some Audiovox's. :p
    Nah...Seriously, that looks to be a very nice set-up you got going on there. Enjoy it! ;)

    i saw some cool speakers at Radio Shack. I just might take you up on this offer. :)
    Outlaw 990 PreAmp
    Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
    Polk LSiC Center
    Polk LSi9 FRONTS
    LG 42LK520 42" LCD
    SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited July 2008
    If you're looking for upgrades, here are my suggestions:

    1. Toss the Oppo for music and get a real CDP

    2. Change out the Outlaw ICs

    3. Sell the Outlaw monoblocks to help fund #1 & #2.
    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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  • knownalien
    knownalien Posts: 143
    edited July 2008
    Early B. wrote: »
    If you're looking for upgrades, here are my suggestions:

    1. Toss the Oppo for music and get a real CDP

    2. Change out the Outlaw ICs

    3. Sell the Outlaw monoblocks to help fund #1 & #2.

    what do you suggest as a CD delivery player?

    the mono blocks run the surrounds, so i won't be changing them. but i am confused about the outlaw IC's. Can someone do this for me? what would they be changing them to?
    Outlaw 990 PreAmp
    Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
    Polk LSiC Center
    Polk LSi9 FRONTS
    LG 42LK520 42" LCD
    SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
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  • maximillian
    maximillian Posts: 2,144
    edited July 2008
    If you have money you want to keep away from the EX then spend it on room treatments, decorations, HT furniture, etc. The sound system already great.
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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited July 2008
    I'll concur with most here. your doin alright (and have pretty much the same I got)

    other than basics like upgrade amplification before you upgrade speakers. you dont have to upgrade amplification mind you, I'm just saying they have more to give you down the road.

    no rush, enjoy what you got for a while

    I havent changed **** in some time, and am happy as a clam for it :D
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited July 2008
    knownalien wrote: »
    what do you suggest as a CD delivery player?

    the mono blocks run the surrounds, so i won't be changing them. but i am confused about the outlaw IC's. Can someone do this for me? what would they be changing them to?

    Some members feel that interconnects have a large impact on the sound quality of your system...others feel it has little to no impact. When you bought the outlaws you probably read all the very positive reviews, they are very well regarded. I had some and sold them because the locking connectors were to big for my pre's closely spaced rcas.

    If it were my system the only thing I would consider changing is upgrading the CDP. Everything else looks solid, maybe room treatments if the space/significant other permits it.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • lakesailor
    lakesailor Posts: 319
    edited July 2008
    I agree it is a nice system you have there. If anything I would look to run a seperate CD player from your Oppo DVD for 2 channel CD's.. Something like a Cambridge, Rega or even an Arcam would add a nice dimension to your system
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited July 2008
    No turntable? I'd get a nice turntable. Otherwise what was said above about the rear projection and I also have the same Oppo unit but my Pioneeer Elite DV-79avi sounds better and a decicated cd player as suggested would be even better still.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited July 2008
    That is a decent HT rig. Although I think your speaks are in a league above most of the gear as far as their potential.

    When your ready for a 2-channel rig let me know, I will teach you the secret handshake we have. oh yea, you'll need a smoking jacket and a tobacco pipe.

    I got mine at GoodWill but dont tell anyone.

    RT1
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  • knownalien
    knownalien Posts: 143
    edited July 2008
    the oppo is really that bad at music production?? how will a dedicated CDP sound noticably better? thanks.
    Outlaw 990 PreAmp
    Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
    Polk LSiC Center
    Polk LSi9 FRONTS
    LG 42LK520 42" LCD
    SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
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  • bikezappa
    bikezappa Posts: 2,463
    edited July 2008
    Consider a tuner and antenna (roof mounted with rotor if possible). All the new tunes are free and sound very good depending on the FM station.

    Buy more music.
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  • jtgranby
    jtgranby Posts: 887
    edited July 2008
    knownalien wrote: »
    the oppo is really that bad at music production?? how will a dedicated CDP sound noticably better? thanks.

    Give this one a try. Let your ears be the judge.

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69769

    JT
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited July 2008
    knownalien wrote: »
    the oppo is really that bad at music production?? how will a dedicated CDP sound noticably better? thanks.

    better clock
    better power supply
    better resistors
    better capacitors
    discreet signal paths
    better dac
    better vibe control

    better better better.

    you hear me..............

    The Rega, the Jolida, the Sony, the Consanance, the Musical Fidelity all crushed the Oppo at Polkfest 2007.

    RT1
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  • DForeman
    DForeman Posts: 468
    edited July 2008
    Great system. Agree with others here to consider getting a separate CDP. I went from a Denon DVD player (connected with a digital cable) for music to a Rega Apollo (connected with analog cables). I found the Rega tamed the highs and was less fatiguing. There was a noticable difference.
    Parasound P5 Pre
    Marantz AV 7703 Pre/Pro
    Outlaw 7500 Amp
    Marantz SA14s1 SACD/CD
    Rega Planar 2 TT
    Polk Audio Speakers: LSiM 705 Fronts, LC65FX Surround, LSiM 704c
    Oppo BDP-103
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited July 2008
    I rate it a 19.
    Jake
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  • knownalien
    knownalien Posts: 143
    edited July 2008
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    better clock
    better power supply
    better resistors
    better capacitors
    discreet signal paths
    better dac
    better vibe control

    better better better.

    you hear me..............

    The Rega, the Jolida, the Sony, the Consanance, the Musical Fidelity all crushed the Oppo at Polkfest 2007.

    RT1

    would you like to suggest a particular jolida? i recall a company who took already-made things and improved them, like Denon DVD/CD players. Jolida was one of the brands they tweaked. i forgot who it was though.
    Outlaw 990 PreAmp
    Outlaw 7500 5 Channel Amp
    Polk LSiC Center
    Polk LSi9 FRONTS
    LG 42LK520 42" LCD
    SONY BDP-S300 Player (Blu-Ray)
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    knownalien wrote: »
    would you like to suggest a particular jolida? i recall a company who took already-made things and improved them, like Denon DVD/CD players. Jolida was one of the brands they tweaked. i forgot who it was though.


    I would defiantly get a better cdp.

    From experience I used to use a Oppo 980H(pretty much the same model you have) and thought it was great. I was wrong!!! I got a Jolida JD100 and was absolutely blown away by the difference. Had I known it was going to make such a big difference I would have bought it a long time ago.

    I don't have any experience with any other CDP's but the Jolida so I can't compare it against others in its class. But it was a hell of CDP for great price used. One can be had for about $500.00

    Edit: not to mention you can Hot Rod the Jolida to the moon.!


    Nick
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