Need help improving my 2-channel system

tcrossma

I need some help focusing my system on 2-channel listening and figuring out which items to keep and which to replace.

My system is a combined HT and 2-channel system with my Adcom 750 allowing HT Bypass so I can keep things mostly separated. I still plan to use this system to play XBox 360 and watch movies and TV, but over the past year I have realized that my pleasure comes mostly from listening to Redbook CD's, so that's what I want to concentrate on. The "HT" aspects will remain but it doesn't matter to me how well that part performs.

So, here's some of my thoughts on what I could improve and any help from you guys would be much appreciated.

- Keep my Denon 3910 but use it for movies only and buy a new CDP, possibly of the tubed variety

- Replace my amp. The B&K Ref 200.5 is a real nice amp and has performed wonderfully for me, but I've only ever used 3 of the 5 channels, and even then I only used the center for a month or two until deciding to stop using the LSiC mostly because of space/looks reasons. So I'm only using 2 channels and I figure maybe I can get an amp that would sound better for 2-channel listening.

- Keep my GFP-750? I'm quite happy with this preamp (which I use in Passive mode), so I'm not planning to replace this. But opinions are welcome.

- Keep my Yamaha RX-V2500. This wouldn't be the receiver I'd buy if I had to do it all over again, but it does the job on controlling the "HT" portion of my system, and I use it to power the surrounds which is does fine enough for me.

So aside from random thoughts people have, my two main questions are:

1. Would a CDP (maybe a tubed until such as a Jolida JD100) be a big improvement for me over my Denon 3910?

2. Would a good 2-channel amp (in the $1200-$1500 range) be a good improvement over my B&K?

Thanks for any suggestions.

tim

Mike Reeter

I can't answer all your questions,but,I can say for sure that the Jolida JD-100 with some good tubes will be a nice improvement over your Denon.

tcrossma

Thanks Mike, I'm hoping that'll be the case.

steveinaz

One of the things I did to totally isolate my HT from 2-channel (I run a 2-channel HT), is run my Blu Ray player and HDTV Receiver via Toslink. Only my DAC and CDP have an "electrical" connection to the system. See my connection scheme here:

http://members.cox.net/stepheninaz/audio_connection_scheme.xls

heiney9

Don't get rid of the GFP-750. You won't find another pre of that caliber without spending a whole lot more.

I don't really see anything wrong w/ your 2ch. What's your issue? What don't you like about it? Or do you just have upgradisits?

B&K is a very nice amp; Denon 3910 is no slouch and the Adcom GFP-750 is excellent. LSi's are excellent. I suppose if you had to replace something I'd start with the source.

I really don't see a glaring issue with your set-up. Maybe room treatments or work on placement of speakers,etc. Cables, speaker wire, etc.



H9

tcrossma

Some upgradeitis, but the main thing that's prompting making a change is that since I'm shifting away from HT I now have a 5-channel amp that is only using 2 of its channels, which is a bit of a waste. My B&K is worth about $1200 so my thinking is that I might be able to get a dedicated 2-channel amp for the same (or maybe a little more) that might be considerably better for music.

I've also been toying with the idea of introducing tubes into the mix somehow, and since I like my pre and don't really want to get into tube amps, I figured a nice tube source might be something nice to try. It would add a little bit of convenience to me to dedicate my Denon to HT only and have a separate CD source. I always leave the video circuitry off on the Denon and there's no great way to automate that switching process. Granted that's a minor thing, and I think the main thing is that I'm just thinking (hoping) that a good dedicated CDP might make a reasonable improvement.

I've thought about room treatments, but it's hard for me given that it's our living room and not just some dedicated listening room. Most of my 'treatments' right now are coming in the way of furniture, pictures, curio's and bookshelves, and curtains to try and treat things. I don't think big blocks of foam stuck on the walls and ceiling will go over to well with my wife

I'm where I want to be with speaker cables and IC's.

Thanks for the tips and info.

tim

heiney9

Sounds like you have a handle on it. Since the B&K is 5ch I see what you mean about a dedicated 2ch. amp.

So yes, a better (different) source and nice 2ch amp will probably bump you up a notch.

Good luck

H9

dkg999

I can't comment on the Adcom pre, but that model does get good reviews, so I agree that changing it probably isn't going to add much. I can recommend the Jolida 100 CDP. Plan on changing out the stock tubes to something like EI elites or other quality tubes, it makes a huge difference with that CDP.

You could always bi-amp your speakers using 4 channels of your current B&K amp. But I also agree you could probably get a better 2 ch amp using the funds from the sale of the B&K.

If and when you decide to sell the B&K, send me a pm, I might be interested.

Hawkeye

Actually, there is a way to treat the room and not have it look like a recording studio. For example, RealTraps now makes bass traps that look like planters. They are some type of basket with the magic poured into them. All you do then is put in/on some fake leaves and flowery stuff. The basket absorbers the bass and the leaves and things breakup and diffuse the reflections. I also think GIK is now offereing end/corner tables as bass traps that disappear in the room as an absorber. Other very inexpensive and wife friendly treatments can be done. A 6 ft. tall fake plant with lots of leaves at the 1st reflection point can do wonders.

I'm fortunate that my wife is an avid listener and she does not object to big traps in the living room. But the fact remains some wives don't want it in there. There is/are compromise pieces available and it WILL most likely make a better improvement than a new piece of gear.

By the way, I have no ties to either company other than I have purchased pieces and found that it was the best bang for dollar I have ever spent.

Gordon

steveinaz

I agree with H9, you've got some fine 2-channel equipment.

nikolas812

I would also recommend the a Jolida JD100 for a dedicated source. I think getting a more musical 2 channel amp would also make big improvements. I think the JD100 combined with a nice musical 2 channel amp would make a more than a subtle change. I think it would take it to whole other level honestly.



Nick

tcrossma

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I think I'm going to sell my B&K amp and get a good 2-channel amp plus a dedicated CDP and see how that all sounds. In the near future I'll probably be posting back here asking for some suggestions on amps I'm thinking maybe a nice Conrad Johnson, or maybe a Bryston. But there's so many to choose from...

reeltrouble1

OK, enjoy your hunt. I would add that the tubed source will have the least overall effect as far as "tube sound" to the rig, not that its not a good idea though. I run my HT with a B&K 7270, same amp as yours sans the balanced connections, as you said they are fine amplifiers, I do however feel my BAT VK-500 bests the B&K for musicality, I would recommend adding them to your list of prospective amplifier companies.

RT1

tcrossma

reeltrouble1 wrote: »

OK, enjoy your hunt. I would add that the tubed source will have the least overall effect as far as "tube sound" to the rig, not that its not a good idea though. I run my HT with a B&K 7270, same amp as yours sans the balanced connections, as you said they are fine amplifiers, I do however feel my BAT VK-500 bests the B&K for musicality, I would recommend adding them to your list of prospective amplifier companies.

RT1

Can the BAT's be had in the $1500 range, or are they going to be a bit more than that? When all's said and done I think I'm going to try and spend between $1000 on the low end, and $1800 on the high end for the amp, and maybe $500-600 on the source.

Thanks.
tim