What new or used components exceeded your expectations

Options
candyliquor35m
candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
edited August 2008 in Electronics
Just like the other thread, talk about anything audio or video related: components, wires, cables, tubes, caps, power cords and conditioners, etc.

1. I'll start with my stock Polk SDA 1B's: they quenched my desire to find a pair of 1C's. A little bigger soundstage than my 2b's and just as easy to move around :D, clarity and detail are spot on.
Post edited by candyliquor35m on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • haimoc
    haimoc Posts: 1,031
    edited August 2008
    Options
    It seems like not many people are interested in this thread.. :D

    Anyway... Sony SCD1 is the one that is replaced the MF Tri-Vista SACD player on the other thread... Sony SCD1 is old and discontinued player for many years. Build or sound quality is amazing, and it performs far better than I expected.
    -?¿-
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited August 2008
    Options
    SDA 1C's with Sonicaps and RDO replacement tweeters
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited August 2008
    Options
    RDO-198's
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited August 2008
    Options
    My Placette passive pre. I was thinking "how the hell could a (basically) straight wire box make a difference?" I really wasn't expecting much, boy was I in for a surprise.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited August 2008
    Options
    Bass traps from RealTraps. Best 1k spent by far.
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • candyliquor35m
    candyliquor35m Posts: 2,267
    edited August 2008
    Options
    Conrad Johnson PV-7 tube pre-: When I got it I wasn't impressed but that's not unusual for tube gear that comes with generic tubes in it. I put 5 vintage telefunkens (2 ecc81/12at7 & 3 ecc83/12ax7) in it and it was like night and day (going from a ss pre to a nice warm tube pre-). I like it so much that I bought a 2nd one.

    I paid $450 & $497 shipped for mine + ~$150 for tubes. Yes it has a phono input.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JosephH1
    JosephH1 Posts: 17
    edited August 2008
    Options
    My B&K AVR-307. It is a fantastic AV receiver, with an excellent amplifier section and it is an excellent value in the used market . Even beyond the performance of the piece, the most impressive part of my ownership experience is the level of customer service provided by B&K. They are located in Buffalo NY, where they do all of their production and customer service. Even though I was not the original owner and had no receipt, box or packing, they took in my 307 and repaired it at no charge. They even re-packaged it in new box and packing and mailed it to my home when I couldn't get right back to Buffalo for a pick up. When I asked what the charges were, they just thanked me for being a loyal customer. This experience was repeated 5 years ago with my first B&K product a AVR-202. Needless to say I am a customer for life!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • satire
    satire Posts: 11
    edited August 2008
    Options
    Parasound Halo P3 preamp
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited August 2008
    Options
    Upgrading power cords. I was a real skeptic, but they do make a difference (assuming your system has reach a certain level of resolution), much to my chagrin.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,329
    edited August 2008
    Options
    First it was my HK 335, then it would be my Marantz MA700 monos after that it would be replacing all cables to either AQ or SC.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Terrax
    Terrax Posts: 483
    edited August 2008
    Options
    First, would be the Mordaunt-Short Mezzo 6 speaker I bought a few weeks back. I bought these speakers more on a hunch than anything else I guess. I had never owned or even heard a pair of Mordaunts prior. And the main reason for taking the leap of faith was based of the technology that has went into them which was a trickle down effect from their "High end, High dollar" Performance line which were well received and garnered some very high praise even with their price tag.

    Needless to say, the Mezzos have far exceeded my expectations and have placed themselves as being the best sounding speaker "I've" heard anywhere near their price range and I centainly would not spend the type of cash it would take to think I had something that would sound better. Build quality also exceeds any speaker I've ever owned or for that matter seen.

    2nd, would be the Integra DTC-9.8. Yes, I'm sure everyone knows it does a great job for its intended role. But I wasn't perpared for just how well it was going to do that role, or how musical it was going to be. For Music, it has been a major, major improvement over my Marantz SR-8500. And everytime I sit and listen to my collection through this unit I'm impressed beyond belief. Its like having a whole new media system.

    Well.... theres my penny worth.:)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,384
    edited August 2008
    Options
    Cambridge Audio 840C.This player flat out performs many times it's price point & delivers a sound that glues you in your seat.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Josephlogston
    Josephlogston Posts: 30
    edited August 2008
    Options
    yamaha rx-v1 reciever (gold) about 9 yrs. old and used a lot, lot, lot.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Josephlogston
    Josephlogston Posts: 30
    edited August 2008
    Options
    if you want to see it look in system showcase under joe logston
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter