Thinking of Scrapping my rig...
nooshinjohn
Posts: 25,550
And starting over. While I am pleased overall with it's performance, I cannot help but think if I were to focus specifically on two-channel, I could bring my setup to a level I previously thought would be unobtainable. If I were to sell off my current setup, I would be able to get about 7500.00 back in play for a better rig. I wave already begun to sell of much of my Franklin/Danbury mint collection, so I will have about 10k to play with on a two channel setup.
Keeping in mind what I already have in my sig and what may be useable in a new set-up, what would you guys recommend I do. What should stay and what should go? What can be upgraded or improved and what new gear would you suggest?
As always, I am open to high quality used gear as well.
Keeping in mind what I already have in my sig and what may be useable in a new set-up, what would you guys recommend I do. What should stay and what should go? What can be upgraded or improved and what new gear would you suggest?
As always, I am open to high quality used gear as well.
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
Post edited by nooshinjohn on
Comments
-
It is always fun to start over and try out new gear. Sounds like you would have a really nice budget to play with as well. From the old Nike ad...Just do it.
-
We'll be waiting for the pictures of the "new" system !
-
Very interesting John. Perhaps you might consider going with a really good high powered, high current hybrid, integrated amp.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1275526950&/Musical-Fidelity-KW-500-No-Com
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1275165127&/Musical-Fidelity-Trivista-300-
You can get the Trivista much cheaper. I have the TriVista 300 and I love it, but would buy the kw500 in a heartbeat if I had the money. I heard it at Jesse's and it is awesome. -
Manley Snappers. Any opinions on them?:cool:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1275609450&/Manley--Snapper---100-watt-MonThe Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
I would decide on a pair of speakers first, then work from there."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
-
The Stingray is excellent; I'd expect that the Snappers are, too. The Manley amplifiers are well-made and reasonably priced.
-
Good luck. If you want to start over, there is no "packaged good sounding two channel system". You'll have to go through trial, matching, swapping and lots of time to get there. Maybe you should think of what you don't like in your system and start from there. If you're satisfied as you say you are, just stay where you are. It will be cheaper and less frustrating._________________________________________________
***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***
2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
SOPAThank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman -
Find your speakers first John.
-
nooshinjohn wrote: »Manley Snappers. Any opinions on them?:cool:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1275609450&/Manley--Snapper---100-watt-Mon
No first hand listening experience but I would love to try any of the Manley stuff. I hear it's the bee's kneez.
I also concur with picking out your speakers first. Are you going to stick with the 2.3TL's?-Kevin
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's -
I am considering that. I do love the SDA sound, but my leanings of late have me thinking about Magnepans. I am looking for elegance as well as performance. My intent for now is to keep my turntable and other source components, so I am looking for a dedicated SACD player, amp/amps, preamp and speakers (maybe). If upgrading to RDO's and the crossovers make a dramaitic improvement to the TL's, I may just keep them. The advantage of keeping them will allow me to spend a bit more on the other stuff.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
Depending on the components used, it can be far from subtle.nooshinjohn wrote: »If upgrading to RDO's and the crossovers make a dramaitic improvement to the TL's, I may just keep them. The advantage of keeping them will allow me to spend a bit more on the other stuff."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche -
One thing my current setup lacks is focus. While the sound is very good, with the expected wide and deep soundstage, the imaging itself tends to be rather vague and unfocused. The original SL3000's are good, but become harsh and overpowering at modest to loud volumes.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
Theater horns and single-ended triode amplification.
-
Upgrade your crossovers and get a real source."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
-
If I were you John, I would consider doing the xover/tweeter upgrade first and foremost. That way you can determine whether or not you want to keep the 2.3TL's and build around them. Obviously I have no first hand experience with SDA's but if you like them, why not work with what you have and put some really good stuff in front of them to see if they will meet your needs. I wholeheartedly agree that you should pick your speakers and then build to suit them. Synergy and all of that... ya know?
While the Sunfire stuff is good, there is a whole other world of sound out there that isn't Carver. My TFM35x is going to be in the FM very soon. I have a surprise on it's way at this very moment.
-Kevin
HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
2 Channel:
Oppo BDP-83 SE
Squeezebox Touch
Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
VTL 2.5
McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
B&W 801's
Transparent IC's -
I agree with the crossovers first John. Sonic Caps & Mills resistors will make a marked improvement in your SQ. RD0198s next, then spike them with MYE Sound spikes, Dynamat your MW baskets and Mortite your drivers and tweeters . . . you will think you bought brand new speakers.
BTW the Manley Stingray is awesome sounding. I heard it at Ted's Polk Fest driving a pair of 1Cs. I believe Mike (Face) has it now but I don't know what speakers he is driving. -
nooshinjohn wrote: »I am considering that. I do love the SDA sound, but my leanings of late have me thinking about Magnepans. I am looking for elegance as well as performance. My intent for now is to keep my turntable and other source components, so I am looking for a dedicated SACD player, amp/amps, preamp and speakers (maybe). If upgrading to RDO's and the crossovers make a dramaitic improvement to the TL's, I may just keep them. The advantage of keeping them will allow me to spend a bit more on the other stuff.
I wouldn't touch the maggie's unless your planing on hooking up a sub . If you dont care about others listening to your rig then I would go for martin logans
Martin logan look like fine art sculpture's and have that high end look and demo room sound . The sweetspot is so small with these speakers but once your in it your in the music . I love the sound of planars unrestricted vocal reproductive speed an clarity
If accuracy is important then planars are the only way to truly reproduce sound
I persnaly think that the upgrade is most noticeable when you add new speakers
Maybe get the new speakers first instead of dumping the electronics then you can buy the electronics around the new speakers? -
nooshinjohn wrote: »One thing my current setup lacks is focus. While the sound is very good, with the expected wide and deep soundstage, the imaging itself tends to be rather vague and unfocused. The original SL3000's are good, but become harsh and overpowering at modest to loud volumes.
John, if you want imaging and soundstage with laser guided missile focus, check out my Emerald Physics speakers. Plus, you also get the boxless sound of the maggies. I'll have my new ones in a few weeks. Stop by and have a listen.
I see the Emmys being great for you given your impulse blow the doors off any at max volume. -
SolidSqual wrote: »John, if you want imaging and soundstage with laser guided missile focus, check out my Emerald Physics speakers. Plus, you also get the boxless sound of the maggies. I'll have my new ones in a few weeks. Stop by and have a listen.
I see the Emmys being great for you given your impulse blow the doors off any at max volume.
:eek::p
"Sure! Turn it ALL THE WAY UP!!!"I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.
Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii
Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999
Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3
HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000 -
If I were you I would just go and get the CV 215's. Those are the best speakers in the world. JK
Good luck with everything. Its always fun to start over but can be super hard at the same time. After hearing the maggies they are great, however I'm not super found of the super tiny sweet spot with them that I experienced. -
I think your insane John!!! Follow the advice above from Mike and Joe.
-
Don't make me drive up there, John.
-
Don't make me drive up there, John.
Go and I will help pay for the trip, all I ask is you give him a swift kick in the **** for me...;) -
Come on guys... I dare both of you to show up. I can take you both at the same time!!!:p;):D
I am grateful for all the help so far. I have decided to begin by going through the Polks and doing the upgrades first. The next thing will be introducing TUBES into the mix for them. I am working on that aspect now as we speak, so stay tuned.The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson -
John...see if there's any maggies around you. Put a want ad in craigs list and see what turns up.Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
-
You got it, Larry!TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »Go and I will help pay for the trip, all I ask is you give him a swift kick in the **** for me...;)
I PM you my paypal and set out at first light.:D -
Tubes? Do tell!nooshinjohn wrote: »TUBES -
Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Personally, I'd start with upgrading your CDP. Are you using the Sony or the Yamaha as a 2 channel source?
Either way, neither of those players seem to be anything too special from a SQ perspective. Having a better source can make a TREMENDOUS difference in your sound. I got some very big improvements in the overall sound of my rig when I upgraded to my Denon 2910...and the improvements went even farther when I added my DAC. A source would probably be the best place to start.
After that, I'd recommend doing XO upgrades/RD0-198's, as others have suggested. I haven't updated any of the XO's in my speakers yet, but from everything I've ever read/heard, the XO mods can make your SDA's sound like a new pair of speakers.
I'm planning on doing the Mortite and Dynamat mods to both my 7A's and 2A's sometime in the next couple weeks or so.The nirvana inducer-
APC H10 Power Conditioner
Marantz UD5005 universal player
Parasound Halo P5 preamp
Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's -
I have the Yamaha PX-3 as my main source and the Carver SDA-490t as my main CDP, and I have no real desire to dump the turntable. I have thought of doing a bit of upgrading the tubes in the CDP to se if I could get more out of it. Any suggestions on that one?The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD
“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
