Thinking of Scrapping my rig...

F1nut

Any suggestions on that one?

Yeah, get rid of your current CDP, hopelessly outdated.

comfortablycurt

F1nut wrote: »

Yeah, get rid of your current CDP, hopelessly outdated.

+1

I've never heard that CD player...but it is VERY, VERY old school as far as CD players go. The 490T is circa 1991ish, correct? CD playback technology has come a VERY long way in the last 19 years. I've read several times that the 490T's are somewhat flimsy too, and have a lot of chassis flex. This flimsiness isn't doing your SQ any favors. Flimsiness=resonance=degradation of SQ.

IMO, I say dump the 490T, and get something that's a little bit more up to date. The goodness of vintage gear doesn't apply quite so much to CD players in my experience. Older CD players tend to show their age.



Also, FWIW...

You seem to be set almost solely on Carver/Sunfire gear. This isn't a slight on Carver in any way, but I'd suggest looking into some other brands too. There is a whole world of audio gear out there waiting for your ears. I'd suggest branching out a little bit...just my $.02



As I said before...my suggestion would be to upgrade your source...and then go for the 198's and XO mods in the 2.3TL's. I find it amazing that you haven't even upgraded to the 198's yet!

hearingimpared

nooshinjohn wrote: »

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?

John, this player gets rave reviews and IIRC Rich (SCompRacer) and Carl (schwarcw) uses one and swears by it.

After doing all the upgrades/updates to your 2.3TLs I would consider looking into this as your digital front end.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue14/modwright999ES.htm

I believe you a making a good move by keeping the vinyl front end.

headrott

comfortablycurt wrote: »

As I said before...my suggestion would be to upgrade your source...and then go for the 198's and XO mods in the 2.3TL's. I find it amazing that you haven't even upgraded to the 198's yet!

I agree with Curt. The 198s are definately less harsh sounding than the SL3000s, and the replacement of the capacitors and resistors on the crossovers will leave even less harshness in the audio mix. Do that first (as was suggested a few times before) then go from there.

Greg

comfortablycurt

hearingimpared wrote: »

John, this player gets rave reviews and IIRC Rich (SCompRacer) and Carl (schwarcw) uses one and swears by it.

After doing all the upgrades/updates to your 2.3TLs I would consider looking into this as your digital front end.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue14/modwright999ES.htm

I believe you a making a good move by keeping the vinyl front end.

Rich is actually using a Modwright Sony 9100ES, with Platinum Level Mods, which I believe includes an external power supply. I've heard it, and it's an OUTSTANDING CD/SACD player.

The Sony SCD-XA5400ES is supposed to be an even better sounding CD/SACD player...Modwright also offers mods for that player. I'd love to get my ears on one of them.:cool:

hearingimpared

comfortablycurt wrote: »

Rich is actually using a Modwright Sony 9100ES, with Platinum Level Mods, which I believe includes an external power supply. I've heard it, and it's an OUTSTANDING CD/SACD player.

The Sony SCD-XA5400ES is supposed to be an even better sounding CD/SACD player...Modwright also offers mods for that player. I'd love to get my ears on one of them.:cool:

You are correct Curt. Richie lent it to me a couple of years ago to try in my rig for a couple weeks. He even sent me some different tubes to roll in after it didn't synergize with my rig.

I couldn't remember the exact model number but posted a link for John to cover CD & SACD & DVD-A with the Modwright tube mods.

Thanks for the correction. But my point was made.

comfortablycurt

hearingimpared wrote: »

You are correct Curt. Richie lent it to me a couple of years ago to try in my rig for a couple weeks. He even sent me some different tubes to roll in after it didn't synergize with my rig.

I couldn't remember the exact model number but posted a link for John to cover CD & SACD & DVD-A with the Modwright tube mods.

Thanks for the correction. But my point was made.

Certainly. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about all of the Modwright CDP's, including the 999 you mentioned. Like I said, Rich's 9100 sounds amazing, and I'd imagine their other players are on a similar level.

Modwright also offers mods for the Oppo BDP-83SE...which I'd love to check out. An Oppo 83SE is going to be my next eventual source upgrade...because I want a great 2 channel player that can pull double duty as a Blu-ray player. Depending on how much I like it...it may get sent to Modwright eventually.:cool:

http://www.modwright.com/modifications/14


Here's what they upgrade on the 83SE. These are the multichannel upgrades...they also have a stereo only upgrade package. The multichannel upgrades are only a few hundred more though...so I'd probably just spring for that. If I had a good multichannel rig setup...I'd probably listen to a multi-channel SACD occasionally.

# Upgrade of stock power supplies.

# Upgrade I-V circuit on DAC board.

# Installation of proprietary, dedicated analog power supply of our design.

# Upgrade of a total of NINE (9) analog channels with our discrete FET-based circuit. Includes Stereo outs and all Multi-Channel outs, except sub (SW) out.

# Damping mods to chassis and drive.

...They can also install fully balanced outputs in them. Either balanced stereo outputs, or balanced outputs on front L/R, center, and surround L/R. No balanced outputs for the surround backs or subwoofer though.




Sorry for the slight derail, John. I second Joe's suggestion for the Modwright though. I've wanted one ever since I heard Rich's...but that upgrade is going to be a bit down the road yet.

hearingimpared

comfortablycurt wrote: »

Certainly. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about all of the Modwright CDP's. Like I said, Rich's 9100 sounds amazing, and I'd imagine their other players are on a similar level.

Modwright also offers mods for the Oppo BDP-83SE...which I'd love to check out. An Oppo 83SE is going to be my next eventual source upgrade...because I want a great 2 channel player that can pull double duty as a Blu-ray player. Depending on how much I like it...it may get sent to Modwright eventually.:cool:

I was going to have Modwright do my Denon 2900 (which I only use for SACD)with tubes but Ben told me he has a mod to the analog card which makes the SACD section sounds spectacular. I'm going to wait until he gets settled with his grandmother and send him the analog card.

I believe that the 2900 is the only weak link in my rig. I've tried it with a tube buffer which I found to be overkill with the preamp of my integrated being tubes but I am still not satisfied with the SACD performance and currently can't afford to go with a better unit for SACD. I love my Raysonic CD 168 so I need to get just the SACD portion up to snuff.

I would love to get a Musical Fidelity kw SACD player as I've heard Jesse's and Ted's and it sounds incredible but they are going in the neighborhood of $6K these days. Plus from what I've been told they are having transport problems.

comfortablycurt

hearingimpared wrote: »

I was going to have Modwright do my Denon 2900 (which I only use for SACD)with tubes but Ben told me he has a mod to the analog card which makes the SACD section sounds spectacular. I'm going to wait until he gets settled with his grandmother and send him the analog card.

I believe that the 2900 is the only weak link in my rig. I've tried it with a tube buffer which I found to be overkill with the preamp of my integrated being tubes but I am still not satisfied with the SACD performance and currently can't afford to go with a better unit for SACD. I love my Raysonic CD 168 so I need to get just the SACD portion up to snuff.

I would love to get a Musical Fidelity kw SACD player as I've heard Jesse's and Ted's and it sounds incredible but they are going in the neighborhood of $6K these days. Plus from what I've been told they are having transport problems.

I'm using a Denon 2910 as my main 2 channel source currently. I've been pretty happy with it so far...but I'm nearly always running it through my DPA Little Bit Three DAC...which makes for an immense improvement in the SQ of Redbook CD's. It's a fair enough SACD player on it's own...but it can't keep up with the higher end players.

My 2 channel rig also serves as my "HT", so I really need a universal player for it. Eventually when I put together a new HT system, it will probably also be integrated with my 2 channel rig over HT bypass. This is why the Oppo 83SE is appealing to me so much. I'm reading wonderful things about it's 2 channel abilities...not to mention the fact that it's one of the best(if not THE best) Blu-ray players on the market.



Also...I would love to get a Musical Fidelity anything...lol That gear is mouth wateringly appetizing.:)





BTW John...If you seriously want to scrap your rig...I happen to live right across the street from a scrap yard. I'd be glad to come pick up all of your gear and bring it down to the scrap yard myself.;):p

hearingimpared

comfortablycurt wrote: »

I'm using a Denon 2910 as my main 2 channel source currently. I've been pretty happy with it so far...but I'm nearly always running it through my DPA Little Bit Three DAC...which makes for an immense improvement in the SQ of Redbook CD's. It's a fair enough SACD player on it's own...but it can't keep up with the higher end players.

My 2 channel rig also serves as my "HT", so I really need a universal player for it. Eventually when I put together a new HT system, it will probably also be integrated with my 2 channel rig over HT bypass. This is why the Oppo 83SE is appealing to me so much. I'm reading wonderful things about it's 2 channel abilities...not to mention the fact that it's one of the best(if not THE best) Blu-ray players on the market.



Also...I would love to get a Musical Fidelity anything...lol That gear is mouth wateringly appetizing.:)

I've been reading loads about mods to the 83 but I've not seen where they incorporate tubes . . . have I missed it or is it not done?

comfortablycurt

hearingimpared wrote: »

I've been reading loads about mods to the 83 but I've not seen where they incorporate tubes . . . have I missed it or is it not done?

No, I don't believe they use tubes in the 83 mods. Maybe there will be another version coming shortly with a tubed output stage. I'd imagine it would have been a nightmare to create a tube based analog stage with the full multichannel mods...so they're probably sticking with solid state mods for now, just to keep things a bit simplified. Perhaps a stereo only tube upgrade will be coming along eventually...One can only hope!:)

hearingimpared

comfortablycurt wrote: »

No, I don't believe they use tubes in the 83 mods. Maybe there will be another version coming shortly with a tubed output stage. I'd imagine it would have been a nightmare to create a tube based analog stage with the full multichannel mods...so they're probably sticking with solid state mods for now, just to keep things a bit simplified. Perhaps a stereo only tube upgrade will be coming along eventually...One can only hope!:)

That's where I was going with this, an analog stereo only tube upgrade! Thanks Curt.

nooshinjohn

I have begun to ready myself for the next move. Today I removed my 600x2 from my rig and am getting ready to place it on the 'gon. My Sunfire Signature 425/5 is more than capable of getting the job done as I begin the changes to my setup. I am also going to pull my Carver SDA-490t from the rig and part with it as well. My focus at this point is on a VERY GOOD cd/sacd player in about the 1k range, and doing the upgrades to the 2.3TL's...

After listening to my setup with just the 425/5, I have to say the sound appears to be more open and lively than I was getting from the 600/2.:eek: I am quite puzzled by this, but it must have something to do with that nasty **** called SYNERGY.:D


EDIT...


Add to the list of changes a high quality two channel tube preamp with HT bypass.

dave shepard

How much you want for the 600x2 amp? I may be interested. PM me if you could.

nooshinjohn

dave shepard wrote: »

How much you want for the 600x2 amp? I may be interested. PM me if you could.

PM sent...

nooshinjohn

Thanks guys for all the input... I have decided to take the advice given and take a slower approach.

comfortablycurt

One other thing John...Definitely perform the Mortite mod to your 2.3TL's!! I just mortited my Monitor 7A's, and my SDA 2A's, and they're both sounding better than ever. High end clarity/cohesiveness is vastly improved...low end has noticeably deeper extension, and much more punch...especially in the upper bass/lower mid regions. It'll be well worth the $10 and couple hours of your time!

nooshinjohn

comfortablycurt wrote: »

One other thing John...Definitely perform the Mortite mod to your 2.3TL's!! I just mortited my Monitor 7A's, and my SDA 2A's, and they're both sounding better than ever. High end clarity/cohesiveness is vastly improved...low end has noticeably deeper extension, and much more punch...especially in the upper bass/lower mid regions. It'll be well worth the $10 and couple hours of your time!

I will do all the mods at the same time as the crossovers. I will begin those mods in May.:D

vc69

I think that is the sane approach man. Get your speakers tricked out. Listen to them for awhile, then make a move in whichever direction you deem appropriate. A nice tube pre is a great place to start, then an amp, then source, or whatever. This is going to be great fun for you no matter what

nooshinjohn

vc69 wrote: »

I think that is the sane approach man. Get your speakers tricked out. Listen to them for awhile, then make a move in whichever direction you deem appropriate. A nice tube pre is a great place to start, then an amp, then source, or whatever. This is going to be great fun for you no matter what

Any recommendations on a tube pre? Ultimately my goal is to separate the two channel rig from the HT setup. The SDA's will always have a home somewhere, whether in a two channel or as mains for HT, so modding them is a no brainer.

vc69

Well, my VTL 2.5 has HT bypass and is a heckuva nice entry into tubes. They can be had from 750 on up to 1250. Supposedly the optional phono pre-amp sucks. My 2.5 is minus the phono pre-amp and I am fine with that. More options that way when the vinyl bug hits.

I am also a fan of the ARC stuff but the best of it is out of my price range. For under a grand, the VTL is worth looking at.

I'm sure others can chime in with recommendations.

hearingimpared

vc69 wrote: »

Well, my VTL 2.5 has HT bypass and is a heckuva nice entry into tubes. They can be had from 750 on up to 1250. Supposedly the optional phono pre-amp sucks. My 2.5 is minus the phono pre-amp and I am fine with that. More options that way when the vinyl bug hits.

I am also a fan of the ARC stuff but the best of it is out of my price range. For under a grand, the VTL is worth looking at.

I'm sure others can chime in with recommendations.

I second that. That 2.5 is a great sounding pre and it seems to synergize well with different gear. It throws a very large soundstage and the bass will make you grin from ear to ear.

If you buy one just get the line stage and don't bother paying the extra money for the phono stage. VTL slaps that phono stage in and it is really disappointing plus is very limited on MC & MM loading options. If you want a particular loading option on it and it isn't already available on the phono pre board then you have to send it to Luke Manley to have it installed.

Get a stand alone tubed phono pre.

Face

hearingimpared wrote: »

Get a stand alone tubed phono pre.

The Jolida JD-9 is a great phono pre for the money.

hearingimpared

Face wrote: »

The Jolida JD-9 is a great phono pre for the money.

Mike,

With the Jolida do can you change the loading options and gain from the outside of the unit or do you have to open it up?

Does it use dip-switch and gain pots or is hard strapping needed?

Does it have both MC & MM loading options i.e., resistive and capacitive loading?

Thanks,

Joe

SolidSqual

Since my name is Mike, too, I'll respond for Mike.

With the Jolida do can you change the loading options and gain from the outside of the unit or do you have to open it up?

Yes, there are dip switches on the back.

Does it use dip-switch and gain pots or is hard strapping needed?

Dip switches. The unit has two outputs. High gain and low gain. Then the dip switches allow for further tweaking.

Does it have both MC & MM loading options i.e., resistive and capacitive loading?

The preamp is awesome and handles virtually any cartridge!

Face

Here's a good write up on it: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/jolida3/phono.html

There are dip switches on the back.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/jolida3/3.jpg

hearingimpared

Thanks both Mikes for your feedback. I love the TT in the 6 moons picture.

BTW;

Technical Specifications:
Frequency response is given as 5Hz to 110KHz (+/- 1dB)
S/N ratio: > 100dB
THD: < 0.02%
Input/output impedance of 100K/600 ohms
MM: 70dB, 5mV
MC High: 85dB, 0.5mV to 1.5mV
MC Low: 95dB, 0.25mV to 0.5mV
Input resistance: 100 ohm, 300 ohm, 1Kohm, 47Kohm
Input capacitance: 47pf, 100pf, 150pf, 220pf
Tube complement: 2 x 12AX7
Dimensions are 17 x 13 x 2" WxDxH
Weight 10lbs (14lbs boxed)
Warranty: 2 years parts and 'n' labor; 1 year or 1,000 hours on the tubes (whichever comes first)
Take home price? $450.

The bolded portion is the gain settings and they are inordinately high!!! Unless it's a misprint. MM gain setting are usually around 45db and MC gain settings can vary from 50 to 60db. Anything higher than those will produce hiss atleast it does on my Spectral but the Spectral gives you a pot on each channel to adjust the gain setting from 25db up to 75 db.

I couldn't find anything in the write ups as to whether they have a place to set custom loads for either MM or MC. Do either of you fellas know if you can?

Face

I remember there was a debate here about the amount of gain could provide. Someone contacted Jolida and couldn't get a straight answer.

As far as custom loads, I have no idea.

hearingimpared

Face wrote: »

I remember there was a debate here about the amount of gain could provide. Someone contacted Jolida and couldn't get a straight answer.

As far as custom loads, I have no idea.

I can't believe that their gain levels are that high. It has to be a misprint or just an outright mistake.

Hawkeye

nooshinjohn wrote: »

Any recommendations on a tube pre? Ultimately my goal is to separate the two channel rig from the HT setup. The SDA's will always have a home somewhere, whether in a two channel or as mains for HT, so modding them is a no brainer.

Since you mentioned about a 10K budget, your opening doors that offer tremendous value. A nice tube pre with a phono stage could be a McIntosh C2200 for a steal for around 3K. AudioClassics has several available which I'm certain one of them was mine. If I recall, it had the HT bypass which I never used.

Gordon