Through out last year, I have been building my first "real" hi fi system.
I locked-in with Dynaudio speakers from the beginning and went through Focus 110, 140 and now Contour S1.4. I am always thinking to upgrade to C1 or S5.4 but I still like the S1.4 a lot, and found its potential revealed more each time I upgrade any other component. Plus I really like its look, and prefer it to the Confident line.
Digital source started with Marantz SA-8001 then SA11-S1 now finally Accuphase DP-77. Each upgrade roughly doubled in price, however I found the first upgrade from SA-8001 to SA11-S2 not so significant as from SA11 to DP-77. Seems in contrary with the law of diminish return, but I am happily surpriced when I made the move to DP-77.
I prefer integrated amp with in my price range. (below $10K MSRP) Started with an Accuphase E-212, tried Electrocompaniet ECI-4 for its added power, "tube sound" and even the look, but after I sold the E-212, I always missed the "golden" house sound of Accuphase. ECI-4 did sound warmer, but I loved the way Accuphase bravely expresses the tremble. Bright but not harsh, maybe where it gots the "golden tone" badge. (a very popular notation especially in Asian community) Finally I came acrossed a great local deal of E-530. My whole system transfered instantly to another degree. Plan to keep it for a long time, may upgrade to its separated class A amps like A-60 when I moved to bigger place. Meanwhile, JR has always been an intrigue brand to me, but never had a chance for an good audition yet...
Now I am almost happy with my major components, and playing with cables. Just bought a pair of Kimber Kable Monocle X to replace my competent Chord Company Carnival SilverScreen. The result was mixed. Monocle X was definetly a much more sofisticated cable, deeper, touter bass, and more layered mid-range. However overall it sounded dark in my system. It also sounded slower in some sense. Don't know if it has anything to do with the added length. (Chord was a 8ft pair)
Any suggestions for a good pair of speaker cable for my system? All comments a grealty appreciated!
System edited: Through out last year, I have been building my first "real" hi fi system. I locked-in with Dynaudio speakers from the beginning and went through Focus 110, 140 and now Contour S1.4. I am always thinking to upgrade to C1 or S5.4 but I still like the S1.4 a lot, and found its potential revealed more each time I upgrade any other component. Plus I really like its look, and prefer it to the Confident line. Digital source started with Marantz SA-8001 then SA11-S1 now finally Accuphase DP-77. Each upgrade roughly doubled in price, however I found the first upgrade from SA-8001 to SA11-S2 not so significant as from SA11 to DP-77. Seems in contrary with the law of diminish return, but I am happily surpriced when I made the move to DP-77. I prefer integrated amp with in my price range. (below $10K MSRP) Started with an Accuphase E-212, tried Electrocompaniet ECI-4 for its added power, "tube sound" and even the look, but after I sold the E-212, I always missed the "golden" house sound of Accuphase. ECI-4 did sound warmer, but I loved the way Accuphase bravely expresses the tremble. Bright but not harsh, maybe where it gots the "golden tone" badge. (a very popular notation especially in Asian community) Finally I came acrossed a great local deal of E-530. My whole system transfered instantly to another degree. Plan to keep it for a long time, may upgrade to its separated class A amps like A-60 when I moved to bigger place. Meanwhile, JR has always been an intrigue brand to me, but never had a chance for an good audition yet... Now I am almost happy with my major components, and playing with cables. Just bought a pair of Kimber Kable Monocle X to replace my competent Chord Company Carnival SilverScreen. The result was mixed. Monocle X was definetly a much more sofisticated cable, deeper, touter bass, and more layered mid-range. However overall it sounded dark in my system. It also sounded slower in some sense. Don't know if it has anything to do with the added length. (Chord was a 8ft pair) Any suggestions for a good pair of speaker cable for my system? All comments a grealty appreciated!
