I listened to CD's exclusively from 1985 to 2001 until I purchased the Michelle turntable, etc. This was a direct reaction from reading the leading audio reviwers most notably Michael Fremer. Purchased the Art Audio and the DB 100s to focus on analog and currently listen to vinyl 98% of the time. I have put out the word, that I am looking for old records and I am currently finding great ones for about $2 to $3. At least the software is somewhat cheap. I am also purchasing new records, mostly re-releases.
BTW, almost everything I have purchased was a demo unit or close-out and I ended up paying about 60% of the list prices. I have a separate home theater system in another room.
One of my observations which I don't see a lot of discussions about is the great variability in the sound recordings of both CDs and vinyl. The disparity in the quality of the recordings seems to me much greater than the variability in many audio components. Some recordings sound as if the the musicians are almost in the room with you and others sound like you know what. It also amazes me that if one recording can sound great why can't all of them.
One of the greatest strenghts of my current system is the bass and the dynamics. For years I had Accoustat speakers, great midrange but little bass. My favorite album to listen to for sound quality is side 2 of Night and Day by Joe Jackson.
Two other favorite songs are "Still...you turn me on" by Emerson Lake and Palmer for its dynamics and "Take a Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed. The women singing really do sound like they are in the room with you. also listen to Classical and some jazz.
I'm interested in suggestions to improve my system. On certain recordings there is still some harshness although this may mostly be the poor recordings as noted above. In addition to perhaps purchasing DVD-A and SACD what can be done to improve the sound. (I'm considering purchasing used high quality equipment for DVD-A and SACD as well as a better DAC and transport.)
Assuming I had another $3K to spend where would you spend it? Better cables, better cartridge, regenerated power, battery power system, balanced power, or accoustical treatment? I do not anticipate upgrading my major components for a long time unless some break through comes along.
DVD player used as transport. Will be purchasing balanced cables
Harmonix Reimyo DAP-777
Fabulous!
Michell Engineering Gyrodec SE mkII
Have ORBE upgrade platter
Wilson Benesch ACT-.5
bought it for $300!
Lyra Lydian
very nice
Pass Labs X-ONO
can handle any load
Art Audio PX-25
built like a tank
Von Schweikert Audio DB 100
great synergy with the PX-25 6 watts amp and the Pass Labs equipment.
Sony 730 ES
oldest component in my system, about 12 years old,
Harmonic Technologies Pro Sillway II
XLR connections between the two Pass Lab components
Silversmith Silversmith
8 feet
Lovan Classic I
have two of them,very attractive, but zero isolation from vibration, also have a turntable stand which mounts to the wall which I haven't installed yet.
I just sold my Pass Labs X-1 to purchase a dehavilland Mercury for $4,000. I also just came into an extra $3,000. I had been thinking of just upgrading my cartridge to the low gain Helicon model and calling it a day. However, since I am really getting into vinyl, I am now thinking of buying something like the SuperScout for $5,000 and a $3,000 cartridge, sell my turntable and arm and cartridge for about $2,500 and maybe downgrading the amp and pre-amp to an integrated amp for about $3,000 or less expensive separates. My fear is any sonic gains in the vinyl department will be offset by the loss of a great amp and preamp. Ultimately what part of the system chain is the most important? Another alternative is to keep the PX-25 amp and sell the Ono and buy a combination preamp and phonostage or again separates. I want to keep the speakers which only need 3-6 watts to sound great. Figure if I sold everything but the speakers with my extra money I would have about $15,000 to play with.
Stehno, thanks for the recommendations especially on the cable and power conditioners. I'm not familar with either one. Probably won't swap the amp, just got it, but I'll look into the McCormack. My speakers only need 3 watts to drive them and the limit is 50 watts. Have been looking into BTL balanced power products. I am planning on installing dedicated lines as I need some other electrical work done.
Thsalmon: you are probable right. As noted above I am planning on getting dedicated lines.Room treatment would probably help also, at least that what everyone says.
Tvad: glad you like my music choices. I'll try to locate Blaze of Glory and listen to it.
I like your music choices. The ELP "Trilogy" album is remarkably well recorded, and "Night and Day" was one of my favorites for many, many years...in fact, I think I'll put it on today. Joe Jackson's "Blaze of Glory" is another recording to consider; one of his masterpieces in my opinion.
Let's see. If I had your system and $3k? I'd probably:
o Perform an even swap for your amp and a McCormack DNA-2 Revision A Gold.
o I went from the Harmonic Tech Pro Silway Mk II and Magic Link XLR ic's and Pro 9 sc's to Pure Note Epsilon Ref. ic's and Audience Au24 sc's. I'd recommend the same. This too is pretty much an even swap if you shop around and the improvements are astonishing.
o To eliminate negative sibilance, lower the noise-floor, improve soundstaging and image specificity, I'd purchase two Foundation Research LC-1 and one LC-2 in-line power conditioners for a total of about $2k.
o Install two 15 amp and one 20 amp dedicated lines.
o To transfer air-borne vibrations away from the equipment and rack, I'd purchase one of my racks (they're not for sale) with Star Sounds Audio Points under the rack, speakers, and all components.
But that's me. Regardless, you have quite a system.
