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I have spent my summer assembling a somewhat respectible mid-fi two channel system. I am now coming to the end of my spending spree, and I am looking for some advice as to my finishing touches.This is what I've got..
Output:
Michaura M55's Bookshelf Speakers
Acoustic Research S108PS Subwoofer
NAD C350 Integrated Amp (80hz highpass filter jumpers)
Grado SR-255 Headphones (modded by John Grado)Input:
Heart CD6000 CD Player (Stock Tubes)
SQ2500 Sound Card into Art DI/O (w/ Stancor PS)
Technics 1200M3D into Vestax Phono StageConnections:
Powervar 360VA Isolation Transformer + Tripplite ISOBAR Strip
Volex Hospital Grade Powercords on Phono Stage and Computer/Monitor
Bolder Type 1 for Subwoofer, Phono Stage, and Art DI/O
DIY JR designed Speaker Cables
DIY JR designed Digital Cable for SQ2500 -> Art DI/O
So, I have about 400 dollars left in my budget, and can't decide where to put it. I would like to get a headphone amp, but I don't want to spend 400 on just that. I would also need IC's for my CDP, and I was thinking of building my own. I tried ordering some parts from Michael Percy to build some cables and mod the M55 crossovers, but I have had zero success communicating with him.Should I upgrade my speakers and/or subwoofer? For some reason I am leaning in that direction. I could do without a headphone amp since the Grado's sound great without as is. I can get IC's for my CDP with probably 300-350 left over and pick up some Paradigm Monitors or some lower end B&W model.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Should I sell it all and start over? Am I insane?
Follow Ups:
Hi Brian,Overall your system appears to be well balanced.
I was originally using the DIY JR speaker cables with my C350 and found them to be bright and splashy sounding. YMMV. I replaced these with Mapleshade Golden Helix, 85$ for an 8' pr. No splash or edge to the treble, good extension at the extremes, very clear and punchy sounding, and a soundstage that is sharply focused. Mapleshade offers a 30 day trial.
The C350's performance was also enhanced by plugging the stock cord into a LAT power cord. I removed the iec and replaced with a high quality Leviton female plug I bought from HD. You'll get better resolution, a fuller sound, and stronger/deeper bass. You can pick up a LAT pc for around 100$ used.
I was also using the JR power filter, but found the C350 sounded better when plugged directly into the wall. Something you could easily try.
Put the rest into music, or save for a better sub and/or speakers.
Good tips. I will audition the Mapleshade Golden Helix right away.Regarding the PC, you say you plugged the stock cord into a LAT PC? Does this mean you left the stock cord in place and just sort of used the LAT cord as an extension? Also, you mention an IEC. My C350 doesn't have an IEC. The stock cord is hardwired to the power supply.
Right now I have the amp plugged into a Tripplite ISOBAR6 (do a search for that here on AA, people rave about its price/performance) which is in turn plugged into a 360VA Powervar isolation transformer. I have all of my components on the strip, and after a long day of music, the isolation transformer gets warm to the touch, so I need a higher powered unit. That aside, the noise floor dropped when I plugged my C350 into it, so to me, the sound improved improved. I will do some A/B'ing and see what all the differences are.
Basically I converted the LAT cord into an extension cord by replacing the female iec with a conventional single female receptacle(industrial Leviton), and plugged the stock C350 cord into it. The LAT doesn't have any shrink wrap on the plug or iec end of the cord so it's easy to remove the iec and attach a female receptacle. This does work. I've tried it on a few other pieces of equipment that are hard wired with similar results.Replacing the stock cord directly would be more ideal, but may effect the C350's resale value down the road.
It sound like you have been busy... enjoy the music a while.If I would recomend anything in your budget it might be a Bottlehead Foreplay tube pre-amp.
To be completely honest, I didn't actually buy _everything_ this summer. I got the turntable and phono stage last summer. I have had the Grado's for about five years. And my computer was there before all of that.The Foreplay fits the budget, but do I need a better preamp the the C350 integrated? I like that it is tubed as I do enjoy the tubed sound. Hmmmmm......
Brian:It may sound trite, but why don't you spend that last $400 on music, sit back, and enjoy your new toys. Re-evaluate down the road aways.
Ya, I could do that. Actually, I _have_ done that. Since I ordered the first piece of my system early in June, I have still managed to buy about 75 LP's and 15 CD's. So don't worry, I am not blowing all my money on equipment..I tell myself that to feel better, but really, no matter how you look at it, my money is gone.
Maybe I will buy some new needles. Two pair isn't enough. Haha.
I agree. buy music, stop the cycle of spending on gear, if you can. or else it will never end.and yes, you are insane. but here, its ok.
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