what's the next step?

[phipiper10]

Ok, in terms of two channel listening I'm looking to make the next move. Believe my system details are below.

Where do you guys think my money would be best spent?

New CD Player or Preamp

I'm looking at used $200-$300 or so for starters.

CD player (1996)
DVD(CD) Player (2003)

The DVD player in my in home comparisons actaully seems to have a bit more detail and more definition at the lower end IMO. I'm hoping to bring it in to my local HIFI shop tomorrow to do some A/Bing between my current and their $300-$400 Adcom just to get an idea of the difference.

On a slightly different note I'm getting a Hsu sub. After hearing back from Dr. Hsu he says the STF-2 will do the job for me and my room.
Anyone else with the RT800I play 2.1 channel. I keep wondering with the RT800is not being know for their bass what adding a sub might do?

Anyone tried with and with out the sub with these mains?

Thanks All........... still learning.

[Early B.]

Get a new CD player.

Great choice on the sub.

[organ]

Save up a little more and get a cdp in the $500 price range. Or you can find those used for around $300. I think this is the price range where cdp's start to sound real good.

Get the pre after. Start at the source.

I used to own a pair of 800i's. They had very good bass. Of course, you will get much better performance when your HSU arrives.

Also, I find that it's pretty hard to get the 800i's to blend in with the sub without crossing them at 80Hz. You should play around with that when you get your sub.

[F1nut]

Start at the source.

FWIW, I concur.

[*Seby*-Polk-]

I think is better a cd changer over cd player. My recommendation, with low bucks, is a Yamaha CDC 685 ... great sound quality, optical output and very reliable. Try it !!!!!

[wingnut4772]

I think single dedicated players are better than multiple changers as far as audio goes. Maybe not by much but that has been my experience.

[ND13]

What about trying a decent used DAC??? Definitely couldn't hurt matters.

[Tour2ma]

I can't see you making great strides on a $300 budget.

I'd save up for a 2-ch break out maneuver.

[ND13]

For just a little more, he can get one of the Sheng Ya/Kavent tube cdps like Halo and I use. Rich(SCompRacer) has stated, after a side by side comparo, that it's on par with his Ah! with upconverter mod. That's saying something!!! Were talking about a $600 savings over the Ah! Tjoeb player after the upconverter being added. The Sheng Ya is built like a tank. All metal chassis, Burr-Brown Dacs and opamps(if utilizing the digital output), Solen Caps, and it weighs in at just ounces under 20 lbs. It's also HDCD capable and has it's own volume control for those like me without a remote for the preamp. I got mine used for $387 shipped. It was only used for a few hours, said the previous owner. I had no reason to not believe him once I got it. The seal on the back had never been cracked and it looked just like new. Even had that new smell to it.

One thing to remember, though, is the Sheng Yas are 220volt and need to be converted(fortunately mine was already done by the dealer he ordered it from) to 120 or you need a stepdown. I believe the Kavent is made for the US market and is already 120 volt. But, imo, you'll be VERY hard pressed to top it for anywhere close to it's price.

Good Luck!!

[*Seby*-Polk-]

I think single dedicated players are better than multiple changers as far as audio goes. Maybe not by much but that has been my experience.
What is your experience ??? i mean..you can listen a same CD first in single player and then in changer ??? (obviously, same brands...)

[audiobliss]

There is less to go wrong in a single-disc CD player, and the transport is obviosly going to be sturdier, meaning, I would assume, less vibrations. Also, the higher you go up the CDP food chain, the rarer CD changers become.

You can find a really nice CDP for around $300. I did. :D

[halo]

For just a little more, he can get one of the Sheng Ya/Kavent tube cdps like Halo and I use. Rich(SCompRacer) has stated, after a side by side comparo, that it's on par with his Ah! with upconverter mod. That's saying something!!! Were talking about a $600 savings over the Ah! Tjoeb player after the upconverter being added. The Sheng Ya is built like a tank. All metal chassis, Burr-Brown Dacs and opamps(if utilizing the digital output), Solen Caps, and it weighs in at just ounces under 20 lbs. It's also HDCD capable and has it's own volume control for those like me without a remote for the preamp. I got mine used for $387 shipped. It was only used for a few hours, said the previous owner. I had no reason to not believe him once I got it. The seal on the back had never been cracked and it looked just like new. Even had that new smell to it.

One thing to remember, though, is the Sheng Yas are 220volt and need to be converted(fortunately mine was already done by the dealer he ordered it from) to 120 or you need a stepdown. I believe the Kavent is made for the US market and is already 120 volt. But, imo, you'll be VERY hard pressed to top it for anywhere close to it's price.

Good Luck!!I have both the Kavent CD-731 & the Sheng Ya CD-S10. As with anything else in the used market patience is a virtue. I've seen a total of six between Audiogon and eBay since October - Noel snagged the first one and posted a review. I looked, waited, made offers, got shafted twice and then I got lucky and bagged two in under a month. These are excellent - especially after a little tube rolling. I found synergy with a Raytheon 12AU7 and an Ei elite gold pin 6DJ8.

A used Rotel 1070 or 1072 is a very nice player that usually goes for $500 used. As Noel stated a Kavent or Sheng Ya can be had for much le$$ and will easily leave the Rotels in the dust - I had a RCD-1070 and IMHO there is no comparison. Tube gear > SS gear.

Organ & F1nut are 100% correct - it all starts at the source. With a tube CDP you are killing two birds with one stone. In some cases the tube CDP can act as the pre if it has a remote volume control - like the Kavent, Sheng Ya, and Ah!