Critique my 2-channel rig

[AndyGwis]

Hey Guys,

Just got some cool new gear put into my 2-channel rig. Here's the current set-up (I'll try to add some pics soon, but I broke a second LCD on my digital camera in 2 months):

2 Channel Rig: Work in Progress -

CD Playback: Sony SCD-C2000ES transport --> coaxial cable --> Theta Pro Progeny DAC --> Kimber PBJs --> Musical Fidelity A3.2 Integrated --> PS Audio XStream Plus cables --> Thiel CS 1.2s

SACD: Sony SCD-C2000ES --> Quake ICs --> MF integrated

Also, Marantz ST-6000 tuner, Monster HTS 5100 Signature Series, Senn HD-580 cans

Thoughts on next step? Might try out some SDAs next, but Thiels are doing admirable with newly rebuilt tweeter. Not even sure what my weakest link is right now. Would be the Source, but the DAC kind of nullifies that.

Thanks for your opinions!

[Early B.]

Looks like a great system. The only advice I'd give is replace the PBJ's with Heros.

[AndyGwis]

Speaking of Heros. . . You're my hero, Early. I hope you know that.

[Ricardo]

Critique my 2-channel rig

Ok; it stinks :eek: :eek: :D :D

[Ricardo]

Looks great; I almost got a pair of Thiels. They surely are great speakers.

[AndyGwis]

Well, I put critique cuz I was wanting more than just " great system," "way to go big guy," and all the other common reach-arounds handed out when someone puts up a "check out my sweet rig" type post.

So, yes constructive criticism, but no snobby jackassery or pat on the back handjobedness, please :)

[Ricardo]

Ok; it still stinks ;)

Really, not much to critique; you have great speakers (sorry for using "great"), and good gear. The only think I would maybe recommend just to try something different is to get a tubed CD player in the game.

[ohskigod]

cant go too wrong with that rig. Thiels are always on my list for when I look around for used speakers to try. couple good deals popped, but I never jumped. shame on me, cause I'd love to hear em.


rig seems pretty balanced, no glaring weak link to my eyes. if it sounds good, roll with it.

[AndyGwis]

Thanks for the comments. I was thinking of incorporating some tubage, even looked into the DK Designs hybrid integrated. But, when the MF popped up here from a trusted member at a great price, it was hard not to jump on it. Tube CDPs are great, too, but I wanted SACD capability and a headphone out with gain control from my player so I wouldn't have to have two players (redbook and SACD) and a headphone amp. Much more cost effective the way I have it now.

My philosophy to this point has been "if it's an awesome deal, grab it." So, I went through A LOT of gear the past year and have narrowed it down to the "best of breed" in my price range with the functionality I need.

BTW, if you saw the setup in person, you'd immediately tell me to get a real room for this stuff. Not as bad as the Martin Logan guy that hung his stats behind the couch in a 6' by 6' area, but not far from it.

[steveinaz]

Real nice Andy. I like it alot. Agree, if you're bored, pick-up a set of Hero's for the transport-->DAC connect. I had the PBJ's and the Hero just gives you a little more of what is already good about the PBJ; not sure that it's worth the extra coin though.

[Ricardo]

I think you did right in getting a SS integrated; I've heard that Thiels don't go too well with tube amps, unless they are VERY high power.

[reeltrouble1]

Musical Fidelity makes better products than your present integrated, It is difficult to critique without a budget, but you will need to change the preamp/integrated. MF makes some great integrated amps with seperate power supplies, also I would look at seperates from BAT and Cary Audio as two suggestions, there are countless others. You will need to upgrade your cables as you move up the chain, what make/brand is an individual decision. Dump the monster, it is current limiting and at some point will limit the rig. I highly recommend the Shunyata.

If you have never had a set of SDA by all means it is a speaker you should enjoy on your path. For some it is the end all. I would certainly recommend trying some Caver Amazings and Maggies along the way as well.

RT1

[hearingimpared]

WOW, I never heard a rig that sounded like that!!!

[engtaz]

Nice setup

[AndyGwis]

It is difficult to critique without a budget

Well, I haven't bought anything at what I would call "market price." So, for a budget, you could say my rig at used market/street value is around $3K (cables, stand, and all). But, thanks to my thrifty nature, I doubt I've spent over $2K on the 2-channel gear I have running right now.

So, the next step will probably cost me an arm and a leg if I were just to hit up Agon and snag some Cary separates or a better MF integrated. But, I'll put them on my radar and try to hopefully come across another great deal on something.

I'm thinking power cords might be an okay idea. And, probably some new material/media to play. A TT is in my future before too long as the MF has a phono input.

[rskarvan]

SDA's would likely be taking a step downward. The Thiel's have a crispness to the sound that would be lacking in the SDA's. If I'd do anything... I'd step up the Thiel line to a higher end speaker.

[wingnut4772]

I second upgrading to the Heros over the PBJs or ...You could go with DH Labs Air Matrix which I preferred over the Heros.

[Early B.]

I second upgrading to the Heros over the PBJs or ...You could go with DH Labs Air Matrix which I preferred over the Heros.

Same here. I went from Heros to Air Matrix and it was a definite upgrade, IMO.

[AndyGwis]

Quick Update - I got my Monster Power Center HTS 5100 Signature Series yesterday and plugged it into my 2-channel rig.

Anyway, I know it may restrict some current, but I doubt I'm drawing that much in my little listening space. And, I know Monster is a rip-off at retail price. And, I'm generally not a fan of spending big money on things like power conditioners. . . but. . .

This things was a steal of a deal from JB Audio Pimp, and is in pretty much like-new condition, and the blue lights match the blue lights of my MF integrated, and Theta DAC, and to a lesser degree Sony SCD player. Basically, it looks awesome, and helps in the "piece of mind" category. The power cable to this thing is THICK. Not sure I'm going to use the switched/delay capabilities at any point with this rig, but I'm really happy with the purchase.

[NeilGabriel]

How about, you could have fed a small 3rd world nation for what all that cost? Is that a critique? ok, where the hell is the smiley face?

[AndyGwis]

you could have fed a small 3rd world nation for what all that cost?

Well, I was thinking of buying some food to send to third world countries, but the shipping charges were outrageous!!!

I did put a dollar in the jar at the grocery store yesterday for a children with disabilities charity.

[hearingimpared]

Quick Update - I got my Monster Power Center HTS 5100 Signature Series yesterday and plugged it into my 2-channel rig.

Anyway, I know it may restrict some current, but I doubt I'm drawing that much in my little listening space. And, I know Monster is a rip-off at retail price. And, I'm generally not a fan of spending big money on things like power conditioners. . . but. . .

This things was a steal of a deal from JB Audio Pimp, and is in pretty much like-new condition, and the blue lights match the blue lights of my MF integrated, and Theta DAC, and to a lesser degree Sony SCD player. Basically, it looks awesome, and helps in the "piece of mind" category. The power cable to this thing is THICK. Not sure I'm going to use the switched/delay capabilities at any point with this rig, but I'm really happy with the purchase.

I have a 5100 and although it may be current limiting I have haven't notice it holding back my rig as of yet and I push my amps and speakers pretty hard, a Shunyata is out of my league right now but when I get the funds allocated for power upgrading that is going to be one of the first things on the list. I have an electrician coming over in June to pull four 20 amp lines for the 2 ch rig.

[Shizelbs]

I'd listen to it. I bet it rocks.

[NeilGabriel]

Well, I was thinking of buying some food to send to third world countries, but the shipping charges were outrageous!!!

I did put a dollar in the jar at the grocery store yesterday for a children with disabilities charity.

Next time, drop in a System of A Down cd for them. You know ridicule is just a disguise for jealousy!

[JimBRICK]

All you need now is a good PHONO


VINYL RULES

[AndyGwis]

TT is next. Got an integrated with a good Phono so I could try out some vinyl without too much hassle (cash).

[F1nut]

Get rid of the Kimber and PS cables, step up to MIT.

[hearingimpared]

TT is next. Got an integrated with a good Phono so I could try out some vinyl without too much hassle (cash).

You are speaking my language my good man!!!

[JimBRICK]

I was listening to Johnny cash from folsom today actually, I love vinyl

[hearingimpared]

I was listening to Johnny cash from folsom today actually, I love vinyl

I love Johhny Cash to death!!!! Believe it or not I have none, nadda, squat, of his awesome recodings on vinyl. . .that is one of the few aberrations in my vinyl collection. I do have his CD boxed set and some best ofs . . . I want the real deal though.