separates?

[bmsavoie]

I just bought a set of polk sda srs's and am now trying to put together the rest of the system, have never done seperates before so I thought I could turn to the collective wisdom of the forum for help. I bought a carver m1.5t amp and that is all I have so far. Now I was wondering if it was ok to mix and match seperates or should I stay with one brand,any suggestions and all help will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance. Brian

[jmasterj]

Hey bm,

welcome to the forum. I use to have the M1.5t with a Carver C-2 pre amp with a pair of Sda-2's it was the best system/ sound I ever had. If you can find a Carver, pre and you should be able to get one at a reasonable price I would go for it. Get ready to be blown away. The dynamic head room of the M1.5t with those polks. Well just keep a napkin handy. You'll need one. Good Luck!

[jmasterj]

bm,

I should add I'm not opposed to a different pre-amp either, and if I were looking I'd probably buy ROTEL. But it will probably cost more. So it comes down to what you want to spend. Carver will be great for what you'll spend for it. ROTEL would be better, but more expensive. Let us know what you decide.

[bmsavoie]

Thanks jmasterj I think I will start looking for a used preamp/tuner, will start hunting on e-bay to see whats to be had. Another question, the interconnect cable was cut with about 2-3 feet of wire from the plugs( the two blade type).Can I just solder a section of wire in between to lengthen it? thanks

Brian

[RuSsMaN]

Rotel wouldn't be better than Carver in the pre stage, it would simply be different. I wouldn't get caught up in Carver SH - just due to the fact that the 'SDA' in the SDA network is geared to achieve the same results.

Separates is just that. The ability (and freedom) to mix and match until you are transported to Zen Whoopie. PLEASE mix it up, and see what blows your skirt up.

What's the budget? Just out of the box - I'd suggest at looking at a tube or passive pre. You go tube, you get the sand amp horsepower, and the tube output stage tonal 'warmth' (for lack of a better term). Passive, well, you will hear nothing but your amp, and your amp alone, so help you God. A route some audio' purists' will take and they've got a fairly good argument.

Follow?

Cheers,
Rooster

[TroyD]

I will echo Russ's sentiments......

I have a Carver m1.5t and I used it with a passive pre to run my DQ-10's for quite a while and was thrilled with it. If it weren't for the fact that the Amazings require the added gain of an active line stage, I'd still be using the passive.

Now, I'm using a Carver C1 pre with a couple of Carver monoblocks. I dig the C1, however, if you are looking at Carver pre's, I too would look for a C2. Same line stage as the C1 but it doesn't have the Sonic Hologram generator but since you have SDA, you don't need it.

The tube pre is also a stellar idea, that's what I want for christmas...:D

BDT

[bmsavoie]

Thanks guys.I hadn't thought of using a tube pre but I would consider it. Was hoping to spend around $300 or so for the pre amp,would this kind of money buy me a decent tube pre amp. thanks for the input.

[F1nut]

I'll address your cable question. Yes, you can solder a new piece of wire to join the ends or for $35.00 you can order a new one from Polk.

[organ]

Hey bmsavoie,
The Antique Sound Lab AQ-2004DT is selling for $289USD. I ordered mine from www.audioweb.com I posted a review on the 2ch forum. The pics on other websites looks like an earlier version of the 2004DT. I have two pictures of the pre amp in the system showcase if you want to check it out. The best thing about going tubes is having the ability to fine tune the sound of your system by trying out different tubes and different combos from different manufacturers. I've had the ASL for a few months and I'm still in love with it. I have about 6 sets of tubes for it.

Maurice

[jmasterj]

bm,

Hey Buddy,

You're well on your way, keep an open mind, watch your budget,
and if you have patience grasshopper you will walk on the rice paper. Please let us know what you get. Good Luck J;)

[jmasterj]

bm,

I always remember something I wanted to say after I send in the new post. I'll just call that a senior moment. Of which I have many. It's ok, all you have to do is keep living and you'll have them too! Anyway, Just Buy A New Cable For The Speakers They Deserve It....

P.S. I know I don't have a lot of post on this website. I've been around. It's just I'm not an in resident athority on every subject that comes up. Some others that I might respond to may have already been taken care of by someone. So I just get in where I fit in. Look forward to hearing from you in the future. Peace