What's Next?

[Early B.]

OK, here's my setup:

Cambridge Audio 640C CD player
Polk Lsi7's
Parasound P/HP 850 pre-amp
Outlaw monoblocks
Hsu STF-2 subwoofer
Signal Cable interconnects
good speaker cables (forgot the brand)

This is a great starter system for me. I'm pleased with it, but of course I'm always looking for a better sound. What should be next on the list to upgrade? The room is 17' x 12'. I listen mostly to jazz and female vocals.

Thanks.

[steveinaz]

That's a nice system, you've put together some great components. Are you satisfied with it? The only thing I would consider is upgraded speaker cable (but I don't know what you have..)

[dcarlson]

You may want to consider aftermarket power cords for components that have detachable ones.

[Zero]

Replace the Signal Cable interconnects with Audience Conductor's or Kimber HERO's. Both can be found between $75-100 for 1m. Should be a very large improvement over your Signal.

I would suggest to add some tube flava' to the system... seeing as you have the LSi I am not so sure that would be a good idea. Regardless, I would encourage you to investigate into the Scott Nixon Tube-DAC.

Replace the LSi-7's with Audio Note AX-TWO's. Jazz is their forte. :)

Oh hell, why stop there... , get a power conditioner / surge protector.

Can't forget the power cords now can we...

All that would be missing next is about 2 grand worth of acoustical treatment.. heh.

[PolkWannabie]

And a better preamp and amp and ... Oh hell just toss it all and start fresh ...

[steveinaz]

I don't think he wants to spend the kind of money it would take to "upgrade" his preamp...the PHP-850 is stellar, and a giant killer without a doubt...

[Zero]

Polk Wannabe has the idea. It's inevitable EarlyB..........give in.

[steveinaz]

What's wrong with the system he is running? Sure, if it were me I'd dump the Outlaws for a single higher-end amp, and I'd dump the sub--but that's being extremely nit-picky and a matter of my personal preference.

[dorokusai]

Very nice rig, don't change anything.

[TroyD]

I'll go along with dorokusai....sound like a VERY nice rig. No glaring weaknesses in any area. If you dig it, stick with it.

BDT

[I-SIG]

Originally posted by steveinaz
What's wrong with the system he is running? Sure, if it were me I'd dump the Outlaws for a single higher-end amp

I think that I agree with Steve on this point.

Wes

[PolkWannabie]

So do I ... I guess I left out the obligatory :) or :D or

[Zero]

Apparently so.

[HBombToo]

BEER!!!! sheeesh whats this place coming tooooooo.

HBomb

[PolkWannabie]

Originally posted by Zero
Apparently so.

And yes in this particular case that was the correct choice for me to have used ...

[Early B.]

Wow. A bunch a varying responses. What's a fella to do? I'll repsond to a couple of y'alls suggestions:

1. yeah, forgot to mention that I already upgraded the power cords to DIYers, mostly. Made a significant improvement.

2. I luv the sub.

3. Need to investigate the whole tube thing. Not sure how much different or better tubes are. Gotta hear some more gear with tubes.

4. Better interconnects? Geez, where does it end? Will Kimbers or Audience Conductors really make that much difference? If so, I'll gve it a try.

5. Love them Outlaws. I have a Parasound HCA 1200II (essentially the same as the 1500) that I hooked up for a minute. Didn't like the sound as much as the Outlaws. A bit too harsh for my taste. Put the Parasound on HT duty. Nice.

6. I have a TrippLite Ultrabar power conditioner, but I'll consider others. I'll look into Richard Gray or Panamax (Monster is overpriced). I've been kinda hesitant because I'll be pissed if there's no audible difference over what I already have.

7. Eventually, I'd like to play with changing out the speakers. One day I'd like to buy some vintage Polks. I'd love to hear them.

8. Scott Dixon Tube DAC? Not familiar with the DAC stuff, but I'll check it out.

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I will follow up on some of them and post my results.

Final thoughts -- Dammit! I should have never discovered the freakin' Polk forum. You mo' fo's are the reason I keep spending more money on this sh*t. I was doing just fine with my old boombox when I didn't have a clue what good music sounded like. Evil, I say, the whole lot of ya.

[izafar]

You have a very nice system here, the next thing to do would be experiment with setup/positioning to get the best out of your system. You should also definetly look at the room treatment as room accoustics are major part of overall sound quality.

[PolkWannabie]

Originally posted by Early B.
Geez, where does it end?

It ends ?

[amulford]

For a starter, I think you're right on. Enjoy it, soon enough you'll get the itch...

[madmax]

I agree with izafar on setup and positioning to get the most out of it. I would like to add room mods to his suggestion. Chances are your system only sounds half as good as it could if you have not done this yet. Next time you listen to it try to figure out what sounds are coming from your system and what sounds are coming from your room.
madmax