Spending money you never had.

[del44]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but this is about 2 channel. I'm continuning this from another thread. First of all, how many of us have said/wished for some money to fall into our lap and be able to but some really nice audio gear. Man, I wish I could win the lotto or I wish I had an inheiritance.etc. Well I have that opportunity. I will be getting new gear, I'm just not exactly sure what.

For 30+ years I've been into audio. And the last 10 years or so have been building my system and wanting to get to the next level. What I have is nice, but I want more. I'm almost 50 years old and this is my chance.

I have no other expensive hobbys (Golf and Fishing). Just wondering about your thoughts on this subject. I know I should get one piece of gear and integrate it into my system for awhile then move on to the next. That way, I can enjoy each piece as I aquire it. I plan on upgrading the 2 channel side of my HT set up. I listen to alot of music, and have my own little room to listen to it in. Maybe this is a stupid thread. I don't even know where I'm going with it, but the online audio community(you guys)is where I read and discuss this kind of stuff.

I have been on the CP forum for awhile and know that you Polkies have alot of experience with different types of gear. Here's what I'm looking for, SS Pre/Power amp, Stereo speakers, CD player, and wires. The used market is fine. Woops. I guess I'd better throw in a price. 15 to 20k

[halo]

What you have now in the HT looks pretty sweet to me.

If you really feel the need to upgrade I'd suggest floorstanding speakers from VMPS, Tyler Acoustics, InnerSound, GR Research (DIY), or a nice pair of SDA's.

I don't have much experience with SS pre's so I'll leave that to someone else.

Sanders Sound Systems or Odyssey amps.

CDP? ModWright modified Sony CD/SACD (new or used), Jolida J100 modified by HRAM, ONIX CD-5 modified by Underwood hi-fi.

Signal Cable.

[del44]

Thanks Halo, this is the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I'm not too familiar with the VMPS speakers, but they sure look nice.

[halo]

I added a few more ;)

Good luck! :)

[F1nut]

I'd suggest you go out to all the local hifi shops and demo gear. Do not rule out tube gear and IMO, it all starts with the source.

$15-20K on the used market will get you a top notch rig.

Also, attend one of the Polkfest's. Lots of great gear and lots of us in your age bracket.

[jm1]

I would also suggest looking at any local stores before purchasing anything. You really need to hear the equipment to understand its merits.

Some SS gear I looked at when selecting my two channel upgrades:

Ayre
Bryston
Classe
Krell – did not like sonic characteristics
Mark Levinson
Macintosh – did not like sonic characteristics
Simaudio

Ayre, Classe and Simaudio also make outstanding CD players I would be happy to have within my system.

Speakers are very subjective. I would listen to as many as I can and base your decision on your preferences. Try to listen with components you would consider purchasing.

As for cables, there are many to choose from. Harmonic Technology performed the best with the Simaudio components I selected.

Have you thought about adding some broadband acoustical treatments? I see lots of wall mounted acoustic panels, but wonder how effective they are at the lower end of the spectrum. Maybe replace some of these panels with broad band absorption.

This is what I ended up with:

• BPT BP-2.5 balanced power (Bybee and differential noise filter options)
• Pioneer DV-59 as a transport
• Museatex Bitstream DAC
• VPI Scout TT with a ZYX R-100FXH-SB cartridge
• PS Audio GCPH phono stage
• Simaudio P-5 pre
• Simaudio W-3 amp
• dbx active crossover
• Dynaudio Confidence C-1 monitors
• two SVS PC-Ultra’s
• Harmonic Technology ProSilway or Truthlink cables (cryogenic treated)
• PS Audio Prelude/Power Punch cables (cryogenic treated)
• Moray James Digital IC

and the most important part of the system

• broadband acoustical room treatments (tube traps)

With your budget, you should be able to create an outstanding system. Happy hunting.

[tryrrthg]

if you've got that kind of money to spend on a system I'd set some aside for getting your listening room in order. check out Rives audio, they offer 3 different levels of acoustic design consulting. If I had the extra money (and a decent room) I'd spend the money in a heartbeat, the room is so important. LINK Rives designed did this guys room


Where in Ohio are you? I can suggest some shops that I've been to

www.progressiveaudio.com in columbus is fantastic, but their new business hours make it hard to get in there.

www.genesisaudio.com is just outside columbus and has some decent stuff but not really the level of Progressive. They don't have as big of a showroom though either...

audio encounters in Dublin is alright. Geared more towards HT.

Two shops in Dayton, Hanson AV and Audio Etc. Hanson has some nice stuff, just lacks showroom space. Audio Etc has a big showroom but doesn't have a whole lot of stuff I was interested in (except Arcam). but it's been a few years since I was at Audio Etc. so maybe they've improved.

There is a shop in Cinci, that I can't remember the name, but I've never been there, just to their web site.

[del44]

QUOTE Where in Ohio are you? I can suggest some shops that I've been to QUOTE

I've been to all of those shops. I think that Progressive is into home automation now. I was at their store a few months back and they didn't even have any gear for sale. Just a HT room. I was at Genesis also, pretty cool store. I agree about Audio Encounters. They are into HT. But they did have room consisting of the big Mcintosh mono amps with Paradigm Sigs. It's times like this I wish I still lived in So. Cal.

[lanion]

HE 2007 show just ended. www.ultimateavmag.com has 'best of' reports for 2 channel rigs, and some of them are in that price range... Dynaudio and Simaudio, for example.