If you haven't heard the story of "One Red Paperclip," please look it up. It explains my journey perfectly.
I started with some Polk Monitor 7's that I bought at goodwill for $5. I sold those for $100, and put $30 of it toward some bose cubes that I found on Craigslist (sonic downgrade, financial upgrade.) I sold those for $100, which I put toward some used NHT 2.5's that I picked up used for $170. As of July 2007 I have traded the NHT's for the Thiel CS 2 2's. Which brings me to my first taste of high-end audio.
Right now I'm getting a really musical, visceral, powerful sound. I listen to a wide range of music, so it's important to have a system with versatility with an emphasis on accurate vocals.
I've lucked into some great pieces but I know I have a lot to improve on, so help me out!
These are by far the best speakers I have ever owned, and they are very nearly the best speakers I have ever heard. They throw images like nobody's business, and are extremely well crafted. They are engineered to be listened to with the grills on.
McIntosh MC-2100
I lucked into this one on Craigslist. I'm still new to high-quality audio components, and to be honest I didn't believe that amps made that large of a difference until I hooked this into my system.
Technics SL-1200 mkII
before this I had a Linn Basik. The pacing is just so much more accurate on a good direct drive, and the Technics SL-1200 mkII is a very good direct drive.
Dynavector DV-10X5
This is an amazing cartridge for the money. It has this impeccable ability to throw any surface noise to the background and bring it's musical presentation to the front.
Arcam DV88 Plus
This is the first DVD player I've owned that I can use a stand-alone CD player as well as a DVD player. It gives the music weight without adding that hard digital edge.
Onkyo DTR 6.4
Home theater receiver when watching DVDs and playing video games, preamp when listening to 2-channel sources (CD, Vinyl, Digital.)
Microsoft Xbox
I modified an original Xbox to act as a streaming media server.
Velodyne CT-120
It does a good job of laying the foundation for my music. Deep and rich.
TruthCable Premium
These are absolutely the best cables you can get for less than $1,000. True and open sound, amazing build quality.
N H T VT-1C
I'm still using this as the center channel even though I've traded the NHT fronts for the Thiels. It does the job for now, but I'm taking recommendations for a better match.
Trichord Dino
I needed a little more flexibility in gain as I was considering a low-output MC cartridge. I ended up with a high-output MC cartridge, and this phono stage can handle it beautifully.
Room Setup
This is how the room looks right now. It definitely needs some treatments, but there are enough soft things (upholstered couch and chairs, bookshelves, etc) to keep the sound tame.
Valab NOS DAC
This DAC is non-oversampling. I'm not a techie, so I'm not really firm on what that means, but I know this component upgraded my home theater PC into an audiophile grade device.
Looked at your system evolution - nice work! Since I suggested you get the CM1's I am compelled to offer suggestions to maximize enjoyment.
1. is your amp still living on the sub? If so, you should take steps to try to isolate if moving to another location is not an option. Try heavy cutting board/wood platform under amp isloated from sub with isoblocks or sorbothane, and with cones or small wood blocks supporting amp on top of platform. Moving to entirely different local still best.
2. preamp. the Onkyo is good piece for 5.1. For 2.1, you will do much better with dedicated pre - even something like used NAD or ADCOM would be an improvement, or even better, an old Conrad Johnson would do the trick.
Thanks for sharing your system and enjoy the new speakers!
Hey (it's you!) Dusty, the smallest-time-investment KAB mod is the fluid tonearm damper, the biggest-bang-for-the-smallest-buck mod is the strobe defeater, and the most-significant-improvement mod is the external power supply. (Full disclosure: FWIW I only have experience with the original linear power supply, not the newer switching model.)
I can't say I'm surprised about the Thiels -- I haven't even attempted to sell mine. A lot of them were sold so there's plenty out there, and it's a pretty long in the tooth model by this point, having been introduced in '92 I believe. I'd figure a pair of Arros should be close to an even trade today price-wise, despite I think being less than half the price when new. But if you like the Thiel sound you might also consider the CS 1.6, which although just a 2-way with smaller driver and cabinet and obviously less bass, I thought was in many ways an improvement over the 2.2 (including that model's trait of being less demanding to drive than most Thiels). It should work better in a smaller room just from an acoustical-integration standpoint, though its footprint (but also its sound) would still be larger than the Arro.
And my response, 6 months later! I absolutely love my SL-1200 MKII, and I'm definitely looking forward to doing some KAB mods. Most likely the minimal-time-investment ones first.
I'm actually looking to replace the Thiels with some Totem Arros as soon as I can find some used near me at a reasonable price. Surprisingly, I have had a hard time finding a buyer for the Thiels. They really sound incredible, but I need something with a smaller footprint since I'll be moving to a smaller space soon.
SL-1200 Mk.II and CS 2_2 have both been residents in my system...the Thiels finally got superceded after 10 fine years, but the Technics remains (and has ever since I special-ordered it at Circuit City back in the mid 80's, only by now it's got the full slate of KAB upgrades in addition to some other tweaks).
Luv the mod teak coffee table. Plus I've also done the sheepskin throw thing myself, and that looks like it might be a nice 60's aqua couch you're taking the pic from. I'm giving ya a pass on the knockoff Eames lounger -- yes I did that too once, courtesy somebody's curbside giveaway! I think I could hang at your pad, provided the tunes were appropriate to the furnishings ;^)
System edited: I added the Valab NOS DAC to make music out of the optical signal coming from my home theater PC. I can't overstate how much of a difference this made. The bass is so much deeper now, and by "deeper" I mean that I am actually getting lower frequencies out of my speakers as opposed to just an improved sound. The midrange sounds about the same, but the highs are much more crystalline and moved forward in the soundstage. Dollar for dollar, this has improved my system more than any other tweak.
Hey Dusty, just a few months ago I sold my first set of Kestrel Hot Rods to a guy in Ft. Wayne for $300. The price was based on some cosmetic issues and the fact I had owned them for about five years, figure I got my monies worth out of them. Good to see you're still here. One of these days I need to get into the computer based audio.
There are A/V out cables for the original Xbox that allow you to use component cables and optical audio. The cable is pretty cheap used these days, and is easy to find on ebay.
As far as the hack on the Xbox, it's a little more challenging depending on your familiarity with computers. Here is a link to detailed instructions on how to mod your old xbox:
How did you mod the Xbox to stream music and get optical out? I have an old xbox lying around and am interested in this. Cool system. Seems like you've had some good luck stumbling onto some good deals. Happy listening!
Nice setup! Once I got a tube pre it became heaven to listen to music. When I upgraded spkr cables it became heaven on earth. As many people that own thiel speakers will post everything within the system is exposed. Goodluck bro
You really should look for a vintage Mac preamp on ebay of the same vintage as your amp. They are a good match.
Incidentally your receiver in passive mode is still detracting from internal wiring, volume attenuator, rca jacks, and not so short signal path...plus interconnects. Even the best passive amps affect the sound as impedance changes. Yours may not be pure passive either.
I fully understand your budget journey down the Goodwill path having traveled it myself. IMHO the best bang for your buck will be found in a Bottlehead Foreplay 2 or 3 or a Decware Zen triode SET pre. You can pick up a used and built kit for as little as $100 with a little patience. You can occasionally find these unbuilt in kit form for less. They are easily upgradeable and well supported by there respective forums and manufacturers. You might even learn some new skills which will further your enjoyment in this great hobby.
I know exactly how that room sounds. Thanks for having me over to your place for a listen. Great sounding system and made me realize what my system lacks.
Technics is a great deck and I finally went ahead with a black mk2. Be sure to go for a fluid damper when possible! If you ever coming to Lexington, be sure to stop by!
System edited: Still shopping for preamps. I'm a little worried that if I compromise on the preamp, it will only degrade the sound of the system. Since my receiver is able to act as a passive preamp it isn't adding or subtracting anything from the sound.
System edited: I did a soft mod on an original Xbox so that it can serve up content streamed from my computer. I use the optical output from the Xbox into my Integra, which has a very capable DAC. When playing FLAC encoded audio it sounds great, and the user interface is better than any other media server on the market. Best $50 I've ever spent.
Yes, I definitely need a real preamp. The Integra is actually doing a really good job for the time being though, because it has a Pure Audio mode that basically turns the receiver into a passive volume attenuator. Most receivers will take a signal, convert it to a digital signal just in case you want to manage bass or treble, and then convert it back into analog to your speakers. This receiver's Passive Audio mode totally bypasses that process, leaving the sound intact.
Until I can afford a good preamp, it'll have to do!
Mjcmt - I should move the amp off of the subwoofer, but I'm in cramped quarters! Girlfriend Acceptance Factor also mandates that I need as small of a footprint as possible. Oh when the day arrives that I have my own listening space...
Dusty, Many have commented on upgrading your preamplifer, and that would make a conciderable difference. What I would go for is a tube preamp with a phono section. Allthough not cheap, if you see a Rogue, or Audible Illusions, jump on it. Both have phono sections and will add that warmth that everyone talks about. By the way, keep those speakers. They certinally are wonderful.
System edited: Took the Harman/Kardon out of the mix as it was adding some "tizz" to the top-end. Onkyo Integra 6.4 is now my preamp for 2-channel listening. This thing does it all, and has a "pure audio" mode which prevents the preamp section from doing anything to the sound (for example: converting Analogue to Digital back to Analogue.)
Dusty, It is amazing how your system has improved, for cheap, in the last number of months.
I was noticing that your Mac 2100 is sitting on the subwoofer. The vibration of the sub really will cause issues with the sound produced with the amp. You would do better to get a butcher block cutting board from Lowes, and use it as an amp stand set on the floor. You can get 4 spiked feet from Madisound for cheap to install on the cutting board. This will really help the amp's focus, detail, and bass tightness.
Incidentally, older Mac preamps are cheap on ebay if you can live w/o a remote. You can have vintage Mac all the way. Next is the older Mac tuner and cdps.
mtkhl - Yes, I would say my life has changed since making my first strides toward the high end of audio. To me, it seems very much like wine appreciation: although the differences between medium-grade and high-end can seem subtle when you first begin, certain people have a predisposition to a higher-quality product, and as you gain more experience you get better at recognizing the characteristics that define "high end" to you.
I read posts about "my first stereo I bought in the 60's," and it makes me realize how I've barely even gotten my feet wet having been into this for only a year! I think I do have a good start on creating a system that it satisfying to my ears, and I have been lucky to piece it together as quickly as I have. Lucky finds and good people are to thank for that.
As for digital music, I'm going to phase my iPod out of the equation soon. I will be building a music server, because with the price of memory so low these days it only makes sense to start from scratch.
Here is my plan: buy a very cheap computer (512 MB of RAM, 800 MHZ), add a 500GB hard drive ($100), put in a sound card with digital output, and only run iTunes on it. Now that iTunes has Cover Flow and plays FLAC files, the interface will look good on screen and the FLAC should be able to play bit-for-bit as ripped. I'll start out using the low-level RCA output from the sound card to the receiver, and eventually invest in a good DAC so I can use the digital output from the sound card instead.
These are my impressions after a year, and the direction I plan on heading.
On the topic of iPods. I have an 80 Gb iPod with Apple Lossless Encoded music ripped to it. It's full and fits about 120 CDs including the artwork. The playback rate is usually around 6-700 kbps but can go up to 1100 kbps with more complex music (like orchestral). I use this iPod with noise canceling Shure E530 in-ear headphones when I travel. Although its good sound, I wouldn't go as far as saying its audiophile grade. I am waiting though for iPods, or a music server, to have a couple of TBs of space and encoding on CD/SACD level or 1400+ kbps and an interface with my pre-amp that would be truly high-end before listing it as a component.
I see it's been a year since you took the step into higher end, what are your first impressions, has your life changed?
I have some older Thiels the cs2's. my room is odd shaped,its like a 9x15 rectangle with a 6 foot bump out that is half the length of the room. so a weird l shape.setup was difficult! I toed the Thiels in slightly to avoid the odd wall next to my head. early reflections were a problem too so i brought them out 3 feet from the back wall. they are about 8 feet apart. 3 feet or more from any wall. Fantastic!
Pre-amps run the gamut from cheap to ridiculous. I use a Modwright and am happy. A passive pre-amp may work, like the Promethius. I like the tubed gain of mine. Good luck!
