Jimbo, How does your AI sound with your Counterpoint? I have read that this preamp can be tough to mate with some amps. I am expecting an AI M3A in two days to go with my Counterpoint SA 220. Eventually I would like to go to an all tube amplifier, but I am looking forward to this combination for the time being. Thanks, Don
I use a DBX 3BX liberally in my system, more so with analog but even with digital sources in some cases. I find many recordings simply have had the life sucked out of them in regards to dynamics, be they digital or analog, but can still be pretty good otherwise. The dbx compensates for this fact as needed. The dbx is also a very cost effective solution for maximizing dynamics as needed. I use it with good, short interconnects and hear absolutely no sonic downside with having in the loop. I often add just a touch of range enhancement in almost all but the very best recordings, even if I do not think it is needed out of the gate. For FM radio sources, it is always used generously. In general, I find it more useful with even good monitor speakers than with good full size floor standers, but it general adds value in almost every case.
Greetings, it's nice to see another audiophile who uses signal processing. If you've used your 3DBX correctly, for any length of time, you know how valuable it is.
Rest assured that your system probable sounds far superior to the mass majority of "signal processing phobs" systems in the world of audiophiles.
As good as your 3DBX is, you'll be absolutely astounted at what the addition of a BBE sonic maximizer will do.
The next time your in a recording studio or at a live show, take a look around and you'll likely see it's packed with DBX, BBE and many other excellent signal processors. Happy listening...
A Lenco! Actually, the plinth is near-identical: MDF layers piled up. And the Lenco will astonish for a few bucks and your pick of finish. FYI I'm a Well-Tempered fan, being also a Decca fan (they go together), but the Lenco, like the Garrards, majors on speed, slam, bass and timing. They're also better at detail than anything I've heard, with the caveat that I'm not certain what's going on at the tippy-top frequencies. But if it's good enough for Sugano, I figure it passes muster. It won't cost much money, and allows you to play at "bricolage" (arts and crafts as well as a tiny bit of carpentry) while seeing why the idler-wheel business is still booming (check the prices of Garrards these days, and the Thorens TD124 is going for a couple of grand these days). If its slam you're missing, then this is the way: typically, it subjectively seems to double the output of any cartridge mounted on it (Lenco/Rega pairing).
Jimbo, yes I do think that the Teres would be a good option for you, but not just because I have one. I bought one for the same reasons that I recommend it to others. It's a damn good TT.
If you want to go the speaker route, and you like the Maggies, then go up to the true ribbon series. You'll probably need some more juice from the amp then as well. That can get pretty expensive too. I don't know too much about the Martin-Logans, but if you like a hybrid, the Newform 645 Ribbon Speakers are pretty interesting. I haven't heard them personally, but I've talked to a few people who owned them and they liked them alot, and said that they were really good for the money($2500). It's a 48" ribbon above a pair of woofers in a tower configuration. Also the Manger is pretty interesting. It's a bending-wave driver that sounds alot like E-stats, and they need a woofer below 80Hz. Expensive though($5k). Just a couple of thoughts for you.
TWL- Thanks. Actually, the DBX is from about 4 tables and 20 years ago. I just keep putting it in out of habit, I suppose. Any recommendations on a table- Teres?
I was kinda thinking that the speakers/sub might be the next thing to upgrade. While they do sound good, they are a remarkably small portion of the dollars invested in the whole. ANy thoughts along that line??
Jimbo, I always use the signal progression order-of-importance in upgrading. You can always get more for your money by ugrading in the front end than anywhere else. While you do have a nice analog rig, you may be able to do away with that DBX unit, if you could get more dynamics and lower noise out of your TT/arm/cart. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking your analog setup. I just think that is the place to get better sound. You must feel the need for better dynamics, or you wouldn't have put the DBX in there to start with. IMO the DBX is a band-aid, and you need to concentrate on the place where your dynamics come from, which is your source component. This would leave you with a shorter signal path, fewer cables, and greater resolution, as well as improving the dynamics you want. Likely, a TT that will do better dynamically than the Well Tempered Classic will give better detail info as well. So you win all the way around. I think this is a sensible upgrade strategy.
Steelhead- Thanks for the input. I have been debating different speakers. Martin Logans or possibly a different Maggie model. I don't want to get into a large speaker, so the M-L's might be worth looking at. Going in that direction, I might be able to dispense with the sub.
I think you have a beautiful system and if I was upgrading anything it would probably be to a more expensive beer or wine to enjoy the system. I won't start a Maggie/Martin Logan debate as I love both speakers but I would be tempted to throw a pair of Logans in just to check it out.
