Well, I can't figure out how to edit my system...

So, I've added a Phillips 963SA. While the music playback isn't necessarily any better than the NAD T562, the Phillips can output DVD movies' audio in PCM, so that the Birdland can decode the signal properly. So now, I can watch movies and listen to stereo through this system.

I also have Osiris 24.5 stands, in case I hadn't mentioned that.

Right now, I consider myself as happy as I can afford to be.
I'm working on obtaining a Lenco TT to play my parents' old records. I'll probably build a Hagtech Corent phono-pre. Then I will probably take Nudaddy's preamp advice.

I will eventually upgrade my digital interconnect, and then maybe move to a slightly more powerful amp (possibly the Belles 150a Hot Rod, or maybe tubes....)

Overall, I'm pretty damn satisfied with this system. There are some things I'd definitely like to change, BUT the sound is still very pleasing. 10x better than my last system. Thanks again to the 'goners. : )

Overall cost is right around $1500.

dubzilla July 09, 2004 16:20

Yeah, man...NEW AMP! Also, don't forget the source upgrade, and analog what about analog? POWER CONDITIONING!? GOTTA HAVE IT! lol. I thought my system was complete. No such luck.

Good luck on the amp search. Keep me posted, as I'm curious to hear what more power, and a different amp might sound like in my system. I'd love to a/b some of my amp choices, but it just ain't possible, so I'm very inclined to stink with Belles just because I'm likin what I'm hearing..

I'm using the Osiris 24.5 speaker stands. They are way better than my previous stands in terms of heft and decoupling (massive carpet spikes on the Osirii). I purchased the stands on, you guessed it, 'goners' recommendations. The stands are mass-loadable, and I have about 100 pounds of sand drying out in my basement for just that.

I am using Audio Magic Excalibur II IC's, as well as Speaker cable. The only non-Audio Magic interconnect is my digital coax. What brand do you use? AM there as well?

Please do let me know how the audio points work out for you. Also, have you considered any sort of power conditioner?

My next changes are going to be:

Philips 963 (eventually modded)
Black Diamond cones beneath my transport
Audio Points for speakers pending your review
Some sort of power conditioner
Amp upgrade
Birdland upgrade (I"m either going to switch to an Odeon AG or have my Lite upgraded)
New house with dedicated room
Wife that likes loud music
Kids that don't touch my toys

dubzilla June 08, 2004 20:43

Excellent info, Warren. Thanks.

I've gotta stay away from the 'gon, man. Everytime I come on here, I buy something. haha

dubzilla June 03, 2004 12:02

I feel like the drum impacts are somehow slow...It could be that because I'm a dj, I'm used to beats being completely on time all the time, but I can't help but feeling as if the drum hits are always lagging a bit.

dubzilla June 02, 2004 21:00

This money really is burning a hole in my pocket. I'm buying media as quickly as possible, but I hate getting saturated with new CDs, it somehow reduces their value to me.

A couple of things I've noticed:

-bass response isn't quite where I'd like it to be (granted, I have maybe 30 hours of break-in vs. the recommended 200, so that might be it)

-the feeling of pace isn't really there.

Any suggestions of what the problem may be?

I'm not averse to implementing subs, but really, the pace issue is a bigger priority to me.

dubzilla June 02, 2004 19:25

I will report back after speaker burn in (@200 hours). Shouldn't be too long at this rate!

dubzilla May 24, 2004 11:18