Congrats ! Hope you enjoy the sub for a long time to come !

As for interconnects: www.auralthrillsaudio, or EBay user auralthrillsaudio. Chrome Axiom interconnect, $60/M, incredible soudn for cheap money. Slightly richor warm sounding, but is absolutely my new budget champ ! If you decide to get, tell Tom that Todd in MA recommended him.

Good luck, and above all, ENJOY !

chams_uk March 18, 2003 17:20

System updated!!

Hey all, I just go an AXIOM EP125 subwoofer, as well as 17inch PLateau stands! The stands def. added a more 3d sound to my setup, and I haven't yet hooked the sub up yet. I'll update soon on that.

Next upgrade will be an Audioques Coral interconnect, or a very warm sounding interconnect if anyone has any ideas!

I'm sticking with the toshiba, i haven't been convinced yet on the need for a cd player.

mrhdream March 18, 2003 15:03

System edited: Hey all, new update! My KLH blew up today. Now I need a new sub, any comments on the PSB Subzero2i? I'm also looking at an Axiom EP125 seeing as how it would match better with my speakers

mrhdream February 27, 2003 23:55

The Sony SACD player seems to be a good pick for the money.For the used price the Philips SACD right out od the box may not be super cheap at $550-650 but it started out at a $2K list.Was told by Dan Wright pf Modworght fame that he thought it was excellent right out of the box and he had a hcnce to do his magic with it.I have a Sony SACD 333 and am quite happy with it even though it's a multiple player.You could find one of them for $500 or less.But if I was buying now I'd try the Phillips.

chazzbo February 22, 2003 17:02

Agree with source AND sub upgrades. I have the M22Tis and love their overall balance and neutrality, but I'd buy the Axiom EP125 if I wanted to get the bottom octave as its aluminum woofer would likely best match. I, too, own a KLH sub (100w model). It's gathering dust in my garage - not in the same league as the M22Ti.

jb0194 February 21, 2003 23:19

Just add an external DAC to your Toshiba for music. Then you can add a monitor and watch 2 channel movies also.

sugarbrie February 21, 2003 18:38

I've been reading a lot about the Music Hall and it seems to get some great reviews. I'm a little worried about servicing it though, if something shoudl happen, wouldn't I be screwed?

Also, I like the idea of upgradeability, and it seems that the ARCAM 72 can be upgraded incrementally to the 92 which I think is a pretty sweet deal!

First thing Monday I'm going to bring in my Toshiba to the local dealer I didn't even know I had here in Madison, WI! He seemed really cool about letting me hear the difference myself. He had a MF a308 integrated running martin lOgan's, and man! Did they sound smoooooooth!

mrhdream February 21, 2003 18:08

Here's one to try: bring your CD player into the store, and see if they'll do a side by side with another....

It might be tough to do, especially if there's no local dealer for what you want. In that case, word of mouth may be the best bet. One point, though, in getting a used Arcam, you at least are familiar with that "sound." And it's a great thought, too, IMO, I think Arcam makes very nice stuff for the money.

BTW, I just rechecked the Aural Thrills web site, and they offer a 30 day trial period. If you don't like 'em, send 'em back, you're only out shipping. Maybe some other places will do this, too.

Whatever the case, best of luck !

chams_uk February 21, 2003 16:49

I second the emotion on that Shanling ( model is CD-S100 ) or Music Hall equivalent player. For the money it's astonishing, even 2 years ago sound like that would have cost well over a grand. As of now you can get it for $428 from Underwoodwally.

Your source is the weak point and if you think your sound is amazing now, you haven't heard a thing till you've tried the Shanling. Or the Music Hall.

tobias February 21, 2003 16:19

Thanks for the reply,

I am def. leaning towards getting a newer used CD player: any other suggestions? I'm possibly looking at a cambridge d500Se, or maybe that NAD521. I'm also looking at some used arcam equipment like the cd72.

For interconnects I'm looking at getting a used pair of some Kimber Hero's, but Tara Labs seems to be getting good reviews.

See the problem with me is that I have not yet compared different CD players and interconnects side by side, so I'm still apprehensive about spending money on something that I'm not sure will make a difference!

mrhdream February 20, 2003 23:53

Very nicely done, IMO ! The Arcam and Axiom units are a great basis, it must be pretty musical.....

My thoughts on upgrades if you desire:

- CD player - go for a nicer used unit, maybe a Music Hall 25, Shanling equivalent, or even a Sony SACD player (they have been reviewed to generally have pretty nice CD playback)

- Interconnects - check out www.auralthrillsaudio.com; their Chrome Axiom at $60 is KILLER for the money, my definite budget reference. A little rich or full sounding, but competes with cables hundreds of $ more expensive

- Speaker cable - many options. Zu Cable, Kimber, the cheap JPS, I'm sure others can recommend a lot more.....

The CD and interconnects are my recommendations for cheap but worthwhile upgrades. I'm not familiar with the Monster XP-HP speaker cable, so I can't say for sure what would be a good upgrade comparatively....

Whatever the case, enjoy the music !

chams_uk February 20, 2003 22:57