My humble system, I use for jazz and classical. I would really appreciate suggestions that would be for the budget minded wanting to get the most for the money. Thank you.
Those who suggest to leave the system "as is" should be banned from this site forever and all record of their activities permanently deleted from the archives. If I wanted that kind of advice I would just talk to my wife. How can you consider yourselves to be audiophiles? :>)
Now that I am done ranting, I agree to leave the cables alone. The most bang for your buck will be with component upgrades and leave the cables, conditioners, and expensive tweaks until you have found components you think you can live with for a while.
I would probably look at different speakers as I am not really a big fan of B&W. If you are happy with them then I would consider a new preamp. The CJ does nothing offensive but lacks the resolution of a lot of other players in that price range.
I recommend an AC conditioner. If you are going to experiment with cable -- first place I would look is for a digital power cord for your CD player. I'll put in a plug for Balanced Power Technologies -- check them out for an AC conditioner and look at JPS Labs digital PC. Or, screw all that and just enjoy your system as is.
Sorry Guys (and or Gals) I have to disagree with you. I think the equipment is fine. Check out some tweaks: BDR cones under the cd. Cardas or Synergistic research cables How about some power cords or better yet a used power conditioner. PS Audio p300, Richard Gray 400, Hell the Monster 5100 even.
Good Luck.......let us know what you do and how it works out! Vader
Probably the only thing that really sticks out to me in your system is the amp althought I do think speakers might be the next thing that is if you really want to change your components. If not, try some powercords. Virtual Dynamics makes some great budget cords but are sort of stiff.
I second the above. Any hasty upgrade could create severe IMbalance in the system & make you UNhappy...
Were one to insist in the upgrade path, I agree that source & speakers could be the first stops. BUT, IMO an upgrade is good if it takes you "2 steps" further so, more a demanding source & speakers could easily require a new amp... and soon enough you'll have changed the whole system.
If you have funds for an upgrade, I would look to spend those funds on upgrading your components before fiddling with interconnects and speaker cables. I think Audioquest cables are great budget cables, and should serve your system through at least a few more upgrades.
Looks like you have a great system. If I were going to choose an upgrade, it would either be your source or speakers. Not that either one is glaringly weak with respect to your other components, but there are a lot of other speakers (in particular) that you might consider at around the same price point (or slightly higher) as the B&W's. A few that come immediately to mind are Vandersteen 2 series (several different iterations, and several different used prices), Meadowlark Kestrels, Green Mountain Europa's, or JM Reynaud Twin Mk II or III's.
As far as other sources you might consider, I think a used Rega Planet would be a slight step up in price, or Music Hall CD-25.
Which of these different recommendations works best for you all depends on what type of sound you like, and what works best with your other components. Even with upgrades, I don't think your cables will really be holding your system back.
On a final note, if you are pretty happy with your system, let it be! Buy some CD's! You really have put together what looks to be a very nice, musical system.
I am happy with the system. Just thinking that there might be other possibilities. Like for example the interconnects. The turquoise is an entry level one. Would there really be a big difference if I change it. The advise that I am seeking would be on those items, the interconnects and if changing the speaker wires would be a suggestion from people with more experience such as yourself. Thank you.
