Description

Recently updated my budget-minded system. While I could spend more $$, I like the idea of tweaking budget components and making little improvements here and there to get the most out of a system. I'm finally pleased with the sound. Upgraded my original Wharfedale Evo 8 bookshelf speakers with a pair of Silverline Audio Minuets. Tiny tiny speakers, but amazing soundstage, surprising bass, and wonderfully detailed, natural sound even at low volumes. Additionally replaced my NAD 320BEE and Adcom amp/preamp setup with a used Exposure Super XV integrated amp. Nothing special to look at, but the amp has amazing detail, soundstage and gives the music real energy. I will keep this special amp for some time until I decide to add some tube warmth to the system.

My office/listening room is having doors attached, so that should make my listening space more confined and hopefully improve the sound of my small system. I'd like to make some further acoustic treatments to the room, since the room is rather narrow and the sound seems to reflect quite significantly. Not sure where to start however.

Suggestions for improvements and comments on my setup are always appreciated and requested.
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Components Toggle details

    • Silverline Audio Minuet
    Just replaced my wharfedale Evo8 bookshelves with these gems. The sound is incredible despite their size. Perfect for a small/medium sized listening room.

    http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/408sil/
    • Exposure Super XV
    An old classic. 55wpc, integrated SS amp. Detailed sound, excellent soundstage, and gives excitement to the music. http://sites.thestar.com.my/audio/story.asp?file=/1996/8/01expoxv
    • Arcam CD73
    Superb entry-mid level CD player. Significant upgrade from my original NAD 521i. Review at: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-and-recorders/arcam-diva-cd73-95159/review
    • Music Hall MMF 2.2
    Good entry-level turntable. Will eventually upgrade the cartridge from the stock music hall tracker, and upgrade to an acrylic platter. Review: http://www.avguide.com/review/tested-affordable-turntables-music-hall-pro-ject-rega-nottingham
    • Cambridge Audio Azur 640P
    Superb phono preamp. Great value. Added a level of clarity and musicality to the MMF 2.2. Review: http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2005/cambridge_640p.shtml
    • Pro-Ject The Speed Box II
    The first upgrade to my Music Hall MMF 2.2. Good improvement in clarity. Review: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue31/speedbox.htm
    • Audio Art IC-3
    Great affordable well-reviewed interconnects. Review: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/audioart_cables.htm
    • Audio Art SC-5 (bi-wire)
    Again, great affordable, clear speaker cable. Bi-wired to the Wharfedale speakers. Review: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/audioart_cables.htm
    • PS Audio Duet AC filter
    Incredible improvement in noise reduction and depth/clarity of my system. Review: http://www.stereotimes.com/acc072707.shtml
    • Vibrapods Pods and Cones
    Superb affordable isolation devices. Have pods on all components, including speakers. Use cones on CD player. Review: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/vibrapod/cones.html
    • Sound Improvement Disc SID
    CD Mat. It just works. Review: http://www.highend-electronics.com/img/cdmats.pdf
    • Signal Cable MagicPower AC Power Cord
    Power cable for my Arcam CD73. Noticed slightly lower background noise, and clearer midrange. Review: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue6/signalcable.htm
    • Herbie's Audio Lab Way Excellent II Turntable Mat
    Great inexpensive tweak for my MMF2.2. Lower noise, great at reducing static, greater separation of sounds.

Comments 5

Owner
System edited: New Silverline Audio Minuet speakers and Exposure Super XV integrated amp.

dmloring

Owner
System edited: Removed the Adcom GTP-500 Preamp. Did not need the phono stage any longer, and grew tired of the background noise and the harshness. The NAD integrated may not be the end-all of resolution and musicality, but it's pleasant and not-fatiguing to listen to and pairs well.

dmloring

Owner
System edited: Added a Cambridge Audio Azur 640P phono preamp. Great $200 upgrade. Added a naturalness and clarity to my turntable setup.

dmloring

Owner
Thanks Sunshdw! Congrats on your system as well - it looks great. I'd like to work on room acoustics next actually. The hardwood floor and close walls cause a great deal of reflection. I think I can get my wife to agree to putting a rug into the office...

dmloring

I'm glad to see someone else on the same page as I am. I, too could spend a ton more money on my system but I the ability to impress people with how good my system sounds and spent very little. Bravo!!!!

sunshdw

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