Description

Updated 7/06:

Just purchased an Olive Musica music server to replace my old CD player, the weakest link in the chain. Incredibly fun and convenient to use! Sound is better than my old CDP (much better resolution and less harsh), but still a bit on the bright side. (I finally gave up on Stan Warren after several years -- the whole thing was about an $800 mistake -- I never got my gear or my money!)

My Classe amp had lost it's good sound, and had it reworked by Classe in April (I happen to live within driving distance of Montreal -- thank god -- I don't know how you'd ship one of those things!). It sounds great now (thanks Classe).

Also had woofers in my speakers reconed and replaced the tweeter domes with used ones in good shape -- all from Bill Miller. Things sound very nice.

A few weeks ago I had my roof re-done, and had an APS-9 antenna installed on a tripod with a rotor,(replacing the little external Radio Shack FM antenna). Man, what a difference a directional antenna on a rotor makes! Basically no background noise on the FM stations we listen to now.

The next upgrade is realistically probably not electrostatics -- I just don't have room for them, and the bucks are huge. I would need to get a new house first! Instead, I will probably look at an external DAC. Maybe once that is in place I will test cables again.

Thanks to everyone here who posts and helps others!

****

Well, it's embarrassing to post in this group, knowing how good other systems are!

Music (and gear) has become a major source of reflection and obsession for me since my middle son died Feb 2001, and the amp, turntable, preamp and cables are new since then (as well as much of my second system). Whatever it takes, eh? I do find this system gives me a lot of pleasure.

I am pleased with the amps (the CA-200 is my newest purchase). They have really brought out the best in my speakers, especially in clarity of bass. I heard an all-Classe / B&W system about 5 or 6 years ago when speaker shopping, and was blown away, but also certain I would never have anything like it (now I'm close). I find I prefer a detailed, clear sound without overwhelming bass.

The CD player is the weak link here. I bought a Pioneer CDR-W839 (consumer-grade CD recorder, changer) almost a year ago, and it's been with Stan Warren getting modified almost that long.

Many would say the turntable is the weak link-- I bought it just to record my old albums, and am amazed how good they sound! But an upgrade there is a ways off.

My next upgrade would be a great pair of electrostatic speakers, biamped with a second CA-201. Something like the ML Ascent (heard recently, blown away again) but with better bass. Finances will not allow anytime soon.

As for cables, they are also a distant upgrade, after speakers are upgraded. In my cable testing, I was able to hear a difference between zip cord and 12 ga speaker wire, and between OEM interconnects and the $20 RS units, but beyond that, it gets very subtle. I feel everything else should be in place first.

Thanks for looking, I really enjoy this board!
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Components Toggle details

    • Denon DP-26F
    Modified by me to eliminate built in phono amp and to add RCA jacks for replaceable interconnects.
    • Classe Audio CP-35
    phono preamp added
    • Classe Audio CA-200
    Newer version, supposed to be similar to CA-201
    • Celestion Model 300
    2-way British floorstanders from the mid-90's. 6.5" woofer, "detailed" sound.
    • Radio Shack Gold
    Sources to preamp
    • Canare DIY XLR balanced
    pre-amp to amp 30'. Neutrik gold connectors.
    • Radio Shack DIY 12ga speaker cable
    With Bananas that require twist to "lock".
    • Silent Terminators Cardas Golden Ref 3'
    For power amp; I haven't tried it with any other cable. All other power cables and outlets are generic.
    • Olive Musica 250gb
    Digital Music Server

Comments 3

Eric: I LOVE your cabling--seriously! I'll bet your sys sings!

crazy4blues

I think it's great that you are enjoying your system. Don't be concerned about how it "stacks up" to other systems. Everybody here is in a constant state of upgrading or improving in some form or other. The key is to enjoy, learn, and try to go higher. It's the same, no matter how much you spend, or how high on the scale you get.

twl

Eric,
Whatch out there will be folks that will put your cable issue on the first place he..he...:-)

marakanetz

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