I have always been wanted to build a nice system. Finally, last month I bit the bullet and I bought the Sony S9000es, B&W N805, and Mcintosh MC2155 in one shot. The Parasound Preamp was something I bought on Ebay as a starting point. I read a few reviews and thought it was great value. My system sounds awesome. I haven't had much time to do any tweaking because of business. To compliment my system I have a Lovan Rack, Cardas Cuboids, and various isolation cones. My first upgrades will be in the area of Power Cords. I hope that you guys can give me some insight into this realm of Hifi audio. I don't really wanna spend a small fortune on PC's. I have looked at a couple of DIY designs like VHaudio. I have also looked at the entry level Nordost offerings. My budget is around $150-$200usd. Also if any of you have any opinions on my overall system please feel free. After the PC's I would like to upgrade my Preamp. I have two in mind: The Rogue Audio Metis Tube Preamp ($995 Retail) and the Prima Luna Prologue Three Tube Preamp ($1395 Retail). The reason I want to try a tube Preamp is to improve the highs. Is this the right idea? I have to base my decision on your help as no local dealers carry either. The most amazing this I have realized since my big upgrades is, redbooks cds I originally thought were great recordings really suck. =) I guess this is what audiophiles mean by "more revealing". Better systems do reveal bad recordings.
Got a good deal on this brand new off Ebay. Sounds pretty good for now.
Sony DVP-S9000es
I finally decided on this. In my opinion the best value in 2-channel Redbood/Sacd.
McIntosh MC-2155
I was running a Parasound HCA-1000A before this. Picked this up from my friend at a good price so we'll see.
B&W Nautilus 805
Finally got what I wanted!!!
Harmonic Technology Precision Link
Pretty good Value for what you are getting. I love the Furutech plugs.
MIT Terminator 4
Got a good deal on these too!!!
Onkyo CP-1057f
Dunno where it came from but it's gonna have to do for now. New cartridge coming tomorrow!!!
DIY Audio Asylum Audio Asylum
I got the materials from Take Five Audio. Took me about 2hrs to make both of them. Consists of: Belden 19364 Cable Pass and Seymour 5266XHG Marinco 320i Techflex
Updated some pictures. I finally finished the DIY pc's and they look great. I haven't had time to burn them in yet though. I will probably just plug them in to my two computers for a week or two. Tell me what you think.
I just got a package from Take Five Audio. Their service and shipping is top notch. I got enough material for two Asylum type power cables. I am gonna work on them tonigh. I will post pictures once I am done.
Do you guys think I should run them in my system right away? Or have them plugged into my computer and cooked for a week?
System edited: I just realized I had an old turntable in my garage. I think it was my dads...haha. SCORE!!! I hooked it up but it sounds really staticy. I think it might be the cartridge. Gonna take it to my local HIFI store and see what he says. If I can get away with it, just gonna buy a cheapo cartridge first. Save up for something better!!!
Rwcmacc: I finally went ahead and ordered 10ft of cryo treated Belden 19364 to make two powercords. I am gonna try the Audioasylum diy cords first. I got Pass and Seymour 5266XHG wall plug and Marinco 320 IEC. Can't beat the price I guess. I will get something better as budget permits...getting married and wanna buy another house. Also gotta get an old turntable running. It needs a new cartridge so there goes my PC budget. Thanks for the advice anyways.
Mitch4t: The reason I held off so long was I thought if I got OK equipment right off the bat I would not be so inclined to upgrade but...you know the drill. One thing I do know is not to buy new!!! I saved so much money buying pre-owned.
Gadene_: Before choosing the N805's I listeded to quite a few different standmount speakers. I would love to have floorstanders but I have room and budget restrictions. I listened to the following. B&W DM602S3: Awesome value for the money w/deep bass. B&W 705: 90 percent of the 805 performance but don't look as cool. Paradigm Studio 20: great all around but didn't like the finishing. In respects to sound quality, I never thought that there could be so much difference in speakers at different price points. I wanted to stay under a $1000cdn. and was pretty close to doing it. I had actually settled on the DM602S3's but as soon as I heard the N805's in my system I was sold. If you read the original review in Stereophile back in 1999 it will give you an insight in to a pro's perspective of the speakers.
Mdhoover: Thanks!!! However, I have already been bit by the upgrade bug. My powercables are on the way and i have recently been looking at speakers. I wish I could afford a pair of N804's. I wonder if the Monitor Audio Silver RS6's would be an upgrade or a downgrade.
Thanks...finally some responses. I though you guys weren't interested...=) I will order the cable and connectors tomorrow morning. Maybe I should opt for overnight shipping, then I have something to do this weekend.
Update: I am gonna give the Audio Asylum design a try. I have heard that the performance is pretty good. I will be using a different plug format though. I am gonna use the Pass and Seymour 5266XHG (Hospital Grade) and a Wattgate 320i IEC. I figure these pc's should give me a good upgrade for now until I can afford the Shunyata cords. I will let you guys know how it works out.
