My system would be best described as a novice's jump into hi-fi. I have made my choices of gear based on reviews, listening to each piece of gear (but not as a system)and then making an educated guess on whether the components would match. I have not played around with expensive cables yet. I'm still shopping around for better cables. What I'm using now are inexpensive cables that are either DIY or budget cables. Feel free to make recommendations. I am curently in the market for new speaker cables and a new CD player. The Vandys limit my choice of speaker cables as they come with a vey unique terminal post that do not except large spades.
Used as a audio source for Redbook CDs, SACD and DVDA
Audusa Eupen CSA power cable
Used for my Digital source
IXOS Gamma Audition II
The IXOS cables are hooked up to the Denon DVD-3910. They make the Denon sound more analog. I fact I had it hooked up to my old Rega Planet 2000 and it was a fantastic match. I miss my Rega CD player.
Rega P3
One of the best auido bargains
Bellari VP-130
I have ordered the VP-130 but they have not arrived. Currently using a Parasound Z-Phono. The Parasound has served me well but I want to try out what a tube based phono pre would sound like.
Audioquest G-Snake
Used for my Phono Pre
Dynavector DV - 10X5
In my opinion this is the best match for my Rega P3 and RB-300 without blowing the budget.
McCormack DNA-225
The DNA-225 just blows me away with its seemingly bottomless pit of power under the hood.
McCormack RLD-1
I just loved the DNA-225 so i had to match it with Steve McCormack's RLD-1 pre amp to complete the package.
I heard these Vandy's in the showroom being driven by a low powered Rega intergrated amp. The sound was amazing. I opted to see what the Vandy's would sound like with more juice on tap. The McCormacks were added and they never fail to deliver.
Vandersteen Original 2ce Stands
If you are have the Vandys then the stands are a must. The allow for tilting and provides extra stability.
Tara Labs Prism 22
These are a spool bought cables and terminated with Tara Labs Spades. The Vandy's don't allow for a wide range of spades.
NAD NAD C422
Provides crisp and clear reception with excellent sound.
AR HT130
20 bucks so I can't complain, they work great. Was in a Stereophile review. Used for my tuner.
I was just browsing and I found your system, which in a lot of ways is not unlike mine. I run McCormack MAP-1 / DNA-HT5 combo for my amplification, and I listen in an un-carpeted room. The choices of CD-player, speaker cables, and interconnects might therefore be informed by how lean everything is tilted in the rig, so far. I'm a big believer in a push-pull approach to all of this -- i.e., matching lean room and electronics with front-ends and cables that let all of the inner resolution come through, but with a more forgiving stance than, say, the Rega player or the Audioquest cables.
I therefore recommend to you the following in each category: The Arcam FMJ-CD23 (preowned, about $700), power cables and interconnects by Signal (the company owner will recommend which products to put in which places; don't worry about the conflict-of-interest, there isn't any), and for speaker cables I'd recommend the least expensive cross-connected speaker wire made by Element, terminated with Eichmann bullet plugs.
Donmj - writing because I approached assembling my system in much the same fashion as you. Some suggestions for what they are worth...For interconnects and cables, definitely consider stuff from The Cable Co. (especially used). I'm running JPS Labs. They were a good value option for me. I had an older Cambridge Audio CD player but replaced that with a Denon 2910 upgraded by David Schulte of the Upgrade Co. It is spooky good...might be something for you to consider given you have a 3910. Good luck.
Look into ARC CD2, one on Gon now for $1150.00 (a steal for this quality!!!) this would be a very good player and probably be far superior to the Cambridge!!!! If you have the $$$ get the ARC CD 3!! I tried to buy the latest giant killer with fantastic reviews at an incredible price,don't!!!! Buy the respected companies components used!!!! Once you have a CDP you can start testing I/C and S/C knowing you have a good source and good speakers( which you already have). Do check out Audioquest Mont Blanc S/C and Colorado I/C that would be a good level of cables.Your going to be surprised how good your system can sound!!! I have Vandy 3A Sigs and love the sound, you have great speakers and will hear that with your improvements!!!
Very well put together system. I would recommend the Cambridge Audio 840C cd player. I have tried a lot of CD players, some much more expensive than the Cambridge, including players from Ayre, Meridian and Marantz. The Cambridge is definitely on their level, but comes at a considerably lower price, around $1300-$1400 new. Give it some time to break in, as it sounds a little mechanical out of the box, but it really, really blossoms after some extended playback sessions.
As for speaker cable, you might want to try out Analysis Plus cables, specifically the Oval 9.
