Description

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.
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Components Toggle details

    • Denon DVD-3910
    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.
    • Belden Power Cable Belden 83802
    Belden 83802 Flavor 4 method w/ 83030 silver-plate ground w/Wattgate plugs
    • Kimber PBJ
    Used between the pre and power amps
    • Vandersteen 2ce Signature
    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.

Comments 6

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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.

dog_or_man