Recently I swapped out my Arcam CD73 for a Mac Mini after conducting some A/B comparisons between the two. Naturally, the Mac Mini caused my jaw to drop when I realised there was absolutely no audible difference in sound. So next, A/B comparison time with a slightly more expensive spinner - this time a Roksan Kandy cd player. Again, no audible difference. So I've thrown it all out, cleared up a lot of space, and now I have 50,000 songs on a box the size of 5 Cds.
I've been into audio for around 5 years now and this is the best it's been.
Listed as my first and most important component. This brings everything together. And let's be honest, it's all about the music, and I have 50,000 tracks worth. Mac mini Intel Core Duo attached to a 320gb external running Front Row. Absolutely priceless! On board DAC sounds incredible. A/B comparison to previous Arcam CD73 shows Mac Mini come up on top!
Advantage S101
The most dramatic change to my system. Perfect. 175w per channel.
Monitor Audio Gold Ref 20
2 x 6.5" drivers. Metal dome tweeter. Pretty good for the money. Sometimes can sound a little forward, although I think this is down to my listening room (aka living room)
Nordost Blue Heaven
Picked up for $60, this has to be one of the best bargains I have come across during my time in hifi. Incredibly open and detailed, although only 60cm in length.
Chord Odyssey
4 - 2 Bi-wire. Very cheap considering the change it made to my system. Worth every penny. 2 x 2.5
Isotek Isol-8
Currently connected to the Arcam. Really does put this budget player on another level.
Merlin Tarantula
Not bad considering the price, although I plan to replace this very soon. Currently connected to my integrated.
i just saw that you want to add vinyl to your system, awesome choice! word to the wise, dont skimp! i did, my initial thoughts were "i will buy this cheap Pro-ject just to see if i want to get into vinyl." well everything that has been said about vinyl is true, so buy a nicer table then entry level because you will just want to upgrade anyways. like myself right now, im wanting to hear somthing Nottingham currently. just my two cents.
If you can use three pods and not overload them thats better, its easier to balance three than four. I have found that vibro pods worked best under my CDP and brass Mapleshade footers under my amp. But experiment, its fun and you might unlock somthing magical. cheers Justin
sorry you cant try "my" setup, and it was worth a shot to see if the amp/cd player switching would help. I wonder how they misprint somthing like that? hmmmm. I havent heard many players so i cant recommend one, sorry. are you going to stick with Nordost cabling or try someone else?
i will clarify my setup opinion. im looking at your "full view" pic. move your tv to where the little white chair is, the one in front of the window. then place your left speaker where your tv is now. then put your right speaker where the small white table is. The couch would have to move, but if you got the room to do so it should sound better. if the couch fits parrrallel to the window with room to walk around you should have good viewing and sound for who ever comes by. Hope this clarifies and good luck on the tweaking. Justin
Im just throwing out my opinion on placement here. Im thinking your soundstage and depth would be in another realm if you moved your tv into the nook, and then move your speakers in front of the walls that are on each side of the nook(of course you never know till you try). Your first reflection points would then be equal and you have the option of having your tv back from the face of your speakers. Of course your couch would have to move and you would need some dark shades for the window so your tv still looks right. but i beleive the benefits would be large, increased soundstage and depth, bass most likely would improve as well. since your stacking your components try having your player on the bottom, the added weight of the amp could tighten everything up. Give it a shot, you might be amazed.
