As time has passed, I have focused more on the 2-channel chain in my system, which combines HT and stereo. With good source material, the 2-channel portion sounds pretty good right now.
Strengths: Excellent bass extension and definition, wide and tall soundstage, usually smooth and extended highs, nice, first or second row presentation, especially with female vocals, terrific extension into the room (even wrap-around with some material - sounds like DPLIIx with only two speakers!). Pretty good macro-dynamics, fair micro-dynamics.
Weaknesses: Lack of soundstage depth, Some hiss and very low level hum (usually not an issue when listening).
Goals: I am pretty happy right now. I expect incremental improvements in cables, AC cords, etc.
As always, I am open to suggestions, and take constructive criticism fairly well.
Update 12/12/07: Finally got around to replacing the adjustable Vandersteen crossover for the 2Wqs with fixed-value in-line crossovers. Improvement was immediate. Better image stability, better channel balance, better transparency and a wider, more evenly spread out soundstage. One of the better low-cost improvenments I've made ($120/pr).
Check out the Veena speakers from Reference 3A. They would be perfect for your system.They are rated down to 40 but when i heard them they did not leave me wanting for a sub which almost all speakers usually do.I can almost guarantee you that if you buy them you will not think of upgrading for a very long time.They are that good.They are about 3000 new.Also as far as cd players go i went through Cambridge,Roksan,Exposure,Arcam,CEC,Rega,Shanling,Cayin and numerous others.The only player under 2000 that i could live with was the Exposure 2010s.It is truly fantastic.Warm, smooth, lots of prat and a rock solid low end.I sold mine and severly regretted it. I recently bought it again but am selling again to afford the turntable of my dreams.I know i will regret it again, but alas i'm impatient.Lol.
