This theater started with a B&K Components AVP-2000 processor and AV-5000 amp with decent results. The Upgrade Bug hit hard when I found a used, but excellent shape EAD TheaterMaster Ovation processor and PowerMaster 500 for only $2,700! I now have a fantastic preamp/proc. for both music and HT that is upgradable and sounds much smoother, musically cohesive and dynamic than the old B&K AVP2000. Not to mention adding DD, DTS, and HDCD! Unfortunately, my Sony DVD player is an early model that does not output a DTS signal, so I'm not able to listen in DTS yet. I absolutely love the CAL Icon MkII Power Boss CD Player - fantastic bass control and wide open sound. Also decodes HDCD. Some people have told me that the EAD PowerMaster 500 amp sounds better than the higher powered PM1000 and PM2000. I don't know because I haven't heard them, but many people are disappointed that the PM500 is discontinued. The B&W DM series speakers do an adequate job, but I think they are a little too laid back in combination with the EAD units, and I don't think I am hearing all the potential detail and depth that the EAD is capable of. The weakest link now would probably be the subwoofer (which was all I could afford at the time, but I have never been satisfied with it). Just got the ELCO DC-32 digital coax IC for $45 on Audiogon because it is discontinued (was previously $300). No comment yet until I break it in and give it a listen. The company says they discontinued it because the silver cable slowly oxidizes and gradually loses its sound quality over time, but that I should enjoy about 3 years of normal use before having to get a new cable. For $45, it has to be better than the Radio Shack digital coax I was temporarily using! The LAT International IC and speaker cables are a fantastic value and in my listening tests, I preferred them by a wide margin over Kimber 8TC, Tara RSC and some XLO cables I borrowed from the Cable Company. You would have a hard time beating the LATs at their price point!
Audiopath, I think you are right on the money about speakers giving the most change in a system than anything else. I have heard the bigger Nautilus N802 locally and was impressed by its wrap-around soundstaging, but it was in an untreated room that was way too small for the speaker. It was hard to get a true read on the bass because of the room. It sounded bloated and I'm sure it wasn't the speaker's fault. I'd love to try them in my room, 13'W x 21'L and 7' ceiling, but I wonder if my room is big enough! You mentioned the ScanSpeak MTM DIY design, which I think would be very good- I have been looking at that design, but I think I have found something even better! Check out the BESL Series 5 MTM at www.bamberglab.com. It uses 2 of the highly regarded SEAS W18EX with a SEAS Millenium tweeter (top of the line) in an MTM configuration and a top quality precision crossover. It is pricey, but I heard the W18EXs in the Coincident Super Eclipse at the NY Stereophile show, and they sounded incredible! I'll have to start saving my money for speaker upgrades. Thanks for your suggestions!
Bbroussard (Brady), thanks for the tip on the Marantz SA-12S1 I'll check it out. Please post your audition review here if you can find a unit to audition - I'd love to hear your opinion! Thanks for the compliment on my electronics - so far I love the EAD units, and I think I still can get alot more performance out of them as I continue to upgrade various other pieces in my system.
Sugarbrie, my ACE-515 is the older model, and I have noticed some noise, especially when I used my B&K amp. I now have the EAD PM500 plugged into the wall and have noticed a significant reduction in noise, but I have everything else plugged into the ACE-515. I have been reading comments on other sites recommending not using a power conditioner at all and upgrading to hospital quality wall outlets, but I am leery of losing the surge protection if I remove the ACE-515. I'm still undecided....
Thanks everyone above for the comments! Keep'em coming- I love all the great ideas! Hueske, it's interesting that I have recently noticed that the Sony DVD player SUCKS compared to the CAL audio CD player when playing back CDS. The soundstage gets squashed by the Sony, and the sound loses some of its "3D" body and fullness in addition to becoming harsher sounding. So, it follows that the same thing's probably affecting DVD playback too. I think I smell an upgrade coming.... However, I'd like to wait to see a combo DVD/multi channel SACD/CD player with DD/DTS before upgrading though.
I would like your comments on what components I should consider upgrading next in this system and why. Give me some suggestions on what components you would recommend. Thanks for your help in improving my system!!
