Gentleman and ladies... This is the best I have been able to assemble over the past 24 years or so. And while I don't claim it to be even near the end all, be all, I would certainly appreciate any comments or suggestions.
I listen to classic rock and classic pop as well as jazz and jazz fusion. I love Steely Dan, the Pat Metheny Group, China Crisis, Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Miles Davis, the Band, etc.
Everything looks great, and you are well balanced and enoying the sound and thats what it's all about. As you have heard before widening the speakers would be a tremendous improvement. Happy Listening
I am no vinyl expert, but I think going with the JC-2 first might yield the best initial "bang" in terms of SQ. You can always add the JC-3 later when your budget allows. Clearly, a number of factors are involved in such a decision. I think a line preamplifier is the foundation and it needs to be laid first...then you'll be better able to hear the differences between one phono preamp and another. The GCPH is a fine phono, but I suspect you'll better appreciate the JC-3 when it's run with the JC-2. Others with direct experience will obviously know best.
Vhiner: Really appreciate your comments. I read Paul McGowan's recent posts about adding an Aesthetix preamp to the mix and how much he (as you said) went from the direct to amp to "preamp is better" camp. This is what really got me going and thinking about this.....
I am trying to decide whether to first upgrade the phono preamp from the PS Audio GCPH to the Parasound JC-3 or add a separate line stage preamp like the JC-2. I am lending to both being Parasound JC's because of your comments above about using same as amp manufacturer and them both being a great "bang for the buck". Would love to look a tubes, but I like the value of the Parasound too.
Any thoughts on which one to buy first? thanks for your interest and help,
I'm gonna go way, way out here on a limb and bet you five bucks that adding a preamplifier like the JC-3 will utterly surprise you. I have used the "preamp" portion of a number of very high quality DACs and I don't think there's one made that stacks up to a high quality seperate preamp.
I don't know if you're aware that Paul McGowan is a recent convert to the "preamplifier is better" camp. And given his years of touting "direct to amp" DACs, a considerable amount of crow was served. Of course, Paul's a true gentleman and conceded the point.
I'm a big fan of matching an amp with a preamp by the same manufacturer, but I'd suggest trying a tube preamplifier if you get the chance to compare. Those JC-1's are amazing and a good preamp will being out their best, IMHO.
Thanks for the comments and suggestion.... The speakers are placed for both aesthetics and WAF, but I have and will again experiment in moving them a bit.
I am using a PS Audio GCPH, but am looking to upgrade someday to the Parasound JC-3 or equivalent. I'm also curious if it would make any sense to add a separate preamp vs. using the one in the Audio Aero Prestige.
Looks fantastic. I agree that you might consider widening the space between speakers, but you probably have them arranged that way for aesthetics or WAF. Looks like a lot of thought went into the assembly of the components. Nice work.
