Edited to replace Arcam cd player with Cambridge Audio. I made that switch 5 or 6 years ago, but never got around to updating this page. The reason for making the switch is that an Arcam dealer in Hawaii lost my player after I took it in for repairs! So, they gave me the Cambridge as a replacement.
System edited: Had to ditch my analog toys when I move to Hawaii. Total bummer, but I did not trust the moving company, even with my supervision, to get things here in one piece. I might add analog back in if I can find a reputable dealer or individual. But, trading up from Chicago to Hawaii is not a bad deal!
Thanks! I love it. My only complaint, if I can call it that, is the way the Cabasse reproduce the highest octaves on piano. I've swapped out various components, and cables, so it is the speakers. They're just a tad too shaded, but that's a minor thing. I'm going to post something over on your system in a second...
Mitch2... well, that's quite a set of great questions you have! I'll do my best. Yes, there is more clarity with Gregg's cables and have more depth than with the AZ.
My system tends to be a very tad shaded, which is why I initially went to silver. I thought it would brighten things up a bit; however, I find Gregg's to be superior. I have a pianist friend who knows very little about audio. I switched cables back and forth over the course of a few days and she instantly said that the piano reproduction was more realistic with Gregg's. I realize that so much goes into reproduction that it's nigh on impossible to attribute "realism" to a single component. Oh, yes, the midrange... the fine midrange is, in my view, an attribute of the Cabasse as much as anything else. Sure, the right cables help, but the Farellas are nice!
Gregg is a local (Chicago area) guy who makes DIY cables. I don't have his email address handy, but I think it is [email protected]. I'll repost later if I find that I'm mistaken. No website... he does this on his own and is not in it for the big bucks!
Yikes...never responded to you, Katzs02! Sorry! The AZ were a little too dark and muted for my taste. Gregg Straley's DIY cables breathed new life and clarity into the system.
System edited: Took out some things (AZ Matrix Ref. II interconnects) and added some of Gregg Straley's ICs and speaker cables. Noticeable improvement in clarity! More snap.
I like the Arcam a lot. It's hard to pinpoint precisely what I like about it, but compared to the NAD players I've had in the past, the Arcam is more open. It has a bigger soundstage, more clear bass, and fine mids. Also, this Arcam has HDCD playback capabilities. That said, the NAD 541i is also a very good CDP, but the Cambridge Audio I listened to in a friend's system was damn nice! However, I have not listed to the CA player in my system, so I really can't say anything definitive. I'm sure you would be very happy with Arcam.
System edited: Just got a pair of AZ Matrix Reference II ICs. Now, need to figure out where they would work best! Who will be left standing when it's all said and done?!
System edited: Just replaced the Goldring Excel VX (medium-output) with a Linn Arkiv (low-output) MC cartridge. This is a huge improvement! Much improved sound stage, greater detail, more authoritative bass. This cartridge is much more alive than the Goldring.
System edited: Sold the EAR 834P phono stage and have added Synergistic Research silver speaker cables. The speaker cable is temporary until my AudioQuest Argents arrive. Any suggestions on power cords?
