Not a rich mans system but I feel I've got some of the better bang-for-the-buck components out there (in their price ranges). I am very happy with this system and don't feel I'll be changing anything for awhile. Unless I suddenly come into alot of money ;)
I have not tried any different power cables simply because I can't afford to try them because they are quite expensive. I haven't read anything where everyone agrees on their effectiveness either. So, I will continue to use the original cables until I can afford to try something else.
As far as speaker cables go, I have only tried the Bettercables stuff because there were so many good reviews and they didn't cost an arm and a leg. I can't say how much difference they make simply because I bought them when I first built the system. I have been using them since the beginning and cannot compare them to anything I used before.
I know alot of high end people like to spend big money on antivibration platforms but I have read in What Hi-Fi that squash balls cut in half make excellent low cost platforms. I cannot confirm that because I just set my Arcam right on the rack with everything else. I don't know that I could tell the difference if I did use them though.
it seems like we have quite similar taste. Strangely enough I'am across tha Atlantic in Gdansk, Poland.
My systems comprises of:
Arcam CD23T Odyssey Stratos stereo with 120um Yamaha RXV 3000 Paradigm Studio 80v2 Paradigm Studio CC Yamaha satellites for effect channels Panasonic DVD RV 60 Cabling from Audioquest (diamond interconnects, and Granite for speakers)
What I wanted to ask you is did you try any power cables that would really make a difference? I will do some tests taking from a friend of mine a new power conditioner and power cables (check Polish website: www.poweraudiolabs.com - still doesn't work in English). If it is interesting for you, just write me an e-mail.
The other thing is did you test some other cabling for speakers or interconnects? What is your opinion on the effect for Paradigms?
What do you think about antivibation platforms for CD?
System edited: Sold the B&K ST1430 II 3 channel amp and the Aragon Soundstage. Purchased a Rotel RSX972 reciever to use as a processor and will be buying a Odyssey Tempest preamp with HT bypass to use as a 2 channel preamp. I realized that HT always sounds pretty much the same using a seperate pre/pro or a reciever. But 2 channel sound does not. Had to sell the pre/pro and 3 channel amp in order to afford a nice 2 channel pre. Will be using the reciever to drive the surrounds and center. Will be using the Stratos and Tempest for 2 channel only listening.
The surrounds definitely sound better. My next move is to sell the Ref20 and get a Aragon Soundstage. The base management and the audiophile quality analog bypass should give me alot better stereo litening.
Joe, ahhh the mighty revel f30's. I was checking those out along the with the odyssey speakers. Read a lot of raves about them and heard they are much better than the mighty 100's. Also check out the JM Labs Electra 926. I heard them and they were fantastic and "only" around $4k. Another is the rbh1266se. I am in the same boat as you cash wise but still lust after them anyway. It took me a couple of months to buy the stratos. Hey, we can dream for now I guess.....worst comes worst there is always a used pair on audiogon hehe.
I hear ya on the Stratos mono idea. I am lusting for a set right now ;) But this stuff is quite expensive and my budget is limited. Getting anything by the wife is VERY difficult as she couldn't care less how much more detailed Depeche Mode sounds.
I may try to save up some cash and sell the Ref20 and purchase a used higher end Pre/pro like the Krell HTS. This way my 2 channel experience will be upgraded and I will still have great HT.
Someday I'd like to get some Revel F30's but sadly that is far down the road.
Joe, If you still watch that many movies but want the whole 2 channel experience, check this product out by odyssey. Call Klause and ask him about the $275(That is not a typo) Passive Preamp he is now selling. He says it is designed specifically to clean up the two channel reproduction within the "confines" of HT. It uses some type of bypass switch loops the signal directly to the pre.He charges an extra $150 for the remote option. That way you can keep the ref20 and still enjoy great 2channel reproduction. Me, I have decided to just start up a seperate ht system. (I am using a jvc micro all in one ht in the bedroom...try not to snicker. it works fine in the apt for now. Yea, the stratos will do it to ya each and every time. The minute I looked at it, I knew I was going to eventually do the monoblock x-treme stratos down the road. If you do decide to go for the tempest get it with the remote option. also, ask klause to put two/three line out connections on the back of the tempest so you can plug the sub as well as maybe two monoblocks hehe.... Heard the stratos/tempest combo with the lorelei speakers at the NYC HT show last year and got hooked. Thanks for the vote of confidence on the 40's. One quick Q though....have you heard any of totem's speakers?? just wondering.I have yet to sample them but heard good things.
Yes, please do let me know if you can tell a difference in the power cords. If you can then I'll probably do the same.
I am also getting into the 2 channel thing. It's evil I tell you! That damn Stratos amp has really sucked me in big time. It is truly a revelation. Now I want to sell all my theater gear and get good stereo stuff...but alas, I watch too many movies to go that road so I'll have to save my pennies ;)
I feel the 40's will be just fine for you. With a sub you will get all the detail you can handle from the 40's and all the bass from the sub. I think the 60's are just 40's in a bigger cabinet anyways ;)
As far as break-in times go...I don't know from experience because I just got mine a month ago used. But I have heard you can expect 100 hours to break it in nicely.
Nice selection of music btw...I dig all that stuff!
If you want to buy a Ref20 I might sell mine...thinking of getting a Tempest...damn that 2 channel bug!
Joe, I agree with you on replacing the NAD. You will love the BK sound. I fondly remember the bk60 watt amp hooked up to my monitor 3v2 fondly. smoooth! Listen, I was thinking exactly the same thing about the 40's and the 60's. The cost of the stands drive the price up and I would rather spend on cash on speakers rather than stands. However, because I am shipping them overseas, it's a hassle. Will "downgrade" for awhile till I can buy some something bigger in a year or so from Bangkok. It is a huge audiophile haven. At that time my 40's will be relegated to strictly HT along with my pw2200. By the way, thanks for the word on the ref20. Will surely look into that when I am finished with this 2 channel bug....(a never ending addiction!)I am also looking at a bk 5 channel for powering the whole thing. Klaus charges $75 for the upgraded power cord. I have heard from another stratos owner that there is an audible difference. He said that it cleans things up a bit.Hey, its a cheap upgrade. Go for it. Another power cord you could check out is at this website: http://venhaus1.com/VH_Audio_Test.html This stuff is supposed to be good. The guy is ordered these and is comparing between the odyssey cable and this cord. He will let me know in awhile is opinion on both cables. This item has also gotten good reviews on this website. The cost for ready-made cabes is less than $100 also. By the way, did your stratos take a long time to break in? I am still in the process of breaking the beast in as I just got it a couple of weeks back. Gotta feed it a regular diet of Rush, Triumph, Phish, and Oysterhead, not forgetting Miles Davis or Chick Corea either. Will keep you posted on the cords though. Also, talk to Klaus and see what he says. FYI-a my roomates boyfriend is canadian and is hooking me up from montreal on the speakers so should get a good deal.
Phizzer I wanted the 80's but just couldn't swing it at the time of purchase. I originally planned on buying 40's but the price of stands and the fact that I have cats that like to jump on things suggested I get the 60's ;)
I really recommend the B&K Ref20. I run the CDP through it's analog input (using the CDP onboard D/A) even though the B&K D/A processors are supposed to be quite good. It is a solid unit that does everything I need. It can be upgraded to Ref30 specs if you need DVD-Audio or any of the fancy shmancy 7.1/DTS-ES/6.1 etc etc.
In fact, I am selling the NAD 5 channel amp (the addition of the Stratos rendered two of the channels on the NAD useless) and getting a B&K 3 channel in its place. It will match my pre/pro nicely in the looks dept.
I run EVERYTHING on my equipment list through the conditioner with no adverse affects thus far.
I am considering a new power cord for the Stratos as well...what kind of benefits do you think it will give? Mine also has the cap upgrade but I have no idea if a $100 power cord will be noticeable.
Joe, BANG FOR THE BUCK! Love your system. Sounds like we share a lot of equipment in common. I've got the stratos amp with studio 80's and the PW-2200. I also have the Tempest pre and monster hts-2600 line conditoner. Presently looking to upgrade cdp with either a jolida jd100 or audio refinement cd complete. Thing is, I just recently decided to move overseas and am downgrading to the studio 40's (in real wood) because I do not want to ship the huge 80's half way cross the world. Just wanted to know how you like the the bk ref 20 as that is the processor I am looking at, should I venture into HT land. Is it clean or what? Had a bk amp previously and it was smooth. You are so right about the amp! it changes everything. Got the cap upgrade and thinking about the upgraded power cord next. By the way, did you plug the amp into the wall or into your line conditioner. Kudos once again on your great system. Phizzer
