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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
