This is my first mid-fi system. I am in college and can only make upgrades during semesters when I am a co-op, so the system is not constantly changing as some people seem to do. So far I have been very happy with its performance, although lately have felt it drying out. At first I was convinced I had picked the best components in the world, but as time goes by my ears adjust to the sound of tubes and I am beginning to hear differences between this and higher quality systems. In time I would like to move to floorstanding speakers. I will definately consider staying within the JM Reynaud line as these speakers seem well suited for my type of music (classical rock, jazz, blues). I am also interested in building a SET system. I would also like to upgrade the cd player, but am not sure if I want to invest in a DAC/transport or not. Lucky for me, I have plenty of time to listen and learn before I will be able to afford the next step. Please post any comments, I would love to know what anyone suggests I do to better my system. Thanks, -Todd
This is my first tube amp (besides quitar amps). I really enjoy it. It is a 30 WPC push-pull, a few years old. Like the CDP, I would really like to build some nice cables for this amp, but that isn't going to happen for a little while. Until then this is a very nice unit for what I paid for it.
Cambridge Audio D-500
This is actually the SE version of the D-500, for what it's worth. I like this unit but it will definately be the first thing to go when I get the money. I'd like to try out a Rega Planet or maybe a tubed Jolida CDP in here. I also could really use a decent power cord, but that's not in the cards right now.
DH Labs BL-1
I can't say I've tried a whole lot of different cables. These were my first non-generic cables, but they seem to be pretty dynamic and clean. I'd like to try some others but it's not very high up my list of priorities. Power cables will be replaced first.
Jean Marie Reynaud Twin MKII
As you can see from the photo, this is not exactly the ideal set up. I needed speakers that could actually sit on a bookshelf, so not having a rear port was important. I also use this room for sleeping, studying, reading, ect, so I can't really have a 'listening position.' These speakers image very very well, with excellent mid and high range, especially at higher volumes. Bass is what you would expect from a transmission line speaker of this size, it is present and powerful, but needs a subwoofer to be more enjoyable.
DH-Labs T-14 (6-meter pair)
As with the interconnects, I have not really dabbled much with different cabling here. I will probably keep these cables until I upgrade the speakers to floorstanders.
System edited: I moved my stereo into the other room, muuuuuch better bass extension and imaging. I guess I should have done this months ago, it really sounds great. The only thing is I share that back wall with another apartment so we'll see how long this lasts. -Todd
I sent you an email earlier, don't know if you got it. If you're ever up for going to Roanoke let me know. I've been to uptown, would love to see more of that area. Drop me an email to [email protected] sometime. -Todd
im 45 and been playing off and on since i was 15,im not the most talented player around but i have a lot of fun,esp. when i can find other people to jam with,i have a ball with my boss br 8 dig. recorder which stopped working recently,,i had a fender deluxe amp a few yrs back,great sounding amp!i have a epiphone {dot} 335,and a marshall dsl 401 tube amp ,if i could stop buying audio gear for a while id like to get a larivee acoustic guitar,love how they sound!the banjo is a beautiful sounding instument,esp like what bluegrass cats can do with a banjo,, peace
Hey Todd, I am actually a grad student in the MBA program at Radford right now. I graduated from Tech in December of 02 and still live in the Burg. I often go up to Roanoke to visit the few hifi shops in the area. If you are ever interested in going let me know.
Hello again Ray, I do play a little guitar, but not nearly as much as I used to. I actually just sold off the first of my guitar equipment last week (Fender Blues Deluxe) to put back into my stereo and maybe a banjo. How about yourself?
Nice set up considering budget and space. I too am a college student who has worked through various space constraints. I have heard your amp and have your same cd-player and think both offer a great value for money. I know this has been touched on, but you seriously need to put those speakers in a more ideal place so that you can get the most out of them. By the way, you dont happen to go to tech do you? Saw the pic in the background.
hi Todd,i can relate when it comes to not having much of a choice as to where you can set up your stuff,sounds like your enjoying music,and thats what its all about,Herbies tube dampers helped on my preamp,very inexpensive tweak,
I know the amp looks at risk, but that's the safest place I have for it. Besides a little dust it's still in brand new condition. I'm working on getting another desk so I can put the stereo on a seperate stand. I'm not sure I understand the second comment. How could the amp not be plugged into the same circuit as the power cord? I think I'm misreading your comment. The amp is plugged into the same outlet as the cd player, but I don't have much choice considering the room layout. I am currently using electro-harmonix for the 12AU7's and Svetlana's for the EL34's. I actually do have a few other sets of tubes but this set up seems to be the best for me so far.
1-get the amp off your desk! Keep it safe. 2-If the amp is plugged into the same circuit as the PC, get a line conditioner. Even a cheap one will help. 3-What tubes are you using. Changing tubes can do wonders. That's how ASL & Jolida save a few bucks (cheap chinese and russian tubes).
Ray, The system actually sounds pretty decent given the placement of the speakers. I think the twins are a lot more forgiving of placement than other monitors. I do plan on moving the speakers as soon as I can find a decent arrangment. I'll post some photos once I figure it out.
I second Viggens response on the speaker placement...another Member that I know...Gunbei...made some of the Chris Ven Heus PC's and was happy with the results for the $'s spent...I trust his opinions highly as he is kind of my stereo mentor.
I personally am very happy with my homemade powercord which is made of 47 Labs' OTA wire and Furutech connectors but perhaps because it has very good synergy with my amp which is made by the same manufacturer. You might have to do some searching to get some OTA wires second hand. The Furutechs are about 70 bucks a pair. But, they are my favorite connectors. I get them from Audionut.com.
I've heard very good things about Chris Van Heus (VH Audio) power cables too. Will probably do a shoot out between the two in a week or so.
I guess I should have noted the silly positioning. I have tried a few other ways, but I am VERY limited to where they can go. I'm in the process of getting rid of that huge desk and getting some stands, but school is in full swing again so it will be a while. I had the system in another room set on top of large floorstanding speakers for a while, but I acquired a cat so the stereo made it to my bedroom. It sounded much nicer there with sturdy ear height 'stands.'
Do you have any suggestions for diy powercords? I have a feeling that would make a huge difference in the sound. Thanks for the input, -Todd
Recent college grad and fellow JMR Twin II owner here. It probably goes without saying that you're not getting the frequency response or soundstage with the way you currently have your speakers set up. I don't know if you have space limitations, or you just haven't experimented with different speaker positions, but if it is the latter, do try to place the speaker in a more "stereo" like manner. What I mean is have the set up more symmetrical and sitting on equally solid base on both sides. Having the speakers equidistant from your listening position will help too. Also, it is ideal to have the woofer to be at your ear's height.
Also, I think I experienced a bit of that dryness with the Twins too but only when two things were going on (or not going on) in my system. First, when I had inferior powercords going to my amp. Second, when I was using a lesser transport. Not saying that you should get new powercords and transport but just trying to say that dryness can result with the Twins if some part of your system is not as well cared for.
