Tubed College System

by todd_olson on Budget Minded
repositioned stereo

Description

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
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Components Toggle details

    • Antique Sound Labs AQ-1003DT
    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.

Comments 19

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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.

Ryan

hokiehi0

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 don’t happen to go to tech do you? Saw the pic in the background.

hokiehi0

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