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.
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.
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.
