At the age of 22, I have caught the audio bug. So here I am with my first attempt at so called Hi-Fidelity. As a medical student with limited time and resources, putting together a "high end" system is rather challenging. Rather than going with lower end current components that I could afford, I decided to pick up older pieces that were once considered "All stars" but have since become quite affortable due to age. Most of my components were picked up on E-Bay or here at Audiogon. As an introduction to hopefully a life long passion,it has been quite fun so far putting together my system.
When I first started my quest, I decided to create a system with split duties between home theater and music. At the time, I wasn't as interested in music as I am today. So I picked up a Marantz receiver (SR7200), Denon DVD player (DVD 900) and some Wharfedale speakers (Emerald 97 MKIV). The sound I got from this setup was okay at best. Imaging with the wharfedales was pretty good but the dynamic range and clarity of the music were pretty poor. I felt that the music was muffled comming out of the speakers, especially the trebble and upper-midrange frequencies. Watching movies with my system was fine, but listening to music wasn't as involving as I wanted it to be. I decided I needed to upgrade and move away from HT.
After looking around and timely bidding on Ebay, I have assembled my current system.
What I noticed immediately with my setup compared to my HT/Music rig was the expansion of the sound stage and significantly improved imaging. Low level details and vocal elements that were once muffled by the crammed sound stage are now audible and discernable in space. The dynamic range expanded as well, with the highs being better defined without being harsh.
I must say the two biggest sonic improvements were made when I picked up the KEF 103/4 speakers and the polyfusion 800 DAC. With the KEF's, the gains in imaging and sound staging were realized while the polyfusion provided improved low level details and created a very musical and warmer sound.
With each new component or upgrade, I am able to hear new things in the recording that I couldn't hear in the past. I am looking forward to upgrading my system and taking it to newer levels of sonic excellence.
I will post pictues or my system in the near future. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions. Let us all enjoy the magic of good music...
Great job, the old Kef's are great speakers and I'm sure still hold their own even today. The Kef and Snell speaker line of that day were two of my favorites.
