Here is my basic system that I have been working on for quite some time now. My goal was to maximize my two channel experience for at a minimal cost in my dorm room here at the University of Pennsylvania. The Panasonic digital amplifier has treated me well, and allowed me to achieve my objective of using the computer as a transport. Prior to the Panny I had a Jolida 1501RC, which didn't stay in my system very long (don't think my ears have matured to the tube sound quite yet).
I am very open to suggestions as to improving the sound of my system. I listen to a wide variety of music, with my favorites being Coldplay, Clapton, Stevie Wonder, 311, and Ray Charles. I was considering giving a set of Klipsch RB-75s a chance, as their efficiency would work well with this low powered amp. Upgrades anywhere would be considered, however.
Again, this is just a start, and is nothing compared to what I have seen here on Audiogon for the past few months, but it will have to do for now. Any help would be greatly appreciated, with the goal of maximizing the value of each additional purchase. Thannks for checking it out.
Fully Digital Amplifier w/ 100 watts per channel. Impressive little piece of equipment after a thorough break-in. Replaced my Jolida 1501RC.
Paradigm Studio 40 v2
I have always loved these speakers, and the have always sounded great to my ears. I would love to give some of the bigger Paradigms a try and see how they are.
DH Labs Q-10 Biwire
These made a big difference in my system. I don't have the best ear...but I could certainly tell the improvement in bass when adding these cables.
Sony DVP-NS775V
Basic Sony DVD player that I use for movies and listening to a CD every once in a while. For the most part, my computer is used as the transport.
Monster HTS-1000
Just a basic AC filter. Since I am in a dorm, my whole room is on one circuit, so every time the fridge clicks on or off, the amp would pop. This cleaned it right up.
While I don't own a pair of Studio 40's, I have auditioned them against the Studio 100's and I must say that: "There Ain't that much difference in the sound!" You've got 95% of what the 100's produce and that's a ton of wonderful sound. You made a great choice. If you want 2 of the biggest tweaks you can do for the money, get some silver contact enhancer for $60-$149 and apply it to every connection you have: plugs, interconnects, speaker wire, etc. You won't believe the difference for the money. Also get some STILLPOINTS ERS paper for $20 per sheet and paste it to the underside of your cd/dvd player's lid to absorb electronic "noise". Then you'll have wrung out every last drop of sound from your speakers!
The Panasonic amplifier sounds best when fed a digital signal, as it is able to amplify the signal directly without any D/A or A/D conversions. Adding a nicer disc player would add two conversions to the process: the digital to analog conversion in the player, then the analog to digital conversion in the Panasonic.
Bpfunk,
If you want to maximize your current investment, consider having the Panasonic SA-XR70 modified by The Bolder Cable Company. I replaced a Rogue 99 Magnum pre and Musical Fidelity A3.2cr power amplifier with a Bolder Cable modified Panasonic SA-XR45. The Panny embarrassed separates in virtually every area of critical listening.
Nice to see a fellow Penn Quaker enjoying the music. I arrived there with my Bose 301's, Onkyo TT, JVC receiver and set everything up in my Quad dorm room (Coxe). Thought I had the whole audio thing figured out, but then ended up rooming with an EE buddy/jazz trumpet player who was already onto Rogers LS3/5A, Nikko amp and pre, Rega P3, Janis subwoofer. Those were the days. And let's just say he's cost me some money over the years, thanks to listening to that system!
If finances permit, keep your eye open for a Rega Planet CD (original, or even better, the Planet 2000) player; used models are a good buy and will definitely upgrade your CD experience.
