Chaoticmass' System | Virtual Listening Room

Mostly 2ch but also DVDs

Quite enough for an apt dweller.

Bi-wire for now, bi-amp planned...

m290is without grill.

Description

I want to briefly go over my hi-fi evolution before I talk about this system. I used to be one of those people for which audio was simple: louder + more bass = better. A system was evaluated for quality based on how loud it went without distortion and how much bass it had. Accuracy, faithfulness to the recording? Imaging, soundstage? Whats that?? Thats how I USED to think.

Slowly, while working at a place that sold used equipment on ebay, I started to learn more about hi-fi. Eventually I started to hear more stuff and became aware that there is a lot more to hear, and more to enjoy, in stereo than I ever knew.

I came across a used pair of Mirage m290is speakers and ended up buying a pair. Compared to the BestBuy speakers I had, listening to these were like pulling the veil off from over my eyes. From then on, I was hooked. I had just a taste of what there was to enjoy. I had no idea before what I was missing.

I'm still just on the very beginning of my journey, but I feel I am doing well so far and have put together a system I really enjoy. Everyone I know, even people who thought the way I used to about audio, all enjoy this system. Some find it quite eye opening as they didn't know recorded music could sound so good. I know I have done well when people who ordinarily wouldn't care to sit and listen to a whole CD in one sitting find themselves stuck infront of this system, not wanting to stop listening!

I have let a few of my own basic principals guide me in building this system.

1) The speakers make the biggest difference

2) Old does not mean bad

3) Select items that will be a good match for each other

4) Listen, then decide

My favorite music to listen to is Live Acoustic, Clapton, Harold Budd (Ambient Instrumental), Jazz, and Classical.

I'd be interested to have your input and opinions!

Components Toggle details

- Pioneer PD-101
Another oldy but goody. Connected to the Yamaha DSP-E492's external preamp inputs so when in use it goes directly to the power amp with no processing.
- Sharp SD-SH111
Once upon a time this all in one receiver was the heart of my system, but now it is only used as a DVD player. Someday it'll be used as a small system in the bedroom when I get a better DVD player to replace it.
- Yamaha MX-460
Having heard many Yamaha power amps lately I picked this one. Plenty of good clean power and a good fit for this system. Wouldn't mind finding another one for bi-amping.
- Yamaha DDP-1
A seperate AC3 decoder fits with the Yamaha DSP-E492's 6 channel inputs to allow DVD surround listening.
- Yamaha DSP-E492
Nice and simple: Switches inputs, powers my center and rears, and sends the front right/left signals to my power amp. Since 2 channel listening is most important for my system I wanted a receiver that would allow for surround sound while still letting my use my power amp for the front mains. This was a perfect fit.
- Sony CDP-CX250
For convenient and casual listening you cant get much better than this. Currently only have it loaded with 68 CDs. I can play music all day without manually changing discs, and it's also good for entertaining during parties.
- Mirage OM-9
I love these speakers. I cant say any more than that!
- Mirage 290is
Used to be my front mains until I got my OM-9s. Now I feel guilty having put these on rear surround duty. If I ever put together a small bedroom system I'll use these for mains. It really is a damn shame to use these musical speakers for rears!
- Yamaha NS-AC142
Center channel. Not the best match for the Mirage OM-9s but fair enough until I can find a OM-C2 center.

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Thanks for responding. I've been enjoying this hobby so far an I think I've hit a nice level where I am satisfied for a while. I have to fit this hobby in with my other hobbies. Besides audio I'm also a bit of a gear head and am building two different cars for road racing and autocross (yay old Z's and toyotas). I'm glad I don't have any audiophile friends with better systems otherwise I might feel a stronger need to upgrade-- though browsing this site doesn't help with that :)

I've had the opportunity to listen to some tube amps at work and really liked the difference in sound. There was a Jolida 502 amp with upgraded tubes I could have bought for around $450 that I kind of wish I had snagged. I may get a smaller tube amp and setup a second system in my bedroom.

I could use my m290is speakers for that system since they really are wasted right now doing rear surround duty on my main system. They're pretty sensitive at 90db. For a while I had them hooked to that Sharp 1-bit amp/receiver. The Sharp is 25wpc at 4 ohms, so at 8ohms it's probably only 15-20wpc. Even with that low power the Mirage m290is's sounded pretty good.

I'm keeping my eye out for a good tube amp with maybe 25-50wpc. Any suggestions?

chaoticmass March 06, 2007 05:04