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!
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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.

Comments 3

Showing all comments by ethanh.

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Old Toyotas, huh? I remember borrowing my uncle's 80's Celica one month in highschool and being surprised at what a cultish following those things have. Everyone knows how the 90's Supras were the big thing for a while, but seeing such interest in the boxy 80's thangs was quite an eye opener! A good hobby in any case, and I think having an interest in the quirkier models is actually more fun; my girlfriend still laughs when she catches me admiring an old Saab 9000 Aero or VW Corrado!

As far as amps go, there are actually quite a few nice ones out there. A Jolida 202 or 102 would probably be alot of fun and perfect for a bedroom system. The Jolida hybrids get alot of good press too, so I wouldn't rule out the tiny 1301 either. Nicer ones that can be found under $1000 are Primaluna and Cayin, but for a budget bedroom setup I think one of the smaller Jolidas would be a blast.

ethanh

Welcome to Audiogon and glad to see you're having fun with the hobby. Your principles seem pretty sound to me, and you're very fortunate to have found a set of speakers you enjoy. I have a Yamaha M-60 poweramp that got me started in "hifi" (more like mid-fi where I'm at) and those older Yammy's definitely provide an enormous bang for the buck. Given your music tastes, I'd say that if you ever feel like trying something new and come across a good deal on a tube preamp or integrated you should consider jumping on it; I think you'd be amazed what decent vacuum tube gear can do in the "you are there" department.
Enjoy!

ethanh