A very entry-level setup, currently performing double duty as a stereo and a home theater. It has been a long-time dream to build a respectable stereo-system, and now the dream is starting to become a reality!
The biggest changes this year has been addition of the B&W 685 and the most recent purchase of the CA 840C and 840A V2. These changes are a dramatic step-up from the previous components, a pair of Bose 204 IV and a Kenwood 5 Disc-changer.
The Mapleshade tweaks have also been great enhancements; improvements are amazing! Lesson learned: Don't need to spend $$$ to get good sound!
Not a unit to be taken lightly. A serious performer with great dynamics and wide presence. Currently residing on the bottom shelf of the home-made maple rack, resting on Mapleshade Triple-point Heavy Feet and the 2in Finished Maple Platform. Directly connected, via Mapleshade Clearview Analog Ribbons, to the 840c. Music have never been this sweet. My benchmark album, Sympatique by Pink Martini, is simply stunning; I have owned this album for over 10-years, and simply, wow..., what a improvement. In addition to the 840c, this is connected to the Denon 2802, via preamp-out, as a fixed-gain (-16db) amplifier for the home theater. Fantasia 2000 is beautiful. Special thanks to Peter from Turntable-Treasures in Tacoma, WA. If you are in the area, look him up, and always remember to support your local, small business.
Mapleshade Records Finished Maple Platform (18x15x2)
This platform, coupled with the included Isoblocks. I own a pair of these, one for the 840A and another for the 840C. Beautifully made, and the sound: Warmer mids, deeper bass, wider sounds... the list continues.
Mapleshade Records Triple Points (brass footers)
What a difference in sound! Two sets, three each, are used under the 840A and 840C. The balance and delicacy of recordings have been dramatically improved! I will be ordering three more sets, next year, for the Denon, Sony Blu-Ray, and the Monster Power Conditioner.
Mapleshade Records Clearview Analog Ribbon (1m pair)
A very odd-looking pair of cables. A very recent purchase. Seems very fragile, yet results in great sound.
Sonus Basic Foundations III
18" speaker stands. The platform may be a bit small for the B&W, but it works.
homemade Wire-lifts
A set of eight wire-lifts, to lift the speaker cables off the carpet. $5.00 for parts (1/4
Custom Made Maple Stand
Home-made, maple rack. Main components are: a) maple from Home Depot b) 5/8-in steel uprights The maples were laminated, using Gorilla Glue and lots-and-lots of clamps. Then sanded, using 100 grid, 150 grid, wet-sand with 150-grid, then finished with 220 grid. Finished with four coats of hand-laid lacquer. End result: Beautiful and fantastic. Great improvement in overall sound, from the center channel to improved overall quality. Better performance and tone from the Blu-ray.
Cambridge Audio Azur 840 W
Class XD Stereo Power Amplifier (200 watt @8 ohms, 350 watt @4 ohms)
I recommended the 685s to THREE friends of mine, both just starting out with their systems. Two are using an NAD integrated, and one is using a Marantz integrated. You probably don't even need a sub with them. I didn't see a sub in your system, so I assume you reached the same conclusion regarding their bass output...
