I wanted a system that would do justice to my extensive collection of lp's and cd's. I was also interested in experimenting with vacuum tubes and planar speakers. I started with a very basic system that I bought used on eBay and gradually upgraded a piece at a time.
Interconnects are a combination of Audio Research Litzlinks and Audioquest.
I recently upgraded the Phono preamp to an Audio Research Reference Phono preamp. Absolutely amazing piece of gear. Next up I will be replacing the ARC CD 2 with a Linn Unidisc 1.1. After that , it's the ARC LS 25 Mk II with the new ARC Reference 3. Probably pause for a while. Except of course for a plasma tv to complement the Unidisc. :o)
System edited: I upgraded my trusty Linn LP12 with the Keel, the EKOS SE, the Akiva cartridge, and the Cirkus II. What an amazing transformation! Not only did this solve my gain issues, it added tons of low level resolution, it lowered the noise floor, and it added significantly to the 3 dimensionality of the soundstage. It wasn't cheap, though.
System edited: The ARC Ref 110 is an amazing power amplifier. The resolution of low level detail and neutral tonal balance must be experienced to be believed.
System edited: Upgraded from Audio Research CD 3 to Audio Research Reference CD-7. HUGE improvement. Especially when paired with Reference 3 Preamp. Next upgrade will be to swap out ARC VT200 for ARC Refence 110. Still trying to decide whether I want to keep the Maggies or to go for the new Quad 2905's.
I haven't had a chance to audition the Nordst Red Dawn speaker cables. I hope you are as happy with the CD2 as I was with mine. It was the CD player of choice in my system for the last 4 years, prior to upgrading to the CD3.
Nice system. I just purchased an AR CD2 in mint condition....I didn't quite have the extra money right now to get an AR CD3, but stepping up from my Rotel RCD950 cd player from law school days, it should be a quantum leap forward in my system.
Otherwise I have a Krell-KAV 400xi integrated amp, B&W DM603, and assorted other equipment, Sony Cd burner, tape deck etc.
I see you have a lot of AR stuff, I was thinking of upgrading to Nordst Red Dawn speaker cables. Any insights or advice? Haven't recieved my CD2 yet, I can't wait to plug it in.
System edited: With the Audio Research VT 200, I finally have everything just where I want it. Except perhaps for a good universal CD/DVD-A/SACD player.
Even at the 2 0'clock position on the preamp volume you could easily be driving your amp into clipping, so I'm afraid I don't understand your point about not going to a more powerful amp. Nice system though!
I have a rooftop antenna for FM and TV. (Rat Shack special) The wires run outside, not in wall. I am very pleased with the mating of the REL to the Maggies.
Good setup. What kind of antenna setup do you have for that great tuner? Do you run an in-wall cable to the roof? Also, are you pleased with the mating of the Rel with the Maggies?
