System edited: Everyone knows real men use tubes. The wife would like the beemer, but really what is more important; her happiness or an upgraded subwoofer? I think the answer is clear.

mdomnick December 17, 2005 19:03

System edited: pics added

mdomnick December 16, 2005 18:47

Vlad,

I keep meaning to update this system with better comments and pics, but have never gotten around to it. I would agree I need a better transport, but I am lazy and really like a 5 disc changer and unfortunatly there aren't many 'good' ones out there. The only one I know still in production is Mcintosh which is a bit out of my price range at the moment. I recently upgraded to the Europa Max speaker and although they are not broken in yet, I find them a nice upgrade from the Europas. The mids are not as sweet as I've heard from a pair of Paradigm Studio 100s v.1, but the trade off in clarity, and depth is well worth it. The Rel is my first sub, so I cannot compare to other pieces, but given I bought the lower end model of the ST series, I am very happy with it. I specifically like the way it connects right off my amp (I am using a custom cable with the neutrix connection) and the bass disappears into the music, not calling attention to the sub. One would never know I'm using a sub in a blind fold test.

In short, this system plays very clear and gets loud. The imaging left/right is awesome and the depth is equally impressive. I am curious if a better amp would bring back some of the sweet mid range and I've been told a sub higher up in Rel's line would make a big difference (might help in the lower-mid range section?), but can honestly say as of right now I am very happy and have no plans to make any changes...but as this hobby is an addiction for me, I imagine I will try a new amp or sub in the future but can only guess if the extra money I spend will be worth it. In the mean time I will try different tubes, but again, with the way it all sounds, I have no desire to change anything.

Thanks for the post.

mdomnick November 30, 2005 20:06

System edited: Just makin some tweaks here and there and trying new ICs to see what I can see. Also learning about room design and custom acoustic treatments.

mdomnick May 17, 2005 22:15

System edited: Need to get some power cords in the future. Am happy for now

mdomnick January 21, 2004 18:22

System edited: Waiting on delivery of my Europas. Hope they live up to their rep

mdomnick October 18, 2003 22:47

I have a preamp and amp with regulated power supplies, so have them directly into the 2000, as well as the 5100 being fed off the 2000. I have my tv, cdp, dac, dip and dvd in the 5100. I am running all this off a dedicated 20 amp line and feel the addition of the 2000 has improved some of the extreme frequencies; tighter bass which seems to 'last longer' if that makes any sense. Not sure I picked up on any major differences in the highs, but to be honest, I have not done extensive listening tests since the addition of the 2000. I will be moving soon and not sure what my new place will have in store for me in terms of power quality, so I'm glad I put money into keep my AC stable and clean.

Let me know what you find with your gear. If you do not have enough outlets between the 5100 and 2000 (you must have lots of gear) try an 'audiophile' power strip. Be careful not to overload the 2000.

Matt

mdomnick March 25, 2003 22:08

Im thinking under $2K. I am leaning towards the Sony XA 777ES, but would also like the convience of a changer, and HDCD, but if what I read about the Sony is true, it may be the way to go. A SF DAC with a changer is my second place thought, but have no idea what changer I would buy.

mdomnick December 04, 2002 22:38

Thanks Jo, Ill check it out.

mdomnick November 23, 2002 20:05