Recently updated my budget-minded system. While I could spend more $$, I like the idea of tweaking budget components and making little improvements here and there to get the most out of a system. I'm finally pleased with the sound. Upgraded my original Wharfedale Evo 8 bookshelf speakers with a pair of Silverline Audio Minuets. Tiny tiny speakers, but amazing soundstage, surprising bass, and wonderfully detailed, natural sound even at low volumes. Additionally replaced my NAD 320BEE and Adcom amp/preamp setup with a used Exposure Super XV integrated amp. Nothing special to look at, but the amp has amazing detail, soundstage and gives the music real energy. I will keep this special amp for some time until I decide to add some tube warmth to the system.
My office/listening room is having doors attached, so that should make my listening space more confined and hopefully improve the sound of my small system. I'd like to make some further acoustic treatments to the room, since the room is rather narrow and the sound seems to reflect quite significantly. Not sure where to start however.
Suggestions for improvements and comments on my setup are always appreciated and requested.
Just replaced my wharfedale Evo8 bookshelves with these gems. The sound is incredible despite their size. Perfect for a small/medium sized listening room.
An old classic. 55wpc, integrated SS amp. Detailed sound, excellent soundstage, and gives excitement to the music. http://sites.thestar.com.my/audio/story.asp?file=/1996/8/01expoxv
Arcam CD73
Superb entry-mid level CD player. Significant upgrade from my original NAD 521i. Review at: http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/cd-players-and-recorders/arcam-diva-cd73-95159/review
Music Hall MMF 2.2
Good entry-level turntable. Will eventually upgrade the cartridge from the stock music hall tracker, and upgrade to an acrylic platter. Review: http://www.avguide.com/review/tested-affordable-turntables-music-hall-pro-ject-rega-nottingham
Cambridge Audio Azur 640P
Superb phono preamp. Great value. Added a level of clarity and musicality to the MMF 2.2. Review: http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2005/cambridge_640p.shtml
Pro-Ject The Speed Box II
The first upgrade to my Music Hall MMF 2.2. Good improvement in clarity. Review: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue31/speedbox.htm
Audio Art IC-3
Great affordable well-reviewed interconnects. Review: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/audioart_cables.htm
Audio Art SC-5 (bi-wire)
Again, great affordable, clear speaker cable. Bi-wired to the Wharfedale speakers. Review: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/audioart_cables.htm
PS Audio Duet AC filter
Incredible improvement in noise reduction and depth/clarity of my system. Review: http://www.stereotimes.com/acc072707.shtml
Vibrapods Pods and Cones
Superb affordable isolation devices. Have pods on all components, including speakers. Use cones on CD player. Review: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/vibrapod/cones.html
Sound Improvement Disc SID
CD Mat. It just works. Review: http://www.highend-electronics.com/img/cdmats.pdf
Signal Cable MagicPower AC Power Cord
Power cable for my Arcam CD73. Noticed slightly lower background noise, and clearer midrange. Review: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue6/signalcable.htm
Herbie's Audio Lab Way Excellent II Turntable Mat
Great inexpensive tweak for my MMF2.2. Lower noise, great at reducing static, greater separation of sounds.
System edited: Removed the Adcom GTP-500 Preamp. Did not need the phono stage any longer, and grew tired of the background noise and the harshness. The NAD integrated may not be the end-all of resolution and musicality, but it's pleasant and not-fatiguing to listen to and pairs well.
Thanks Sunshdw! Congrats on your system as well - it looks great. I'd like to work on room acoustics next actually. The hardwood floor and close walls cause a great deal of reflection. I think I can get my wife to agree to putting a rug into the office...
I'm glad to see someone else on the same page as I am. I, too could spend a ton more money on my system but I the ability to impress people with how good my system sounds and spent very little. Bravo!!!!
