Final System Update - In 2018 the Oppo BDP-83 was replaced with a BDP-94. Due to the excellent onboard DAC in the new OPPO, I was able to eliminate the Bel Canto DAC-3. I also added an Adcom GFP-750 to give the signal to the Marchand and S-300s a bit more punch and control. And...that's the end of the big, dedicated 2-channel system for us. We're moving to a smaller place without a listening room area. So, as Steely Dan says, everything must go.
System Update, Version 3.0 - 2010 was a good year for my system with the acquisition of a new home with dedicated 2 channel listening room. Gone are the CAL CL-25 (sob), the Bel Canto Pre1, the Musical Fidelity V-DAC and the Roku Soundbridge.
I was able to complete my vision of tri-amplifying the Apogees. I added a third pair of channels on the Marchand crossover - crossover frequencies are 70hz and 700hz - and a third Bel Canto S300. I also moved into the world of hi-rez music downloads - playback is accomplished by either burning DVD-A discs from 24/xx FLAC files or accessing them directly off the network with the Squeezebox Duet.
On the front end, the Roku was replaced by a Squeezebox, and an Oppo BDP-83 replacing the CL-25. Both of these replacements are due to the desire to play higher resolution source material. The CL-25 would not play homemade DVD-A's and the Roku does not stream FLAC files. These sources feed the DAC-3 which has replaced both the Pre1 and the V-DAC, greatly simplifying the signal path. The DAC-3 will handle up to 24/192 data feed.
Overall system definition, range and sound stage are each vastly improved. Individual instruments are now easy to place and I'm hearing details not previously heard. Next up is some room improvements with replacement of the wall-to-wall carpet with hardwood and rugs first on the list.
Old System, Version 2.5 - A simple system assembled from quality used equipment. In this case, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. The key to the system is the use of an active crossover and the wonderfully quick and transparent Apogees. The Marchand crossover is set at 80hz between the panel and the sub/stand. I found the CL-25, Marchand, the Bel Canto pieces, Apogees and MITs on Audiogon.
The Apogees were an upgrade from my original (bought new in '86) ADS L1290's (not for sale).
The Bel Canto equipment is my latest passion - I love this stuff and the BC staff is accessible and responsive.
Recent changes include replacing the CAL Icon II with the later CL-25 CD/DVD player and addition of the Roku Soundbridge feeding a Musical Fidelity V-DAC.
The next upgrade will be a larger dedicated listening environment and a TacT preamp/crossover/RCS.
System edited: Swapped-out the CAL Icon II for the later CAL CL-25 with HDCD and 24/96 DVD-A capability. Also replaced the Apple Airport with a Roku Soundbridge wireless digital music server feeding a Musical Fidelity V-DAC.
