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Description

I got the Hi-Fi bug a few years back and purchased the Adcom CD player and B&W Speakers with stands (also MIT IC and SC). I was very pleased with the noticeable sound improvement from my Mid-Fi Polk speakers and Sony CD player. For the past 3-4 years my system has sat and gone mostly unused. I have been using it more and more the past 2-3 months and am now hit by the upgrade bug.

The most obvious starting point is the Yamaha. While decent for HT set-up it doesn't drive the Nautilus' very well (80W at 6ohm). My original plans were to look into an integrated unit. Suggestions were YBA integre, Classe CAP-151, Moon I-5, Plinius 8200 MKII (Perhaps 9200) and a few others. These I listed probably lead the pack. The only ones I have heard are the Moon I-3 and a Plinius 9200 with a Meridian G08, Dynaudio 3.4's and about $4,000+ of Transparent Audio cabling! I fell in love with this rig!

I also listened to some CJ seperates PV10B and PV14L with a MF2250. I enjoyed the improvement in sound stage, more precise imaging and placement of instruments, a warmer sound that unfortunately lost some low end. I also demoed a pair of W-6 monoblocks run thru my Yamaha's pre-Out. While the power was great, the sound was marginally better.

Along this time I also demoed some Analysis plus cabling. Copper Oval In IC's, Oval 9 SC and Oval 10 PC. The most noticeable difference came from the PC into the CDP. Lower floor, crisper highs, deeper lows. The SC and IC were hard to hear much improvement. These combo's were used with the CJ gear, the Moon W-6's and also when trying a Moon I-3 Integrated.

[ RECAP ]

I started looking at a new Amp (likely Integrated) and now sit looking into seperates. Along the way I listened to the Dynaudio 3.4's (as mentioned above) and also some JMlab Electra (906 and 946). What this made me realize is how I am growing out of the B&W sound. By this i mean how loud the 805's need to be played for them to sound right to my ear. I don't think this is an uncommon flaw/issue with the B&W gear in general. When you put some power into them they do sound good - but I am looking to find a speaker that is more balanced along the volume range.

So here I sit now looking at new speakers and new power (either seperates or Integrated) and moving toward floorstanding speakers. My budget is ~$6,000 and could be tweaked up a little if the payoff was BIG.

I typically listen to a range of music from Jazz/Classical to New Age/Electronic with some definite pop/rock in the middle.

Constructive comments are welcomed!

One thing I plan to do immediately is get a dedicated circuit installed.

AMPS I am looking at: Plinius SA-102 and Moon W-5LE

Speakers I am looking at: Dynaudio 3.4, Energy Veritas 2.4i, JMlab Electra 927's (when they arrive).

PreAmps to look at: Maybe the Adcom GFP-750 (was highly reviewed and made Stereophile Class A) or perhaps a Tube pre-amp.

Again - I call on those with experience with these brands for some assistance.

Components Toggle details

- Plinius 9200
Newest addition to replace my Yamaha DSP-A3090 as power for the Front Speakers
- Adcom GCD-750
Stereophile Class B
- B&W Nautilus 805
Dark Cherry
- B&W FS-N805
Black hollow post stands filled with sand
- Velodyne VA-1012
Connected via generic cable (shame on me)
- MIT Terminator 2
1m
- MIT Terminator 4 Bi-Wire
8 foot pait
- Audience Powerchord
6 feet :: for Adcom GCD-750 (Enroute as I type)

Comments 8

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That's a tough price range, maybe price some Cardas neutral reference, that was the line that the golden ref eventually replaced and is still sought after today. I think they can be had at your price point?

It took me a while to get where I am today but you never give up and eventually you get it all. You just have to keep upgrading as you see deals pop up.

It's good if you have an idea of where your going with your system and where you want to be in five years. You may upgrade everything you have three times between now and then but that's OK. Words of advise, get your wife interested in the hobbie :^)

I use to own a lot of Thiel speakers a couple of years ago and used MIT all the way through. I made it as far as the 770 twin line before moving to a lighter cable (physically speaking) After experimenting with Nordost Quatro-fil and Cardas I ended up staying with Cardas "Golden Ref" Which I have to this day.

When I changed speaker lines from Thiel to Aerial Acoustics
the Cardas fit right in.

These day's I'm pretty happy with my rig and spend most of my time fishing through the vinyl bins around town for rare lp's.

Take your time and enjoy the music every chance you get!

glen May 17, 2004 19:59

Hi,

I don't know that you've actually experienced those speakers yet. Why don't you upgrade your speakers last? I think if you improve your pre,amp, source and cabling first your going to here something very pleasing out of those speakers. Plus they will act as a reference piece while your upgrading. (Food for thought)

In all honesty you'll be much happier with a flat screen monitor too and a better sub. (I hope I'm not picking to much).

I actually had the same problem a few years back with a middle of the road system. Enter high end gear into my life and boy did things change for the better. Your going to flip after you do some upgrading, To this day my family and I love watching movies on my current system which is sort of pricy, but if you love this hobby it's money well spent.

Good luck

glen May 16, 2004 19:56