I have changed my audiophile thinking a lot lately, and I am not so much of an audiophile anymore. I hate to say that because I love music and stereo equipment so much still, it's just that the whole cd player thing (see my system thread for details) got me a little worked up. I really appreciate everyone who tried to help, but I still ended up deciding that bits is bits to me. That being said, I know that other things make a difference, however I have yet to see cables make a difference, and if a CD player doesn't do much, I doubt that I will hear what cables can do. I am going to save my money until I can afford new speakers, as I know for a fact that speakers still make a difference.
So far I am very happy with the MF gear. It is my first taste of hi end gear and I think it was a great choice. I won't upgrade for a very long time.
Musical Fidelity A3.2cr
Quite often I have to purchase equipment without being able to hear it first. I did get to hear the MF gear, but not with any of my associated equipment. But what I did hear I knew I liked. So I bought it.
Monitor Audio Silver 4i
Bookshelf speaker with 1" gold dome tweeter. Some people say that metal tweeters can be bad, but I think that these speakers are wonderful. New pictures with the foam edging removed and the new spikes.
Custom made Self designed
I came up with the demensions for these stands and had a local welding shop put them together for me. They are not perfect, but they are MASSIVE. They weight about 60lbs each, they have sand in each of the tubes, and I bought adjustable spikes off of parts express for the feet. I think they work very well.
Cambridge Audio Azur 540D
Wanted to try DVD audio, and the dvd player was also on its last leg.
Music Hall MMF 2.1
Very entry level but got me in to vinyl. New picture with the spikes.
Grado Green
MM Cartridge with eliptical stylus
Straightwire Rhythm
I used 2 runs from the amp to each speaker, don't know if it helps or not, but I like to think so.
Kimber Kable Tonik
.5 meter entry level interconnect
tripplite isobar 6
I have heard so many different opinions on power products that I decided that I wasn't going to buy into it unless I could get something very cheap. I saw this on ebay for 6 dollars and I couldn't pass. It's no Richard Grey, but as far as I am concerned, you don't need much else. However, that doesn't mean it is the best.
Hello: I can relate to what you're going through. I have a less than optimal setup on a non-audiophile equipment rack. I also have a TV on mine. I'm fairly confident that I can improve my sys sonics with better setup but I'm not willing to spend the money for the rack I want right now. I have a Jolida JD 100 and a Modwright Sony 999ES w/ Sig Truth mod. I previoulsy had a Simaudio Nova. The Mod Sony and the Nova I had are both more expensive players than the Jolida, but the performance between them has not always been far apart. But hang in there with Mu Fi player. Power cords can and do make a difference. (quality of power makes a big difference!)I recently put a new PC on one of my players that took it to another level I never heard before. The quality of the power feeding your system also makes a huge difference. I know for sure because my local power company has been working on the equipment in my area and the end result was that my sytem sonics was transformed and I now have a more dynamic system. The lesson I learned is that the quality of the power to your system matters so much: things like dedicated lines, power conditioners and power cords which all affect the power feeding your system can make or break the sound of your system. I also use a Shunyata Hydra 4 and connect my cdp's to it. This Plc always helps your digital. But the power company changes in my area proved to me that the quality of the electricity feedin your system can radically change what you're hearing. Make as many quality changes to condition your systems power that you can afford to do.
Yes, I have the JD 100A and it is a lovely player. I've replaced it with a Sim Nova. I was considering selling the Jolida but will probably hold on to it. Why? I really liked it. It lacked a little extension at both ends but you can tube roll and improve on that. I personally did just a little tube rolling. It was my 2nd CD purchase after a Ah Njoeb Tjoeb. The Jolida is smooth with excellent midrange. I have the Level One Mod from Underwood Highfi. My advice: I have had the Arcam 73t for a brief period and liked it too: good bass and a smooth non-fatiguing sound: the Jolida lacks a little bass but you get that midrange. I would consider either of these players. If you want the sure thing on bass, then at least in my experience, the Arcam bettered the Jolida. But in midrange performance the Jolida was superior.
