2. amps-preamps
  3. 1014962180

Which direction would you go?

I have spent the last ten years living with a system that is to my ears unlistenable. I was sucked in by the stereophile recommended components list, and bought based on cost and ratings, rather than common sense and proper auditions. I ended up with the following: B&W 802 Matrix II's, a Threshold S350e amp, a Krell KBL preamp, and a front end comprised of a Theta pro Gen II and Data Mk II. As you might well imagine, I have endured bright, harsh sound in three different homes over the years. I tried room tunes (any buyers?) all manner of cables (I presently own Cardas Cross bi-wire) a CJ premier 10 pre-amp (not enough of a difference to justify the switch) and Cal audio front end. In frustration, I have sold the Krell, and the Threshold, and have active listings for the B&W and Cardas, and plans to sell the Theta as soon as possible. I listen mostly to small scale instrumental and female vocals from various genres. I enjoy Linda Ronstadt, Sara K, Rickie Lee Jones, Allison Krauss, Annie Lennox, Dixie Chicks, Etta James, Karen Carpenter, Joe Sample, Miles, Ronnie Earl, Govi, Willie and Lobo, Lyle Lovett, James Taylor, and so much more. I have front row center seats for the NY Philharmonic for the last fifteen years and have seen more concerts than I could name. I was set on the idea of downsizing to a home theater setup, Integra receiver and DVD/CD with Definitive Technology pro 100 speaker system or maybe the NHT Super Series SB3. They seem to have OK sound on both music and movies, but I wonder if the trade-off is too great since 98% of the time I will be listening to music with only an occasional music video or movie. I am quite certain I have never heard my B&W's perform the way they should, but am not certain I wish to invest more money chasing the Holy Grail. (Also tried Bryston 4B). I have reviewed threads here and contemplated trying the Classe gear. I have also thought about selling the B&W's and buying a speaker with a silk dome tweeter or a propensity toward warmth. (Mission, Soliloquy, JM Labs, Vandersteen) My room is a LIVING room and dining room L shape, (20 x13 living attached to 14 x12 dining) and it is lively with 11' acoustical ceiling. In any event, I would like to avail myself of the multi-channel options while focusing on two channel performance. I keep my speakers on the long wall and listen near-field. I do not believe electrostats are an option for me due to size, placement, and WAF issues. Please let me know your thoughts, and be gentle as this is my first post here on Agon.
mike7142
drewfidelity
178 posts
 
HI Mike,

A speaker that may work for you would be one of the ProAc Response speakers, I would assume that a used pair of 2.5's would go between 2k and 2.5k. A very musical speaker that is easy on the ears and goes down below 30Hz. Very simple to drive. A great speaker. Not the most detailed, but one of the most musical speakers for someone who likes a bottom end without much on top. Good Luck.
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Mike- based on your listening preference which are much the same as mine, I'll let you know what I have found thru a 2 year long upgrade. The one constant I've had, up until this week was Vandersteen 2cis (I just bought the 3Asigs and boy are they awesome. However, the 2cis allowed me to hear the improvements as I went from an top of line Yamaha C2a pre (and not bad sounding at all, I might add) to a ARC SP9 MkII to a BAT VK3i. Then I upgraded the amp from a Moscode 300 to a McCormack DNA 0.5 to a 0.5 Rev.B. The other constant has been a CAL CL-10 front end. The sound was never fatiguing and always had an emotional impact with timbres accurately portrayed. Not the last end in imaging/detail, but never hi-fi sounding or analytical. You could pick up 2cis for about $600 and 2ces for a little more. DNA 0.5s go for $700-$1000 depending on std, dlx or SMc Audio mods. VK3i pre for $900-$1500 depending on configuration. So you could certainly make a wholesale change in direction for $3k or if you sell your 802s, you could step up to 3As and a DNA 1. Beware that this could also be considered a shameless plug since I have most of this equipment for sale now since I've finished my upgrade.
joe_b
421 posts
 
I have owned the Theta Pro Basic I and II dacs and found them nice at first but ultimately fatiguing. The Gen Va is a different story, but it is expensive. Many years ago I picked up a demo Micromega Duo BS2 dac, which, when coupled with a good transport, say a Parasound CBT 2000 and a good jitter reduction device is not fatiguing and does not sound like some of the stuff that passes for high end digital. The Micromega is the only dac I have heard that occaisionally comes close to getting a violin or accoustic guitar to sound like something you want to listen to-nowhere near close to live but at least it has a tiny bit of sweetness and bloom if the recording is done well. There are probably other dacs or cd players that can do this, but I have not heard them. I would also recommend that you listen to vacuum tube electronics. Few solid state electronics will likely get you the sound you want if you regularly listen to live unamplified music. Also you must consider component synergy. You can't just take a bunch of recommended components and think they will work well together. For speakers I would suggest listening to Vandersteen, Vienna Acoustics and Spendor. Some B&W's are not bright sounding and may work for you if properly matched with appropriate electronics and front end.
paulwp
585 posts
 
Honestly. Get the Marantz cd player if they still market it, or a used Denon 1650ar, a NAD C370 integrated, and Harbeth Compact 7ES speakers. (I do not own the Marantz, I do have a Denon in my home office system, I don't own the NAD, but I do have the Harbeth Compact 7's.) Keep whatever cables you have. Don't worry, be happy.

Or, keep the B&W's. Buy the NAD and a used Meridian 508.24.
mike7142 OP
23 posts
 
OK, I have some sound ideas to build on. I plan to make a livable speaker selection, paying attention to what is being used to drive them. I would like to point out that I am leaning toward a multi-channel setup, (either a sat/sub arrangement, or a better pair of mains with center surround and a sub)but with music as a priority. I notice everyone is suggesting two-channel setups. I am not sure if this is because you all believe a multi-channel setup is not capable of doing stereo "right" or because I didn't make myself clear enough. Yes, 98% of the time I will listen to two channel audio. But I would like to be able to throw in a movie or music DVD and enjoy what multi-channel has to offer. Thanks for your continued input.
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