Need advice in upgrading
default -- Sun, 12/20/2009 - 10:43
Hi, I'm new to this forum so it's my first time posting.
My current system consists of the Primare I30 amp and CD31 cdp and PMC FB1i speakers. My goal for 2010 is to upgrade this set-up to achieve a significant sonic improvement. I'm looking for a sound that's has a big open airy soundstage with crisp timing, precise imaging that's transparent and clean yet be fluid and organic and authoritative at the same time. Is this an illusive dream or is it achievable?
Any advice or input by the gurus here is greatly appreciated.
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My apologies for not registering earlier before I posted the above. Anyone can help me out here? My Primares and the PMC combination sounds good but I still don't have the "Ahhhh.....this is it!" feeling. I'm thinking of changing to Ayre C5xe and Magico V2. But I'm not sure what amp I should go for. That said, I tend to favour an integrated amp. Do you think the above components would give me a significant sonic improvement?
Thanks again.
Say, you're gonna purchase an Ayre C5xe and MAGICO V2 to replace your PMC and Primares and still wonder if they'd be BETTER ???
I do not have any doubt they will !
" I tend to favour an integrated amp "
FORGET IT. You MUST get your hands on MONOBLOCKS.
The Amplifiers:
Pick the Ayre monoblocks, the mighty MX-R.
If I had the money, they'd be my choice.
Or the dependable Parasound HALO JC 1 monoblocks.
" ...significant sonic improvement ? "
You betcha. Not exactly just an "improvement", but a REVOLUTION.
Let's see what you're gonna do :
Digital Source : Ayre C5 xe
Cables for it :Shunyata Python CX as power cord,
Nordost Heimdall as balanced interconnect to the Preamplifier ( you did not mention which one)
The Preamplifier I'd pick the Parasound HALO JC 2 or even better, the CARY SLP-05.
The interconnect between the preamplifier to your monoblocks could be Analysis Plus Crystal Oval
or even Nordost Frey, also balanced ( XLR).
The loudspekers's cable I'd pick a pair of CARDAS Golden Presence...
Purchase a Shunyata Research V-Ray power conditioner. I've got one and it's
like MAGIC. You simply can't do without it, not at this point.
GOOD LUCK and keep us all posted about your progress !
Wowsers! Thanks BRsound for the suggestions. I'll definitely keep them in mind. I looked up reviews on the Parasound Halo JC1 & JC2 and they got good reviews indeed. My only slight reservation is that they are made in Taiwan. I suppose it doesn't matter but it doesn't give me that "nice" feeling of having purchased something actually built in the US (I live in South East Asia).
Anyway, the reason I ask whether the components which I'm considering would be better is because someone in the hifi circle told me that it won't get any much better than my current Primares/PMC system due to the law of diminishing returns. In other words, a $20K system will probably only give me a 5% improvement over a $7k one. Any take on this, anyone?
Those Parasound's machines are JOHN CURL's design. San Francisco-based Parasound's Mr.Schramm seeks
to offer some affordable equipment by building them in Taiwan, where is cheaper than in America,otherwise
the JC-1 and JC2 would cost about the double than they actually do.
Believe me:
That Parasound TRIO is vastly superior compared to ANY Primare gear.
I've got Class-D amplifiers ( REF 1000) from BEL CANTO. They are affordable, sound terrific
and are made in Minneapolis, the city of lakes.
Try to listen to the SX-1000 monoblock amps ( $ 1,199 each) from California's WYRED 4 SOUND. You aren't gonna regret.
McCormack : People loved their new DNA-500.
" 20K system will probably only give me a 5% improvement over a $7k one "
Almost true. Welcome to the High-End World !
Tell me about your budget, room size, and kind of music you listen to most. I'll get back to you with some suggestions.
Thanks.
Err....Mr Harley....are you still there? Hope to get a response from you. Many thanks and happy new year!
Hi Robert, my musical taste is rather varied. I listen to a lot of gospel (which means lots of solo and choir singing), classical and vocal jazz, R&B, and some rock and classical music.
My listening space is 18 ft by 16.4 ft . Ceiling is sloped so height is 20 ft at the highest point and 15 ft at the lowest. It's not an enclosed room because it opens up to a 2nd living room of 18x12 feet. The right of my listening space opens up to a dining room.
As for my budget, I guess I'm prepared to spend about $7k for each component. But I'm willing to pay more for the Magico V2 or Sonus Faber Cremona M. But if the ATC SCM40 can do the job, I'll seriously consider getting it.
Thanks.
Most of my purchases involved an initial research period followed by auditions when possible. It gave me time to think through what I was after, and let me narrow things down. This paid off for me.
The choice of speakers would influence choice of amp, and vice versa. What kind of research are you doing, if any? I've been looking at McIntosh's 501 monos, and even though I know they'll sound good in my setup, I don't really need the power (500wpc). Plus, they're large and heavy; I cannot accommodate them in my setup as it is. And, at $11,000 a pair, they're beyond my budget. Stranger things have happened, though. As your process continues, things should become clear.