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Debate on a whole front end change

I am currently in a debate with my old man on selling a portion of his front end setup and use the savings to buy a new pair of speakers and also get an improvement in sound at the same time from the benefit of better speakers and better front end.

The benefit of better speakers is no dispute, but he considers my recommended setup as a strong downgrade.

He currently has a Denon "cost-is-no object" top loading CD Player (don't recall the exact model), Theta Gen VIII v2 preamp, Jeff Rowland Model 7 mono amps, ML Descent-I sub x2 and ML CLS speakers conditioned with PS audio PPP x2 and Kimber Select cabling throughout

The sound is intoxicating and the noise floor is pitch black. Any time I get a chance to visit I am always impressed how well his front end makes the CLS shine.

My recommendation is the following setup:

PS Audio PWD = 3000
PS Bridge = 800
Ethernet cable = 100 (for a good one)
2TB NAS hard drive = 200
Ipod remote/play list controller = 200
PnP app for ipod = 9.95

4309.95 Total

Beside the money that could be used to upgrade your speakers "SIGNIFICANTLY" this setup would benefit your setup in several ways:

1) 7,000.00 - 11,000.00 SAVINGS!!!
2) Less AC draw
3) Consolidated CD library via NAS hard drive
4) Playlist creation ability and not need to switch discs EVER

.....now the above mentioned are just conveniences that do not affect sound.

5) Native sampling = RAW 100% uncompressed data with no error correction = the ability to use the DAC 192/32 Khz if so desired. No jitter and less information lost via cd to IC to preamp.

So at this point he disagrees without explanation suffice to say that this is a downgrade. I am not avid audiophile and therefore cannot explain anything scientifically to him and I know just how good his front end products are but feel the change would be for the better.

Would like to know the thoughts of the community.

Regards,

-Joshua
masongsong
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,782 posts
 
Hi Joshua:

Your father has an incredible set-up. 3 guesses ... #1 - he does not believe that a hard drive with an iPod front end as a source can replace discs that he can hold in his hands. #2 - if he has already paid for his equipment, there is no savings, per se. It's more of an opportunity cost. #3 - he really like what he has.

I am probably near to your dad's age (53). I would feel the same way.

Rich
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
Mind your own business!!! :)
Post removed 
masongsong OP
13 posts
 
Wow. I didn't think to have to put a disclaimer to keep childish responses out the picture.

If you read the title we are debating the subject, hence it was a topic already on the floor.
I am looking to upgrade my speakers next year so he brought up how he would like to upgrade as well, but the cost involved would require selling part of his front end and sacrificing some sound quality on that end. I proposed the media/hard drive as an improvement while still improving speaker quality as well. Hardly brown nose disease.

Looking for genuine feedback. If you're bored and need something fun to do please choose another topic.

-Joshua
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