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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
masongsong OP
13 posts
 
@ Rich.....You are right on all 3 accounts. However he has an open mind and has evolved with the times. As my recommendation to him promotes making another change we are both running the tradional setup but being of the younger generation I am more welcoming and excited for this new technology.

Linn sells 3 versions of this setup for as much as 20k!! if PS Audio can provide equivalent performance at 1/4 the cost is worth looking into.
danlib1
819 posts
 
Masongsong- here's my 2 cents worth.

I have no idea about your Dad's Denon, but moving to the PWD, fed uncompressed files would likely yield a noticeable improvement in resolution. Further, once you've controlled a digital front end with an iTouch or the like it's hard to deny it's contribution to listening enjoyment due to easy access to your library. I'm an old (53) purist myself, but I moved from an Exemplar CD unit to a Mac Mini, using a great Dac, and I found greater resolution, greater convenience, and more musical enjoyment.

Having said all that, it's hard to argue that it's ones job to "enlighten" a man who is already happy with the music his system delivers.

Whatever your Dad decides to do, you sound like a great son and I'm sure he enjoys the debate with you- so keep it up.

Have fun!
jesusa0
155 posts
 
Hello Joshua,

1.- I´m sorry, but I don´t follow your maths in order to get a 7.000 to 11.000 savings just selling the Denon CD-player and switching the CLS speakers vs. spending 4.309,95 on the new front end. Your talking of a selling range of 11.309,95 to 15.309,95. It looks quite something these critical times.

2.- I quote your words: "Any time I get a chance to visit I am always impressed how well his front end makes the CLS shine."

So why change it for a non yet mature front end trend when the most software (music) is going to be played in 16/44? This is what I always ask myself and the answer is: Don´t touch it if you are happy with your current cetup.

Daniel

masongsong OP
13 posts
 
@ Danlib1 - That is the kind of positive response I was hoping to hear. Since this has the DAC built in w/ option for Native streaming I hope that it will sound even better. I myself am waiting for the finishing touches on the development before taking the plunge.
masongsong OP
13 posts
 
@ Daniel -

1) The Theta Gen 8 v.2 is listed between 7-8k alone on the used market + Denon + Kimber Select and you can see where the price adds up just going off used prices at the going rate on Agon.

2) As good as they make the CLS's sound all ML struggles in the higher frquencies and with classical music. All of the family owns ML's of different models and we all struggle with the same issues.

He has been through 7 neck surgeries and music are his painkillers. The conveniece of the system alone is worth selling to him, but I know that he will not compromise sound for convenience. That is why I am hoping this will be a better sound than his current setup. I hope some more people with first hand experience like Danlib1 will give some feedback

-Joshua
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