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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
 
@ 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
has2be's avatar
has2be
555 posts
 
"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."

If you were my son, I would appreciate your input and the reason you beleive for doing it,but if you spent your own money and got the set up you recommend yourself and it was that good I would be going over to your house to hear it and descide if your quote above applies to your own recommendation. Just my 10 dollars worth (2 cents adjusted to inflation). Cheers
summitav
163 posts
 
LOL!!

You know I am in agreement with you.

While Pops is currently no wanting, if he follows your advice he will likely be amazed at how much he has taught you about becoming an Audiophile.

Good luck.

See you next month.
6550c
393 posts
 
1. You do some funny accounting?
2. You did not mention what speakers you would replace the Martin Logans with (which is a good idea anyway,imo)
3. I don't know how much $$$$ you would get from selling a Denon CD tranport - even if it is POA series and I dont see to many takers for an older hi price DAC/preamp like the Theta - might as well keep it. Im glad i can recoup most of my $$$$ when I trade in my older digital gear for the PS Audio PWT/PWD.
masongsong OP
13 posts
 
@Has2be - He lives in CA and I live in UT. His neck wouldn't do well fly or drive so if/when I buy the proposed gear he would just have to take my word for it.
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