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Insight for system build

Recently purchased a Luxman 590axII and a pair of Harbeth SHL5+ speakers. In looking for a CD source and my budget, research has me considering a Perfect Wave Transport and Schiit yggy. My hope is that the quality level of the source will not hold back the amp and speakers from performing respectably...with in my budget anyway. 

The only component I have any experience with are the Harbeth's. My desire to allow them to perform led me to stepping up for the Luxman which seemed to be a well received combination on this forum. My music is entirely comprised of varying genres of redbook CD's. Until now, I have been using an older Arcam fmj CD23. I put a lot of priority into moderate listening level performance.

I live in a high RFI/EMI area. Desiring to clean up whatever I can, I contacted Blue Circle and will be ordering a BC6020X1e conditioner shortly. This situation has also put focus on using balanced XLR based components and cabling. This is completely new territory for me. Putting musical taste aside, and understanding its subjective nature, I would be very interested in others experience with brands and/or levels of XLR IC cables I may entertain. 

Any input is valued, TIA 


mlo97
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,212 posts
 
Sounds like you are well on your way to having a really nice system.  I'm on my third pair of Harbeth speakers and own a Luxman DA-06 dac.  

If at all possible, I would have an electrician put in two dedicated 15 amp lines and a whole house surge protector.   In my experience, this will be more effective and less costly than adding a power conditioner.

tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
Definitely spring for the upgraded power lines. Best DIY project I ever completed.
mlo97 OP
31 posts
 
Thanks pdreher...Dedicated lines would be a huge undertaking with my current panel and municipal code situation. I would have to swap the entire panel and bring the residence up to 2014 code including arc fault plugs etc. I am certainly hoping to not have to go there.
willemj
1,036 posts
 
As for a disc player, I would recommend an Oppo UD 205 as it is a very good multiformat player that will also play (UHD) Bluray discs. I at least like to have the sound quality of my main system when I am watching films, and I like the video part for watching opera etc. The Oppo also has digital inputs for e.g. a Chromecast Audio streamer for Tidal/Internet radio etc.
I am afraid I am a bit troubled by the low power amplifier. Your speakers would have benefitted from a beeefy solid state amplifier (that at least is also what their designer recommends). 2x200 watts rms or more would have been ideal.
Balanced cables are indeed a good idea, and any ordinary pro audio quality xlr cable from e.g. Benchmark will be fine (no need for expensive snake oil cables).
mlo97 OP
31 posts
 

Thank you willemj, I do have the Oppo on my short list, though I have no need for a multi-format player and/or streaming/internet options...not normal I know. I have experience with the HL5's and a 150 watt SS amp. For my situation it was quite nice. I keep hearing that the luxman is rather gutsy for its rated output by others, hopefully I am satisfied. I do have a trial period...I was unable to audition one in my local. 

On another note...the Perfect Wave Transport has an XRL out. If I am reading and understanding correctly, it should be compatible with the AES/EBU inpu of the Schiit yggy. Is this just a matter of having the IC cable terminated for each to utilize the balanced configuration of the Schiit DAC?

TIA 

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