I really am talking to myself so I don't need to be shy.
The preamp/tuner and power amp were integrated into my system and the Onyko got relegated to garage duty.
At first, I wasn't sure if I had made the right decision in jettisoning the old Onyko receiver. I realized that some adjustments might be necessary to get the new components and the room tuned in.
The bass response was good so I kicked the treble up slightly to better match what I had the old receiver set to and, voila, the sound was starting get there.
While I was expecting a big difference in the sound, the reality was measured in more subtle layers. The bass was stronger and better defined and I didn't need as much volume to hear the details. My wife wasn't complaining to me about the SPL.
This last point is important because I want her to be able to share some of the music with me. Before, it wasn't happening at the levels I needed.
I have reviewed some of my CDs on the new set-up and I'm hearing details and a general openess that wasn't there before. Also, the congestion at higher volume levels is gone.
My original goal, 3 months ago, was to get closer to a reference system I had heard while on vacation. Now, I can say I'm about 90% there.
I still have some cable tuning to do and, eventually, an Ohm speaker upgrade to 2.2000. I might change the listening area some if I can get the WAF high enough.
My current modest system is partially the result of reading this Ohm discussion and components purchased on this site. I can say that I am very satisfied with the result considering the amount of money spent (about $1,500 so far). Buying used components made it financially possible to do for me. Additionally, I don't have to do any major break-in proceedures; someone has done it already!
