2. tech-talk
  3. 1168567912

Where do I go from here?

Really need some help.. my system is pretty wussie compared to you guys.. but I am trying to figure out where to spend my next oh say $800.. and I mean $800 cash PLUS the sale of existing equipment..
Here is my setup:

Preamp: Eico HF-85 no hum all original.
Amp: Threshold 400a (new caps)
CD Player: Onix XCD-88 (stock, no a/d upgrade)
Speakers: Vandersteen 2ce's (bi cabled).

I hear there is an upgrade for the Onix that warms it up.. I have the sockets; but need to buy the actual converters still..

When I bought the Vandersteens I knew I was finally "home".. I love the sound.. I wonder if upgrading to the 2ce signature models would be wise?

Anyhow.. thoughts.. I dont know where the next bang for the buck is.. I fear that I am at the point where I need to spend "big money" to make a difference like the vandersteens did..

Any help would be wonderful!
jprinz
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
No disrepect to Klipsch owners intended.. and I was really only speaking of Heresy II's.. and its just my opinion.. speakers as we all know are all subject to individual taste.

DIY cables.. where to I look for parts? I'll start searching in the mean time.
metralla
945 posts
 
Jprinz writes:
due to this forum I spent $200 on gold cd's on amazon last night
Don't just arbitrarily assume those gold CDs are better than the original (not remastered) CD release. If you want to know, try searching at http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/. It's a very common topic.

Regards,
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
I limited to only Mobile Fidelity releases? Did I do that right? Or may I still receive some pretty CD's with horrible digital?
metralla
945 posts
 
Some MoFi CDs have added bass lift and treble lift when compared to the originals. Commonly known as the "smiley face" equalization. MFSL is the example I was thinking of when you said you bought gold discs.

The early ones are good, but some listeners have a quibble over the equalization applied to the later releases. At least they don't add compression, unlike many remasters from major labels. (The "louder must be better" mantra.)

On the other hand, DCC remasterings are consistently good.

Just for interest, which albums did you buy?

Regards,
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
Damn.. ya know, I usually research stuff to death before I buy.. this time I just researched it.. guess not enough.. I'll try and remember.. and this is going to show my age.. a couple were not gold so lessee..

Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the Moon (Im excited to hear this!) this one was pricey!

Cheap Trick- Live at Budakan (sp?)

Apocolypse Now Sessions (I dont think this was gold.. just took a chance) Love the movie and the music..

YES- Fragile (this was gold for sure)

The Sound of Speed [remastered] (don't ask.. I race cars)..

Martin Denny: Exotica/Exotica, Vol. I & II

RUSH- Moving Pictures (gold)

As you can see.. I'm not one who loves the classics.. LOL..

FYI.. MY BEST SOUNDING CD: "Time Out" by The Dave Brubeck Quartet.. this is one of those that is HDCD but does not say so anywhere.. MY GOD! You can hear people bump into music stands and all sorts of stuff.. lots of tape hiss but I dont care... its UNBELIEVABLE SOUND. I dont know how they were able to record with such quality back then..

TO MY SURPRISE.. I just won and ebay auction for another Threshold 400a! Now I can bi amp.. its broke but I'll fix it.. for $300 with ship I could not pass it up.. I'll just replace the caps and if that doesnt work bring it in for repair.. bet I can get it done cheap enough.. :) One channel is out which makes it really easy to troubleshoot.. just test the good side against the bad..
More to discover