2. analog
  3. 1246580521

Where to go from here

I've got to rave about my setup. I started upgrading my system about a year ago after years of raising kids, etc. Had an old Denon 75 turntable with a Luxman arm, Adcom GFA 55 amp, Vandersteen 2ce speakers, dumpy little Sony CD player, Hafler preamp that I built years ago.

Started by changing out the speakers to Quad 22L2, then bought a Rega P3-24 with Elys II, Cary SLP-94L preamp, Cambridge Audio Azur 640 CD player, bought another GFA 555 and am running a vertical bi-amp to the Quads. Then started tweaking, mostly with the turntable because one of the reasons I stopped listening critically to music over the years is because CDs always sounded wrong to me. So, got a Herbie's mat, TTPSU, built a vibration platform with two hardwood boards and squash balls in between with a timbernation maple 2" slab (with adjustable spikes) on top then turntable, changed out the subplatter with a groovetracer and the counterweight with the Mitchell.

Also, got Morrow Audio connectors for the CD and Aurelex Subdudes for the speakers.

Holy Moly, the analog sounds incredible, especially after switching out the subplatter and counterweight. I'm begging people to come in and listen to vinyl. Even my old vinyl, cleaned up on a VPI 16.5 sounds great. I'm in analog heaven. But, even though my CDs now sound better because of the addition of the Cary tube preamp and Morrow interconnects, it still doesn't sound right a lot of the time.

My question: I've spent about 2k on the analog setup. If I spend that much on a CD player, what can I expect? Can I approach the quality sound I am getting from my analog rig?

Thanks for any help you can give me.
gmsasso
lewm
12,995 posts
 
What you describe cannot possibly be due to the wiring of the interconnects, but it might be due to dirty contacts at either end. Try cleaning your RCAs, both male and female with any good contact cleaner. Or you may have a loose tube socket in the Cary. Both channels? (You realize the 2009 portion of this thread is long dead and the OP probably is not aware of your post.)

Stringreen, He wrote "at about 550 hours..."
redcarerra
55 posts
 
My experience, at least in my system, has always been that vinyl is significanly more envolving then digital. As long as you can listen through the clicks and modest groove noise (difficult for some), more organic, greater dynamics, much bigger sound stage. Digital definitely wins though in the "clean" sound department. Since I upgraded my preamp though, the digital has improved a lot and though I still far prefer the vinyl, digital is very enjoybable as well. By the way, vinyl on a record in great condition, is incredible but a lot of the music I enjoy the most is on my older records.
kisawyer
24 posts
 
I've been having technical difficulties posting but have finally been able to post additional information of this topic on the new thread "Interconnects Roller Coaster Ride" posted 04/06/2013.
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