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Is there a audiophile bible?

I am just getting back into the act here after 15 years of family raising. There is a whole lot of new stuff to absorb. Does any one know of a great source online or book that would go over the basics. For example - why when and how to clean connections? Do all CD players play SACD, does SACD sound better than CD over a two channel system? Are combo DVD and CD players too much of a compromise over separates? I am finding that nearly all reviews of any peice of equipment, cable etc says that the thing is terrific and worth three times as much as the price. Thats sure confusing!

I currently have an Aragon 8008BB amp, 28K preamp, and D2A2 DAC, a ten year old NAK MB1 player, Polk 2.3 Speakers, and Monster M1 interconnect. Thinking of changing speakers as the next upgrade but also wondering about a nice CD transport. Any system enhancement you woudd suggest, staying within the 3 K range at least for the first hit?
128x128gammajo
gammajo's avatar
gammajo OP
846 posts
 
Thank you all for your responses. I have been on this Audiogon site for about 2 weeks and am finding it filled with the nicest and brightest folks - what a pleasure!
I will get Harleys book.
I like to listen to Rock, Classical, New Age - often love a solo instrument or voice underproduced and filled with heart. Particularly piano. I play a 6'8'' Kawai Grand. I dont think I want to get into tubes - any suggestions for new or used 3K or less each, a great CD transport or player and speakers for a 38' by 22 live room? I love the detail one hears with good headphones.
jafox
1,467 posts
 
The Harley book is a great starting point for someone brand new to this hobby. The forums here and on AudioAsylum are far more valuable to get ideas, advice and solutions to one's specific situation.
ellery911
549 posts
 
for me...it's Audiogon...where else can you get a multitude of opinions & ideas with regards to this hobby.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I second Ellery911, Audiogon and Audio Asylum, search the archives. There is loads of information on just about everything.
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Gammajo- Given your musical preferences, large room, your love of the piano, as well as your appreciation of the micro-details available through good headphones and head-amp, I'd say you're just fine sticking with SS amps. I'm not sure why, but they (SS amps) do seem to do better justice to the piano in my experience, than tubes do. It is the one instrument I consistently prefer hearing with great SS gear, otherwise I much prefer tubes for most of the music I prefer.

There are plenty of great standalone players and player/DAC combinations in the $3k range. If I were looking in that range I'd be considering the offerings by Muse, Electrocompaniet, Ayre, and Resolution Audio. My experience with players of this caliber in particular, is that you'd be splitting hairs to make a decision among front-ends like these. The best thing to do is to go and hear a few for yourself in order to find your own preference. Each may have different strengths, while none will likely have any significant weaknesses. Do searches on each, and on any other suggestions you may get to see what folks are saying about them. You may even find a few direct comparisons. I've stuck to my Muse rig which is pretty dated at this point, yet continues to sound wonderful to me. It occurs to me as a very neutral, uncolored sound with a huge soundstage and plenty of detail. I've enjoyed hearing the Electrocompaniet, but never heard the two side by side. Many great things written here and on the Asylum about the Ayre and the RA, and my friend who has never steered me wrong has been going on about his RA Opus like it was God's gift to redbook. So there are four suggestions to start with, and you will no doubt get plenty more.

Have fun!

Marco
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