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What's wrong with this system?

Hello,
I have had my current and first real system for about a year. The problem is that a lot of music (especially classical) sounds blah and uninvolving, and I don't think I'm hearing nearly enough details as I should. Here are the components:

-Cambridge Audio D300SE CD player
-NAD C320BEE integrated amp
-Monitor Audio Silver S6 speakers
-Audioquest Diamondback interconnects between the CD player and the amp
-Van Den Hul 'The Clearwater' speaker cable (two 8' runs)

I should mention that my listening area is about 15' x 15' with an 8' ceiling. I would like to 'fix' the system soon, and could spend about $1500 (but wouldn't complain if I didn't have to spend that much, of course!). On a side note, I have been told that tubes would not work with my speakers because the combination would be too warm. Is this true?

Thank you very much for any suggestions you can give me-
Scott
sw1994
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
"Danger, Will Robinson!" is right!

In 1995 when I could first afford it, I went out and bought an NAD CD player and receiver with NHT satellites and sub.

Although I'd never heard a really good system, I thought the same thing as you, "a lot of music...sounds blah and uninvolving". Not even close to what I'd imagined.

Room acoustics and speaker placement might help you, but be wary that you may just be beginning your descent down that steep, slippery and expensive path to what we call audiophile-upgrade-hell!
stehno
1,453 posts
 
I'd suggest replacing the NAD int. amp with perhaps a McCormack DNA 0.5 amp (and an inexpensive preamp) or perhaps an Audio Refinement Complete int. amp.

Next, I would look at proper line conditioning, installing dedicated circuits/lines, etc..

More than likely, a part of your problem is that all digital cd players generate a bi-directional digital noise that gets back into the wall and then into your int. amp. This digital noise can certainly make listening less pleasant.

If you should consider any line conditioners, make certain that they provide bi-directional filtering.

You might also try moving your speakers around for best placement/sonics. Somewhere in this placement process is a magical spot that will minimize some to many of the room acoustic deficiencies. Be patient as this can take weeks or months.

-IMO
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I suggest dedicated lines first and then see what you have, wait at least a month before you change anything after installing the new lines.

A tube amp can be very neutral. My Audio Note Soro is the most neutral amp I have ever owned and it is superb. I recommend them to everyone who has an interest in tubes. It has an excellent phono section to boot.

If you do not buy tubes I would keep the NAD and change something else as I have read way too many raves about that amp to get rid of it...
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Two more cents, as if you needed them... you will be happier with a better player. A Music Hall CD-25 might do it for you. I liked mine a lot, and even more for what it cost. Later on I sold it for a Shanling CD-S100 Mk II, which is in another league for not another league's worth of money. Unfortunately it's not for sale in the States AFAIK. But my point is that for under a grand you can get a player that will give you more of everything than your Cambridge.

I absolutely agree that the source is where to start upgrading.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Dedicated lines and power conditioning are certainly ways to go, (on down the longer audio highway) but considering your system, you'll get more bang for the buck with a cdp upgrade. As Marco stated, you certainly don't have to use the entire $1500 to move up to a much higher source level than you presently have. Buy a pair of Golden Cardas ref ICs, or something of that quality. You'll be on your way.
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