2. amps-preamps
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Set me straight, don't pull punches

Esteemed contributors

 I, a neophyte, present myself as supplicant for knowledge in all aspects of my system.

(Feel free to skip ** sections **, included only to rationalize intent)

**I don't know how much info you want, but know that I have done a fair amount of research and read lots of opinions, but have skipped steps in setting up an intermediate listening rig*

I recently picked up a Peachtree nova300 to replace a Marantz 2238b driving B&W 685 bookshelf speakers and 12" DefTec sub.

I'm having troubles. My TT output is extremely quiet, and running digital files makes the speakers voice timidly - not at all what I expected from 300w. I got much stronger response from the "38w" Marantz.

Are my speakers mismatched? 

**I wanted to have the ability to include my wife in enjoying the set-up, and the Sabre DAC specifically designed for iOS devices removed the fear of vinyl handling, turntable cueing and the like.**

I changed everything at once. I had been using 12 gauge radioshack speaker wire. I upgraded to AudioQuest X2 (directionality running the proper direction) and audioquest bananna clips. 

I have a technics 1300 TT that isn't giving me much volume, which is a huge disappointment, because my main input is a vinyl collection I have been building for a few years.

I thought the peachtree had a dedicated phono input designed specifically for MM cartridges.

I can't find branding anywhere on my cart, but had been under the impression it was MM, not MC.

**I actually found the turntable inside a cabinet I bought that had been sitting outside on a deck in SD for a few seasons, so I'm surprised and pleased it works as well as it does (a little sticking on the speed/pitch adjustment knobs, and 45rpm runs too quick, cannot be slowed further)**

Anyway. I have been putting off buying a pre-amp to reduce extra equipment.

**I inherited an Arcam d9 that I wanted to A/B test against my marantz, but I preferred the simplicity that the peachtree integrated offered.**

I feel like I'm stranded in Wyoming, not included in any audio circles that could help me troubleshoot these issues. Connecting with anyone would be awesome, I'm just hoping this post doesn't go completely unnoticed due to my ignorance. 

Another consideration, I have access to discounted Pro-Ject equipment, so specific direction on the models they offer would be particularly helpful

Thank you for any and all feedback. Try to sell me on something 
 
mpdahl
mdvuolo
40 posts
 

mpdahl,

I, too, am isolated with you in Wyoming.  My technical knowledge is very limited, but I have been involved with audio for quite a while and with Audiogon for a good while.  The latter involvement has greatly helped with the development of my system and with guidance about what to listen for.  I'm glad a solution has been provided for your problem.  Welcome aboard and I hope you stay involved!

nycjlee
286 posts
 
Mpdahl, are you happy with the new setup? If so, don’t read any further, if not consider my comments below.  Also, it maybe too late to do anything so if that’s the case consider it nonsense reading :). 

What bothers me here is that you said that you prefer the sounds of your old Marantz twice.  Personally, I would never buy audio equipment that I’m not satisfied especially compared to my previous component.  Is the Marantz broken?  I haven’t heard a Peachtree in a while, but I never enjoyed class D amps.  I suspect you like your Marantz more partially because it’s a class A/B amp.  A few years ago, I looked at Peachtree, Rogue Audio and a few others and honestly for the price and what was included I wanted to love the Peachtree but I ended buying the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2 with a standalone DAC.  For the sound quality was night and day.  You’ve spent a lot of money, don’t settle for something your not completely happy with.  Not sure about the return policy of your Peachtree but you could consider a cheaper option which maybe a better choice for you and your wife is to get yourself the Bluesound Node 2. It’s a very capable music streamer with a built-in DAC. You can connect this to your Marantz. Your wife could stream and use her iPhone to the Bluesound and from the saving buy yourself a Tidal music subscription for you and your wife, if you don’t have one already.  Possible option 2, return the Peachtree and consider different integrated.  Again, if your happy disregard.  Good Luck and Happy listening.
mpdahl OP
8 posts
 
@nycjlee I am in a holding pattern at present because I was able to get "industry accomodation pricing" on the Peachtree - where 1.) all sales are final and 2.) I'm expected to hold for 12 months before I can resell. I like the idea of Bluesound Node. I appreciate your suggestion. 

Im not mad, just disappointed. Let me explain how. 

I am running a subwoofer for my lower freq's and I liked the ability to adjust the output for "bass" on the Marantz receiver and compensate with the knob on my subwoofer. I feel I get more out of my bookshelves when they are only running mid and high. The Peachtree is trying to make them throw bass notes, which hamstrings their performance. 

I intend to test out other speakers to see if other sets of air movers do more justice to the class D configuration.

Most likely scenario - (which I don't particularly want my wife to know) - using the HT bypass function in a bonafide home theater arrangement for front L&R channels - while having the ability to use in a two channel set up for music. But that's one day, not today. 

I have been looking at stepping up to bigger speakers, and am itching to see if 300wpc Peachtree will make an adequate soundstage with better components. Specifically full-range speakers. 

There is a metaphor I'm grasping for - instead of using mud as the medium, I'm looking for clay...and maybe one day to marble. But if I'm buying components that are more and more "sand" based....(can I go so far?) I don't want to end up neck deep in sinking sand. 

Anyway. I am very interested in what I can get from Best Buy (see above, accomodation pricing) 

I can use the Magnolia HT room to test B&W's new 700 series. I liked the CM10 with tweeter-on-top. Obviously prejudiced in that direction.

The Martin Logan electrostats are by far the best speaker I've ever auditioned for precise soundstage (albeit in the store, Kurt Vile "I was all talk" made me jump because I didn't know the Congo hits would be popping at different proximities from my head - I kept ducking) but the extremely narrow sweet spot wouldn't be ideal for the strange configuration at our house.

Would you prefer the ML Motion line to the B&W?
nycjlee
286 posts
 
Speakers are a very personal thing. Don’t listen to people’s opinions, pick whatever sounds best to you. You need to love it and live with it. :) Good luck!
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
A note about Wyoming, I've been binge watching "Longmire" and now I know that Wyoming is wracked with weird crime and endless vistas. And cows. Also, I recently bought a relatively inexpensive pair of new Klipsch Heresys that are astonishingly good. They would fit in well with Western decor like mounted Elk heads, shotguns, and pickup trucks (although it's rare to have a pickup truck IN your house, but hey, it's Wyoming).
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