2. amps-preamps
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Possible Upgrade

Hi-

A buddy of mine recommended your site. I'm possibly looking to upgrade my system and wanted to get some thoughts. The current system consists of a Carver TFM-45 amp with a Carver C-5 Pre-amp/tuner. I listen to some vinyl on my old Harmon Kardon straight line turntable. Just about everythi9ng else is Pandora or FLAC tracks using my Sonos .Speakers are Definitive Technology RLSII's. I have a Paradigm subwoofer also in the mix.  Speakers are non negotiable - I'm married and the wife won't go for anything else. Would I notice much of a difference if I were to say swap out the Carver to a McIntosh 6300 -6500? I'm looking for something mainstream that won't break the bank. Thoughts or suggestions would be welcome!


Thanks

malibupacific
minorl
1,016 posts
 

Wait.  back up. you said it doesn't have that pop. Did it have it before?  were you happen in the past?  if so, it may be you that has changed. It may be time to re-adjust your eq settings. Your hearing may have changed over the years and that could be part of the problem.

Take a stereophile test cd and play some white noise through your system.  Download the free audiotools app and measure that frequency response levels in your room from your listening position.  See if they are flat.  Then adjust your eq settings to make the sound better for you and your room.

Then, make a determination if you really want or need to upgrade.  I'm betting that you probably don't need to.

enjoy

minorl
1,016 posts
 

sign.  spell check.


"happy in the past", not happen in the past

malibupacific OP
14 posts
 
I'm sure it's a bit of both. I own a Sony Hi-Res walkman and I LOVE listing to it. I use either the Sony earbuds or Sony MDR-1A over the ear phones and the sound is great. Mind you - this is maybe slightly above average equipment...nothing audiophile grade.  I really feel like I'm in the room with the musicians. Is it just the experience of headphones?
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
I’m with you. Walkmans have very good, entertaining sound. I like the Sony ultralight headphones and Grados with the Walkman. I also listen to Walkman cassette players. I do think there are actually many reasons why these Walkmans sound so good. A lot of it has to do with the elimination or minimization of many things that we know distort the sound or introduce noise, things like AC power, power cords, transformers, interconnects, fuses, that sort of thing.
malibupacific OP
14 posts
 
So you think it's worth entertaining the thought of getting rid of the Sonos and looking into an Cambridge Azur?
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