2. analog
  3. 165633-119399

My System's Weakest Link - What Say You...

First off, McIntosh bashers need not respond.  The synergy of this system is outstanding.  

I think I have my system pretty well fleshed out now, and love what it is doing for me.  But, I have my eye on my weak link.  I have a few thoughts, but I'm Interested in objective, and somewhat random comments from some insightful folks here.

My Habits:  Love listening to vinyl most of all. Don't know exactly but have over 3000 LP, I think, and keep getting more.  Obviously do lots of streaming too via Tidal > Roon. Also on thousands of CDs of varying quality.

My Room: Open main floor Floor plan to the kitchen and formal dining room.  Open space has 9 foot ceilings, with fabric chairs and carpeting.  No need for any room enhancement identified.  Still sounds great.  Lucked out on that one.

Anyway, where is what I have:
  • (1) McIntosh MT5 Turntable
  • (2) Sumiko Palos Santos Cartridge
  • (3) McIntosh MP1100 Phono PreAmp
  • (4) McIntosh C1100 2-piece PreAmp
  • (5) McIntosh D1100 DAC
  • (6) McIntosh MCT 500 CD/SACD Transport
  • (7) McIntosh MVP 901 A/V Player
  • (8) McIntosh MC2152 70th Anniversary Amp
  • (9) McIntosh MPC1500 Power Controller
  • (10) Sonus Faber Lillium Speakers
  • (11) Roon Nucleus
  • (12) Sonore Signature Rendu SE w/ Optical Feed
  • (13) All Connected via Clarus Crimson interconnects, power cables and Balanced Cables
  • (14) Will avoid the details on isolation, AC outlets, etc. for now.
Choose a number, product or idea.  Have fun with this one.

"Long haired, freaky people, need not apply" or dismiss my enjoyment of McIntosh.  [btw - anyone remember that song quote?]

pgaulke60
pgaulke60 OP
299 posts
 
Thank you all for the responses.  They have been great, and mirror lots of my thinking.

At this point, I am thinking my MT5 turntable is the weak link given all the vinyl I listen to.  I'm looking to upgrade the turntable to something on par with the rest of the components.  And yes @millercarbon, I will be looking as better isolation to the turntable.

I would love to get the MC901 amps but just don't have the floor space.  It is my living room after all.  Maybe in the next house!  But would love them.

I appreciate the ideas around room acoustics.  I should borrow a couple of panels from my dealer and see if it will make a noticeable difference.  I am looking at new window treatments, but I hear they don't have a real noticeable impact.

@yogiboy I think the hat sounds like a good idea.  I already have the coffee mug.

@tablejockey and @mijostyn Looks like you two take the prize with the Analog weak link.  I'm on that page too, but I can't say I dislike my current turntable.

@knollbrent Thanks for the one snarky comment.  Expected it from MillerCarbon. But Yes, I listen to my system 4-6 hours/day.  Lots of LPs thrown in the mix.

Thanks again to everyone for their ideas.  Helps me quite a bit.  

Peace

pgaulke60 OP
299 posts
 
BTW  What are buttkickers?
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent
521 posts
 
Then @pgaulke60 all is made clear at this point. You don't have this system. If you listen 4 to 6 hrs a day, cmon. 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Buttkickers is street slang for Tekton Moabs. Because they, you know, kick butt on all other speakers.
speakermaster
738 posts
 
number 10 is your weak link you can find a much more true and musical sound for a lot less money be open minded and try a vintage american full size speaker and see what you have been missing.
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