2. analog
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Where to go from here

I've got to rave about my setup. I started upgrading my system about a year ago after years of raising kids, etc. Had an old Denon 75 turntable with a Luxman arm, Adcom GFA 55 amp, Vandersteen 2ce speakers, dumpy little Sony CD player, Hafler preamp that I built years ago.

Started by changing out the speakers to Quad 22L2, then bought a Rega P3-24 with Elys II, Cary SLP-94L preamp, Cambridge Audio Azur 640 CD player, bought another GFA 555 and am running a vertical bi-amp to the Quads. Then started tweaking, mostly with the turntable because one of the reasons I stopped listening critically to music over the years is because CDs always sounded wrong to me. So, got a Herbie's mat, TTPSU, built a vibration platform with two hardwood boards and squash balls in between with a timbernation maple 2" slab (with adjustable spikes) on top then turntable, changed out the subplatter with a groovetracer and the counterweight with the Mitchell.

Also, got Morrow Audio connectors for the CD and Aurelex Subdudes for the speakers.

Holy Moly, the analog sounds incredible, especially after switching out the subplatter and counterweight. I'm begging people to come in and listen to vinyl. Even my old vinyl, cleaned up on a VPI 16.5 sounds great. I'm in analog heaven. But, even though my CDs now sound better because of the addition of the Cary tube preamp and Morrow interconnects, it still doesn't sound right a lot of the time.

My question: I've spent about 2k on the analog setup. If I spend that much on a CD player, what can I expect? Can I approach the quality sound I am getting from my analog rig?

Thanks for any help you can give me.
gmsasso
kyomi_audio's avatar
kyomi_audio
63 posts
 
Most of the time 2K analog beats 2K digital, unfortunately. There are very few exceptions, almost none.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,075 posts
 
Gm,

I really doubt its the Cambridge player, unless something is not right with it. WHat you describe is not necessarily its nature based on when I've heard it compared to good vinyl on a well set up dealer system.

Maybe the Adcom amp? I'm not an Adcom guru but I have heard many indicate that they can be a bit harsh and brittle compared to some of the better amps out there. That usually works to the benefit of vinyl. Also, I am not familiar with your interconnects but that can make a difference. So can power conditioning if needed. If it were me, I'd look at some of these things perhaps before dumping more money into a new player. You may still find one you like better, but the one you have should sound competitive with vinyl at least with well produced and/or re-mastered discs.

Be sure you compare apples and apples when comparing vinyl recordings to CD. Either can be better at anytime under the best circumstances depending.
gmsasso OP
33 posts
 
Thanks guys:
Advice regarding the Adcoms is something I have been thinking buy hoped that the Cary tube preamp would sort that out a bit. I'm not sure what DIYumas is or how to construct them. I looked at other tweak sites,even googled them. Do you construct four of them? Copper cap?

Looked for a goole image, but none there.
jbryngelson
26 posts
 
I just spent a morning of audio comparison with an audiophile friend. It was a VERY eclectic system.
Sources:
Denon 300f auto Turntable/preamp in one..($350 List)
Linn Ikemi CD
Panasonic RP-82 DVD

PreAmp
Meridian MC12 set to analog 2-CH

Amplifiers
Krell 3250
Manley Neo Classic 300Bs

Speakers
Sonus Farber Amati

Our day was mostly a direct Vinyl to CD or DVD comparison. We really focused on A vs B, and discussed the differences. To no ones surprise, we found the Vinyl to be more realistic, better overall tonality/musicality. Instruments and voices all were more believable than their digital counterparts.

The real revelation was putting the tube amplifiers into the chain, and what it did for the sound stage. I put on a copy of Billy Joel Piano Man, and dropped the needle. We were instantly transformed into this small club, where Billy Joel was playing a piano, singing a song, and most involving was the harmonica. It was JAW Dropping Stuff. OMG kinda stuff. We had listened to other CD and Vinyl on the Manleys, and were impressed, but not to the WOW factor until we played this track on his Greatest Hits record.

We later put the Krell back in the chain, and played Piano Man again. After a few seconds, we started talking about something - then went back to listening. It was nice, but uninvolved.

Back on track with the original post: Analog REALLY sounds best when coupled with Tube Amplification. A broad brushed view certainly, but I have toyed with a number of different combinations, and without question, this generalization rings true more often than proven wrong.

SO - Give some tube amps a shot in your system!

Jeff
gmsasso OP
33 posts
 
Hi Jb:
I noticed a difference immediately when I put the Cary tube preamp in the chain. I love the analog sound I've got right now but not digital. I'm wondering if there is any way to make it sound "real". There are all these reviews in Audiophile and Stereophile regarding very high priced CD players that suggest digital can sound good. I'm just wondering if that is true, and if so, what the price point in for involved, muscial digital.
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