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Upgrading the Source.

I've slowly built a two channel system from the time I was 16. First starting with a simple Yamaha/psb combo till now...some 10years later to a SimAudio Moon i-5080, Polk Audio LSi 9 speakers and NAD 541i CDP. The Moon was the last upgrade and thus the NAD 541i, even only a year old, is the weakest link. I've come to the conclusion that small upgrades will cost me more down the road.

I'm an avid reader of UHF magazine and I relate to the importance of source first. What I need is some opinions on possible upgrades. Arcam, Musical Fidelity, Naim, NAD silver, Rotel, Shanling, Linn the list seems endless.

What I can tell you is that I could see myself one day, getting that final Intergrated amp like the SimAudio i-5. Possibly 3 years from now, no earlier then 2. The CDP I need should come up to the standards of the associated gear I'm using now, and also allow for further growth with speakers. I DO however feel this will be my last CD player, untill a higher res formatt like SACD takes off. Perhaps the Shanling S200 with the Chris Johnson upgrade?

I even wonder if higher priced players then the one I have now like the Rotel 1070 are even worth the bother. Again, I'm very happy with the Polk Audio LSi 9 speakers (some of the most underrated speakers on the market, and rightly so from a big market speaker company) I want the jump UP to count. Please help steer me into a narrower path.
lush
ffontan
66 posts
 
Pbawcutt:

I think you're right in upgrading your source. Since you already have a Simaudio integrated, why don't you try one of their CD Players like the Moon Nova or Moon Equinox. That Rotel player you talked about has gotten some good reviews, and is creating a bit of a buzz, so maybe you should check it out. Your LSi9 speakers will reveal changes made upstream, and will only get better as your surrounding equipment gets better.

One thing about the LSi speakers is; they like power. Their impedance is a bit low, so they like amplifiers with high current capability and a high damping factor(very low output impedance).

I now run a system that among other things uses a pair of Polk LSi15s, Perreaux R200i integrated, and a Simaudio Moon Nova LE CD Player. By audiophile standards, I'm nuts(which is why I'm not an audiophile but a music lover). You see, no audiophile would ever consider mating over $7500 of electronics to a pair of $1500 speakers, but guess what?? I am extremely happy with it.

I may(or may not) upgrade my speakers eventually, but believe me, I've gone through several amplifier, source, and cables upgrades already without touching my speakers. In fact, right now I'm actually considering a power conditioner solution more so than I'm considering a speaker change.

Hope this helps...
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Ffontan, you're right on that: You're "nuts." Hey, you said it yourself. The Polks are a nice little speaker, for sure. Hook-up your electronics to Revel M20s, JmlabMicro BEs, Nautilus 805s, or the Caravelles (the Caravelles are the only monitor, here, that do not require a sub)--then talk to me about tympanic happiness. You have no idea. You may find out that your system is capable of a lot more with different speakers. I have no doubt. fwiw, warren
newbee
4,775 posts
 
Warren, Please describe for me if you can,technically, why your Caravelle's do not require a sub woofer - what is their -3db point, 32hz, 40hz, 60hz? I'm sure you must have the manufacturer's spec's. How can one get that much bass from a small speaker - this seems to defy the normal design limitations of small box speakers.
tomryan
796 posts
 
Why not look into one of the many excellent used DACs on the website? Modwrighted Perp Tech P3A, Bel Canto, Musical Fidelity, MSB Nelson or Gold version, etc. Most of these will get you damn close to current "state of the art" redbook CD reproduction. Do not get on the dead end SACD/DVD-A bandwagon.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
It does defy all mini monitor standards. I, do, however, use my subwoofer that I had with my Revel M20s. I have it crossed over at 40 Hz, but ran the speakers for months without it and was very content. I, still, prefer to use the sub woofer, though rarely required, for those recordings that can push the limits of any monitor or floorstander, for that fact. I would be will to bet that many audiophools wouldn't require a sub. If I didn't own one, already, I would probably, still, be listening to my Caravelles without a sub. My Caravelles with their stands are absolutely ridiculous. Every day I listen I'm still amazed what comes out of these babies. It's all in the crossover. Fabulous, Phase coherence like nothing I've ever heard. Rember I said "that I ever heard." The Jmlab Utopia Bes were the best darn monitor, by far, I'd ever listened to, until the Caravelles. Want to know more about the speaker? Go to audiopoints.com/ Starsound Technologies website.
peace, warren
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