2. amps-preamps
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Trying to extract more from my Vandersteen

I've come to the realization that my ideal system is always 2 steps ahead of whatever my current system is. I am only satisfied with whatever updgrade for a few months, before I convince myself that I need to upgrade again. This is as exciting as it is unsettling.

My current system is as follows:
Vandersteen 2CE sig
McCormack DNA-1 deluxe
TAD-150 sig tube preamp
Eastern Electric Minimax tube CDP
Blue circle Power cords
MIT IC's and speaker cables

I had spent the past two years building this current system, and I had been fairly happy with it. I thank this system for introducing me to the world of jazz. Switching to tubes really helped my Vandersteens "sing". I had entertained the thought of replacing the McCormack with a tube amp, such as TAD-60 or other equivalent, but I never did. I was happy with my system and figured it would remain intact for awhile.

Then something had to rain on my happiness or complaceny. Due to a busy work schedule, I was forced to do most of my music listening either in my office through my old NHT and all rotel setup or at home through my Sennheiser headphones. After a couple months of this, I finally had time to do some listening through my main system. It had never been apparent to me before, but all the music coming out of the Vandersteens sounded "veiled". Before, I purchased my vandies, I read and heard all the criticisms regarding this "veiled" or "shrouded" sound. I never felt this was true about my vandersteen's until now.

So instead of making generalizations, I figure this is a good opportunity to "improve" my system. I am still more than happy with the soundstage, midrange clarity, and bass dynamics. Perhaps what I want to improve is higher frequency extension.

All this being said, I welcome all recommendations and comments that need not be limited to the following topics:

tube-rolling...

Pre-amp...
Any recommendations on pre-amps (tube or SS)?
How about a passive unit (Sonic Euphoria, Placette, Mccormack TLC)?

cables...
anyone recommend Purist?

Amp...
Any good integrated's out there?
What do you think about the Eastern Electric Integrated?
How about Krell KAV 400xi? For that matter, how does Krell match with Vandersteens?

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to reading your comments.

Drew
drewyou
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
I dont know what cable would be the answer but NIT may be taking some sizzle away from your gear.
duffydawg
58 posts
 

Hi Drew,

You have a lot of questions on the table, and I will not respond to all.

You have already implicated the Vandersteen's, ...perhaps Tyler's would suit you better (I have no experience with the Tyler's).

The Krell integrated will definitaly not be an improvment in my opinion, but maybe a Gamut integrated will be. I use a Gamut 200 MKII (as does my friend with Vandersteen III Signatures - having switched from a Krell integrated 300i). The Gamut is very natural sounding. However, I think the McCormick is hard to beat at the price.

I have no experience with your other components.

I do highly recommend Purist Cables, but really belive that you shoud address your speaker issues first.

Good Luck,

Mark
drewyou OP
24 posts
 
Thanks for all your insightful responses. So it seems there are 3 general suggestions. I will try to address each of them and provide info for more dialogue.

Changing speakers:

I hadn't given this a thought. I agree, the Vandersteen arguably gives you the best "bang for the buck" if you will. Yes, I would have to spend quite more money to better that, but despite my reservations... I'm saving for an engaement ring, I can budget up to $2000 for new or used speakers. My listening room is roughly 25 x 15ft, and my system can only fit along the longer wall. What are some suggestions? Anyone own Gallo reference 3/3.1, or can anyone comment on them? Are there people out there who switched from a 2CE sig to a 3A sig? What improvements did you hear?

Keeping speakers and re-evaluate/re-calibrate listening perception:

Krisjan and others make an interesting point. It is very possible that my listening perception or preference has changed/skewed due to listening to music through other systems. However, I am also inclined to think that my listening perception has been somewhat improving throughout the past couple years. In the past couple months I felt that my old NHT/Rotel system (my first "real" system) was very listenable, albiet a little lean. The Sennheiser HD650 headphones were driven straight from the phono out from my Eastern Electric CDP. It's sound is wonderfully flat throughout the mid and high FQ, but the bass can be overwhemling at times. Just two years ago my NHT/Rotel system was the best I had heard, well that was until I auditioned the Vandersteen. I hope my listening perception doesn't flip-flop so easily, but perhaps a recalibration is in order. I will keep your comments in mind when I listen through my current system. I would like to hear more of your thoughts.

Keeping my current system and making minor tweaks/additions:

Eagleman, thanks for your comments on tube rolling. I could be wrong, but I remember an old post you made regarding "high FQ roll-off" with your system. What changes did you end up making?
I am quite a novice when it comes to room treatment. I would like to learn some more about this. Can anyone direct me to a good thread or website?
I will test out different speaker placement this weekend.
Thanks for the cable suggestions. I'm gonna have to start demoing some new cables before I conclude I must change them.

Wow, I started out with what I thought were alot of qustions, but now I have even more. Thanks for all the comments... keep them coming.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
My first response was based on the title of your thread. Now that you have opened your options, I can't help going back to and agreeing with Albert's first reply, which suggested a speaker change. Yes, the Vandersteens are amongst the truly great values, but, if they don't satisfy you they're not worth it. If your looking for something similar yet, with greater detail for under $2000, I'd suggest the Thiel 3.6's. BTW, I was in a simialr situation years ago, liked Vandy's, bought Thiels. Your room and desired placement, make the currently out of your budget Dunlavy SCIVA's worthy of a mention.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
One aspect to keep in mind when positioning is the vertical angle. I can't stress this enough as it's what made the real difference for me. If you have them tilted back as recommended then remove most of if not all of the tilt and start from there.
Oh yeah, and keep us updated on progress.
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