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I Feel Overwhelmed....Please Help

Hello, all.

I have recently decided to begin upgrading to stereo components around the entry level audiophile range, and move away from home theater stuff. I need help, as I had no idea until I began recently researching modern amps, preamps, integrateds, etc, just how huge the selection there is available.

Currently, I have the following:

Harman Kardon AVR 235 A/V receiver
Front L&R channels:
50 Watts per channel
@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms

Harman Kardon FL 8385 CD Changer

Klipsch KG 5.5 Floorstanding Speakers
frequency response 34Hz-20kHz±3dB
power handling 100 watts maximum continuous (500 watts peak)
sensitivity 98dB @ 1watt/1meter
nominal impedance 8 ohms
tweeter K-85-K 1" (2.54cm) Polymer dome compression driver
high frequency horn 90°x60° Tractrix® Horn
woofer Two K-1023-K 10" (25.4cm) Injected Carbon Graphite cones
Bass reflex via front-mounted port

Grado Labs SR325 Headphones

I use the receiver strictly for stereo music playback with my HK CD changer, or I play .flac or .mp3 files via input to the receiver from my computer sound cards optical digital output.

I want to keep my Klipsch speakers for now, along with my Grado cans, which I love. OTOH, I have not been particularly happy with the two HK components. Although the sound is not totally bad, it is a tad too bright, and it is fatiguing to listen over long periods of time. My room acoustics are not ideal either, with hardwood floors and drywall throughout. The listening rooms dimensions are 14'x13', with speaker placement along and near the corners of the 13' wall. At present, I cannot afford any of the acoustic treatments I see on the various internet sites.

From what I have seen so far, I think I would favor the warm, rich, clear sound of tube components. My Klipsch speakers are highly efficient at 8 ohms, so I should not need higher power, but I don't want to lose bass response either. I have not had much experience listening to higher end audio, but I really loved the sound of a friends McIntosh receiver (late 70's vintage), and another friends 60's vintage tubed HH Scott receiver, both systems paired with matching speaker pairs of the same brands respectively. Those experiences are why I believe I should really consider tube amps.

Would someone please be so kind as to suggest components that would allow me to play CD, CD-R, and digital music files based upon what I stated above? I suppose I could do without the ability to directly play back the digital files, but a CD player is a must have. Oh yeah, my budget is up to $3000, but I want to get as much as I can for the best possible price under that ceiling. Thanks.
chap_cat
chap_cat OP
28 posts
 
One more suggestion. If you want to fool around with vintage tube gear, I would at least look into something like H.H.Scott from the 60's . My buddy has one and I loved its middle range, liquid, musical and very seductive sound. In fact, I liked it so much that I am getting one for myself. I will pick it up this Friday. I will have Bob Backert (my favorite tech.) look at it and see what can be done to make it even better. I bought it for $300 ( Scott 299B integrated) and small mod performed by B.Backert shouldn't cost more then $300-$500. I would guess that then it should compete with the best. I will post my impresions in my system when the time permits.

After today, I certainly am not ruling that option out. As I earlier stated, I have had two lengthy experiences listening to tube gear, and one of those was a Scott, which I loved. I thought the sound of the equipment I listened to today was far superior to what I now own, but there was no question to my ear that it was SS.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
If you go with vintage , I could help you with restoration and or to add some nice wooden case. I am done with my house renovation - that will give me extra time to finish some projects for my audiophile friends ( you too Chad - if you are still interested.) There is another option since you tasted some of the goodiess allready. But that would cost you about 4K including new speakers and components you never heard of. It would shamed the systems you heard today and put you up there with the big boys. One thing - your room dimentions - and can you pull the speakers at least 3feet from the walls????
chap_cat OP
28 posts
 
Thanks for the offer. Much appreciated. My room is 14x13, with the speakers place near the 13' wall corners, and pulled out about 3' and away from the side wall about 1', per Klipsch guidelines.
phaelon
1,049 posts
 
Chap cat,
Mapleshade sells modified vintage Scott tube components including a $1495 receiver. I haven't heard these myself but they sound interesting and are offered with 30-day money back. Perhaps another member can post regarding their quality.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
14X13 is quite small but it is possible to get a decent sound out of it. What is the purpose of this room and how much freedom do you have to optimize it to get the best sound possible (Wife Acceptance Factor).

If you were willing to buy all or almost all used I could recommend two or three systems that would work. Those would be from my personal experience only. But I would still try your local audiophile club......I am sure there is at least one in or near your area.

Cheers

Mariusz
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