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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
 
I just want to thank all you fine folks that advised me over the past week. I look forward to sharing my viewpoints in the future, and also look forward to reading yours.

I know many of you recommended taking it slow, and that was good advice. The problem I had was that I had little chance of actually auditioning any HS amps in my region. Since I already liked that sound, I just felt I had to try it out. If I don't like it, then I will learn from it and sell it to someone else who might enjoy it.

I really believe I have made a good choice based on my circumstances.

BTW, I came in at $800 under budget, so I do indeed still have enough left to look at racks. I am a pretty fair woodworker, and have the tools. I may look for a good plan and just build one, or study others and come up with my own plan.
chap_cat OP
28 posts
 
Re not affording room treatments: you might want to consider some of the cheaper foam squares that are available - e.g. Sonex and other squares that are easy to place on a wall. Just adding this kind of thing at the first reflection points on your side walls can help with brightness and listener fatigue too. What I'm saying is that you might not need to invest much to get a significant improvement in that area.

I think Sonex is the answer for me at this point. Thanks for the input.
phaelon
1,049 posts
 
Chap_cat,

Congratulations, and welcome to the tube side of the force. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that I'm eager to hear your impressions when you get set up. Best of luck.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Congratulations on your purchases. That should all be a good match for your speakers. If you're going to mod, the CDP is indeed the place to start.

You'll need to replace those Chinese tubes eventually, but you can do it over time. It's going to sound better than your old rig right out of the box.

Welcome to the second step of the audiophile journey.

Dave
steidlguitars
90 posts
 
We're all pretty excited about your new rig -- love it!

As much as I hate to agree with Dcstep (joke! really!), I'm going to and suggest that you direct any remaining energy to hunt for some 12AX7s to replace whatever comes with both the CDP and amp (it takes 12AT7s too, I think). Start with 12AX7s because you can try those out on both pieces (and be pleased, I bet, maybe even stunned).

There are several worth trying, but given your tastes, I'm going to suggest you watch eBay for a pair of Amperex Orange Globes (made in Holland--they have an orange globe painted on them). Nice smooth tube.

Look for a seller with great feedback and who reports test results; they don't have to be NOS (New Old Stock) though that's nice if the price is right. They usually go off at about $25-30 each, so not too bad.

Run the gear with the tubes that come with it for 300-400 hours, so you get a feel for it. Then stuff the old tubes in.

Congrats!
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