2. amps-preamps
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Acquiring an awesome system, but how?

At this point I am making some changes to my system that may raise eyebrows as have in the past. But it's my money and my ears so here goes.
If one was to count all the makers of high end stuff and multiply by how many pieces will be included to create a system one would get the statistics of possibilities of combinations. I bet it's as high as our deficit, did I have to bring that up?
Well it mind as well be infinite because no one can even approach a fraction of all the possibilities.
I still haven't picked up an atma-sphere mp-1 preamp, so every now and then I look at the forum and see some suggestions for preamps to see if something comes up with raving reviews.
Well most of us know it's mostly synergy that makes a system excellent.
I thought the experienced goners can shed some light and offer suggestions as to what will make lasting purchases.
On my end I was amazed at how good the atma-sphere m60 sounded while it was running, now it is on hold till some things get resolved and so now I am back to the sim w-5 and it still satisfies. But I would like to do some more comparative listening, because the atmas sounded so good. I have no intentions of letting go of the atma's by the way.
I am still after the mbl sound and will be experimenting with some non-mainstream designs. I have some good ideas that will take time to bring to fruition.
But as for the reason for the thread, please share with us what systems made the biggest impressions and how one achieved them without breaking the bank?
Please include what systems sounded the best to you.
pedrillo
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Also, I have found that all one make cabling (phono, digital, ic, pcs, with one type of power conditioner) help retain that 'synergy' that you have achieved after so much hard work. Remember not to screw it up ;-).

And I agree. Tubes are preferable. All the way.
bvdiman
491 posts
 
I agree with above, however, I have found that there are expensive mistakes along the way. If you want to peruse this ofttimes elusive goal you have to just shrug your shoulders and move on. I have spent many thousands of dollars on stuff that ultimately disappointed. I have found more success however in finding a corporate sound that I like, and buying many components from the same company. It seems to me that the same tastes as mine are in play, and there is less of a chance of incompatibility between the components. ..just my take...
Stringreen

< I tend to agree with Stringreen here..

Let your "favorite DJ" (manufacturers) do the mixin' and play his best tunes, we just sit back and enjoy the music!
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Also, I have found that all one make cabling (phono, digital, ic, pcs, with one type of power conditioner) help retain that 'synergy' that you have achieved after so much hard work. Remember not to screw it up ;-).
Nilthepill

< Also with Nilthepill..

Basically, the less mix'n match equates to less headache (costly mistakes), and most often, better outcomes.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i have in my system, cables from three diffrenet manufacturers. i have reviewed many cable products. interconnects and speaker cables from the same designer are not always consistent in their sonic signature. one cannot generalize.

it is best to be open minded and listen to cables from one manufacturer and then substiute cable products from other manufacturers until one has satisfied his/her idiosyncratic preference.
bvdiman
491 posts
 
Agree.. Though my implication of less does not necessarily mean 'all', but more to try minimizing variants best one can. I too coincidently have 'three different makes' in my current set-up. One--pwr cord to pwr generator. One--interconnecting all digital system (4 pwr cords, 3 AES BU, 2 FW). One--for source > pre >amp >speakers (ICs and SC).

Now left unused, stored in cupboards are cables ranging from the heydays--Magnans, NBS, Older Siltech to quite recent top-line of Synergistic, Nordost and quite a few more to name. These I considered as one costly mistake I made along my journey--ever trying mixing and matching gears and speakers and tuning them with various cables for the last 25-30yrs--well it's more of a tuition fee I guess.
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