2. amps-preamps
  3. 1263080308

Boy, do I need help

You can see my system posted. I have struggled for over a year with really hard edges on certain piano pieces (actually two specifics) on two CD's and it just told me I had problems. I took the CD's in question to my dealer, who has the same CD player, albeit different system (Ayre MXR/KXR, Dyn C4-I know-no comparison to what I have, but the discs--and the player were fine. I did EVERYTHING (PC, IC, isolation, line conditioners, racks--you name it--) and finally figured out my Esoteric just didn't like my preamp. I just hooked up the CD player to my amp directly (it has a volume control and remote) and problem solved-pure bliss. Here is my problem - CD player now on the floor on a butcher block (on cerapucs) in the middle of the room (actually in front of the amps-worried about housekeeper vacuming)and instead of having my Acaconda PC into my hydra, its into my Richard Gray (and still sounds awesome but expect would sound better into hydra). And, to hear my other sources (which sound great through the preamp) I need to reconnect cables. Would you suggest geting another hydra (I can get away with a '4') and a new three shelf rack (for amps & CD player) (please see photos of room) or shop for another preamp? I respect alot of you guys here, and you have helped me tremendously over the years.

Thanks,
128x128cerrot
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
OK, you need to do ONE THING! And that's to call Roger Sanders on Monday (after sending him an email with a link to your system page) and ask HIM what the problem is.

He designed your speakers, amps and preamp, and can give you a pinpoint diagnosis. It sounds to me like there is something (probably the preamp) being dynamically overloaded by the CD player (they always have more output than other sources) and there should be a way to internally select a lower global output from the Esoteric X03-SE. But don't take my word for it, Roger will know for sure.
http://www.sanderssoundsystems.com/
cerrot's avatar
cerrot OP
1,700 posts
 
Good point. Roger is awesome. Thanks.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Cerrot, it just occured to me that Monday won't be a good time to call Roger because he'll just be getting back from CES.

You can certainly email him though, link to your system, and explain the problem. Say you're planning to call him in a few days when things settle down. But provide your phone number anyway -- he might call you; he's very good about that.

Neil
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cerrot's avatar
cerrot OP
1,700 posts
 
Neil,

Thanks. I have dealt with Roger in the past and know his ways well. He sets a standard other manufacturers should follow. Not sure what can be done, though. I opened the preamp and there aren't any jumpers, toggles, etc. May just be a mismatch. I'm running balanced from cd to preamp. I will speak with him. I may leave it as it is (CD soungs just amazing) or demo the ARC LS26. I'm wondering now if I am missing anything from my other sources.

Thanks again for your help.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 

have you tried using RCA instead of balanced on the CDP?

There would be less gain involved with RCA, and that might help out for now.
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