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

Spoke with Roger. He said no worries. He had a few options but we agreed on sending preamp back and he will install some resistors on the balanced preamp input. I will ship it to him this weekend.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Cerrot -- so it WAS the output from the Esoteric that was a bit high? Did you ask Roger if, rather than de-sensitizing his preamp input, that maybe you should first call Esoteric and see if there is a way to lower its output?

Most high-end CDP's and DAC's, especially those that have their own remote control volume/mute, make provision for internally adjusting their output range; so that when you have the unit's volume control wide-open, it doesn't overload the preamp. (Actually, I thought that's what Roger was going to tell you to do -- call Esoteric ;--)

Neil
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cerrot's avatar
cerrot OP
1,700 posts
 
Neil, Roger said that the resisters won't effect the sound. I wouldn't want to change anything in the Esoteric. I will give the resisters a try as it will be inexpensive (knowing Roger, he may not even charge though I would gladly pay) and relatively inconvenient (easy to ship as preamp is very light). If it comes back and doesn't sound as good as CD player direct to amp, no biggie as I have aleady resigned myslef to the fact that switching cables when I want to listen may be the way to go. The system just sounds so incredible now, tough to think putting the preamp (albeit modded) back in the line will put me in the same place, though Roger does think that it will.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot OP
1,700 posts
 
Neil, BTW, my Esotriic does not have a volume control. I adjust volume when it is hooke direct to amps with Rogers Active Crossover.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
I understand everything you say, but I still feel bad that Roger has to modify HIS stuff (which I'm sure is right on the money to begin with.)

I know if you follow his advice, you will be saved from cable-swapping hell and everything will sound terrific -- it's not that -- I have total faith in Roger (especially because he claims NOT to be an audiophile!!

I am however, disappointed with Esoteric, maybe, because I think (if you haven't yet) you should make contact with them at least once, to determine if there are any internal adjustment to made. Most maufacturers do not spell out ALL possible options and adjustments in their owner's manuals. If you've already tried that, then please ignore my comments. But in my view, the problem is theirs, not Roger's, and they should fix it ;--)
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