2. amps-preamps
  3. 1268598713

What to do next . . .?

This is my first post, so I'm not sure if it belongs here.

I'v been what I call an audiophile for about 15+ years now, but the last 5 years I have been dormant. When I was into it on a day be day thing I really didn't have the money for it but what I ended up with (till this day) is a Conrad Johnson MF 2100 amp, California Audio Labs DX-1 CD player, Acurus LS 11 preamp and a pair of 2Ce Vandersteen speakers.

My question is what part of this setup should I upgrade to better my sound. My gut instinct is the CD player, but I've been so long "out of the game" of audio I'm not sure where to start?

Any help would be appreciated, and if this is in the wrong forum just let me know and I'll post it there.

On a side note I also own an Denon 2910 dvd/cd player and Im wondering which is better the DX-1 or 2910 - but maybe I should post this on the digital forum
last_lemming
dominion78
7 posts
 
A 12 x 12 room is your problem. I would also support Schipo and state your next move should be to exam the room. If you can negotiate a different listening room in the house, please do so. Next treat the room.

Good luck,
D
pinkus
144 posts
 
>> Last night I tried the Denon unit. I can't say I heard any really noticable difference.

Bingo. That is what I was saying above. And I can assure you that it will be the same story even if you get whatever it is that you want as a digital source, short of a cost no object design. But if you wait long enough, there will be enough people who question your findings ... did you use the right cable, did you use the right power cord, etc. etc. I say you trust your ears and as suggested above, you can try this out with a $30 DVD source also.

As far as the room is concerned, the easy thing to suggest is to change it. But in the real world, we have to make do with the rooms we have. I have found that a good tubed preamplifer makes a significant difference in the quality of sound.

Another option would be to consider an intergrated. I am partial to the sound of the Ayre Ax-7E integrated. It can be had for around $1800 used. This integrated really opened my ears, so to speak, as to how critical amplifcation can be in determining the final sound of your system.

Thanks
no_money
638 posts
 
Get a CJ pre to match the amp.
ddd1
261 posts
 
In order:

Change the room for something bigger with unequal dimensions.

If you can't change the room, get some smaller speakers that don't go down so deep. I had the 2CEs in a 11 x 17 room and they overloaded the room with bass. They are also fussy re vertical listening axis and this is related to listening distance.

Once you get this right, work on the preamp and the source.

shoe
204 posts
 
If you are interested in trying a different more modern CD player I would recommend an Arcam FMJ 33 0r the FMJ 36. Compared to a variety of players I was supprised at how well it performed in every area. It may tame the bass making a it bit more tuneful in your room and provide a bit more air and detail. Didn't see any used for sale on agon at the moment but have seen them go for a very reasonable prices in the last few months here.
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