2. amps-preamps
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What is my weak est link...? Suggestions please.

So here it is: I have a budget of $4000 to upgrade one of the following:

Speakers: Hales Concept 2 (one tweeter - one 7" driver)
Pre: Adcom GFP-750 (Nelson Pass design)
Amp: Adcom 5800

My Thoughts:

Speakers are built like tanks - solid walnut & concrete. Although they lack bottom end.

Bought the Pre years ago; A/B'd them to a Krell Pre ("lower line") which I was prepared to buy. Based on my audition at that time, I picked the Adcom.

Originally, I was thinking about a McIntosh 300 watt amp to replace the Adcom. However, does anyone have any experience with the Adcom GFP-750 as compared to other pre-amps? Also, do you think $$$ would be better spent replacing the Hales with a pair of BW801? I could add a subwoofer, but I kinda like the simplicity of the two speaker set-up.

Thanks for any positive feedback! It is great to have a support community out here in iPod world...

ABP
abp689
liquid-smooth
48 posts
 
I prefer Kef 107 speakers to B&Ws, and they can be had for a fraction of the cost. They are on sale here now:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-kef-107-speakers-in-black-107-2012-11-11-speakers-96003

You can sort of hear them on the Youtube, if you have a good computer based system.

I would also add power conditioner to Adcoms - it made a difference in my system. Even an affordable oneac one like this would be an improvement:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OneAC-CP1110-PN-006-232-8-4-AMPS-WORKS-GREAT-Power-Line-Conditioner-4-Outlet-/190749980276?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6995b674
liquid-smooth
48 posts
 
I love the sound of Kef 107 reference speakers. You can sometimes find them on ebay. They beat B&W 802 nautilus for me, and you know how much they cost...

Also, how about an oneac power conditioner? They made a difference in my system for not much money.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OneAC-CP1110-PN-006-232-8-4-AMPS-WORKS-GREAT-Power-Line-Conditioner-4-Outlet-/190749980276?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6995b674
abp689 OP
41 posts
 
Thanks for the quick response all; the input was great!

I was planning on buying the Mac; I think more due to aesthetics than need. From the responses listed below, I am going to start researching a good sub for the system.

Room:

I have been listening to the same system for years; I just moved my system upstairs to this current room - and it sound like a NEW system. I can't believe it. The room set-up is outstanding and shows how a good room can add to the dynamics of a system. Part of the architecture has curved walls, with slanted ceiling, and a three foot opening at the top, curtain and plants have also helped.

Power Conditioner:

I got lucky on this one. A GE engineer was shipped an extra power conditioner for a scintillation detector and gave it to me. Weighs 85 lbs, looks like a wort hog, and is outstanding.

Cable: Do you really think I can find a good cable for only $3k? I have a $4k budget. Maybe this was suggested and an "entry level" cable.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
I'm not familiar with your amp exactly but I think a great is key to any system. You could get a great amp for 4k. No new speaker is going to sound fantastic without a really good amp.

Not sure what you are using as a source but if you are thinking of running directly from a computer that won't sound good. You will need a dac

I think the one guy was messing with you about the 3k cable
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Sell all, buy a cable for 3k first and start again.
Syntax

Cable: Do you really think I can find a good cable for only $3k? I have a $4k budget. Maybe this was suggested and an "entry level" cable.

Syntax was having fun with you. Please don't take his post serious. The last thing you need to do is spend $3k on cable(s). A subwoofer may be a good thing.
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