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Where do I go from here?

Really need some help.. my system is pretty wussie compared to you guys.. but I am trying to figure out where to spend my next oh say $800.. and I mean $800 cash PLUS the sale of existing equipment..
Here is my setup:

Preamp: Eico HF-85 no hum all original.
Amp: Threshold 400a (new caps)
CD Player: Onix XCD-88 (stock, no a/d upgrade)
Speakers: Vandersteen 2ce's (bi cabled).

I hear there is an upgrade for the Onix that warms it up.. I have the sockets; but need to buy the actual converters still..

When I bought the Vandersteens I knew I was finally "home".. I love the sound.. I wonder if upgrading to the 2ce signature models would be wise?

Anyhow.. thoughts.. I dont know where the next bang for the buck is.. I fear that I am at the point where I need to spend "big money" to make a difference like the vandersteens did..

Any help would be wonderful!
jprinz
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
Cables are cheap RCA cables from home depot.. the biggest the make.. 12 gauge?
elevick
2,638 posts
 
The amp will hold its own against many newer ones costing $5000+.
Personally, I'd do something with the pre. It may be quiet but that's not enough. It can be upgraded but is costly. You should borrow a newer pre and compare to see if an upgrade will be warranted.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Agree with preamp: how about a used Channel islands passive?

Also, adding dood power filtration will boos your system's performance beyond belief. You don't have to spend a lot of money.
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
Right now I am using a Tripplite smart 1000LCD.. which is a UPS but has some filtering I think.. is this not the right sort of filtering?

I guess I will head to my local used audio store and pic up a few $800 range preamps; bring them home and listen.

I've never witnessed speaker cables making a difference.. maybe I will see if I can bring home some cables as well to test.. we have a great shop here in Denver that has let me bring home many preamps, amps, and speakers..

My Eico gets some really good reviews though.. its supposed to really be a nice unit.. I have a harmon kardon preamp as well... I should try it again.. last time I heard it I was not impressed.
vman71
218 posts
 
Jprinz,

Four things made a huge difference for me and my system and they are in order of how I would place them in priority:

1. At least two dedicated circuits (one for digital and the other for amps
2. Power conditioning, my Audio Magic Matrix is just awesome
3. Adding my restored Eico HF-81 integrated tube amp, it is nothing short of musically amazing
4. Upgrading the cheap parts in my speaker crossover networks, doing this bettered any IC, power cord or speaker cable I've owned or tried (and I have/had some expensive ones from NBS, Electraglide, Nirvana, Cocierto, Argent Audio, Acoustic Zen, etc.)

Mike
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