2. tech-talk
  3. 1168567912

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
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
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
First off I want to say; last night I moved my Harmon Kardon HK825 into place and back to backed it with the Eico HF85. I am sorry to say; my Eico is no longer my favorite. The HK at least last night showed me more music than the Eico did. The only downside s that the Eico seems to play female voices better that the HK.. and I love Lisa Loeb so its not good. :(.

As far as the HF-81 amp.. no way in heck a small tube amp is gonna power my Vandy's.. they are power suckers.. my now gone but not forgotten Klipsch Heresy II's would have been great.. but I have given up on Klipsch horn idea.. I have decided it the worst sounding speaker around.. unless you are throwng an OUTDOOR party and want to jam to black sabbeth! THEN they would be awesome.

The whole reason that am thinking about the Signature series 2ce speakers (vandersteen) is #4 of Mikes list.. all of the crossover electronics were upgraded.. and now I read there is a sig series II!!! WHAT THE HECK IS THAT???? gotta reasearch..

Anyway.. thanks for the preamp advice.. I think the eico will be powered on once in awhile to keep the caps happy but thats about it.. maybe some jazz music.. it still might have its place..

AND.. due to this forum I spent $200 on gold cd's on amazon last night.. thanks guys.. you are all draining my pockets! :)
gregm
3,411 posts
 
I spent $200 on gold cd's on amazon last night...
Now THAT'S the spirit. Diy cables next.

BTW, Klipschorns are very good spkrs -- esp with a few mods! Really.
More to discover