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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
 
Know anything about this one?
Montrose - Montrose
Audio CD (July 12, 2005)
Original Release Date: 1973
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Audio Fidelity
ASIN: B0009299P6

How would I go about finding out how this one is without asking you?
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
One more: I have searched as hard as I can to find The soundtrack from the movie Le Mans. Any ideas?
metralla
945 posts
 
Ah, the new Yes by Mofi - that could be good, but I have not heard it.

The Montrose is done right - that's Steve Hoffman's work (remember that link I posted above - that's where all the classic rock junkies who know their stuff hang out. Go over and search their archives). Excellent - if you like their music.

Regards,
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
Thanks.. I will. I found Nelson Pass's little forum as well.. might get some help repairing my Threshold 400a. :)
jprinz OP
31 posts
 
As a followup.. I completed the Op Amp mod to my Onix XCD 88. My intitial interpretation is as follows:

1. WOW!
2. Highs are much more precise.. cymbals now sound like cymbals.. you can hear hihats as they vibrate on eachother.. there is a more airy sound to them as well; they dont sound as compressed.
3. The mids used to be too pronounced on my Vandensteen's.. now they may be a bit too far back.. but I don't know for sure.
4. The bass is just plain more in your face.. my room will need adjustment.

For approx $130 and 15 minutes to solder and install I would do it again without hesitation.

Details here:
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122187&highlight=xcd-88+mod

Quite frankly; I still hear some saw buzz.. this is not a $5000 player.. but for what I have into it now (Approx $380) its pretty amazing. I'd highly recommend anyone owning this unit or someone looking in this price range to modify or buy the Onix used and do the mod.
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