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What would you buy next?

Here's where I am at so far:
Mcintosh MC352
Tyler Acoustics PD-80's with built in sub amps
Monster 2100 power conditioner/powerbar
Mainly Monster IC's and speaker cable
Behringer DEQ2496
Harmon Kardon AVR7200
Harmon Kardon DVD25
Toshiba 72mx195 DLP HDTV

Due to lack of funds I have been using the HK AVR as a preamp and the DVD player as a CD player. The sound is a little forward unless I tame it with the EQ. I don't want to worry about any room treatment for now because I am moving in July. For the biggest sound improvement, which would you replace first, pre or source?

I listen to almost everything and like a warm sound. I am hoping you will all agree to replace the DVD with a CD player first simply because it will be less expensive. I am thinking tubes for the preamp when I do the swap.

Any suggestions?
Thank you.

Larry H
nuguy
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
If your CDP has a digital out, I too would recommend adding a DAC. Audio Mirror, Scott Nixon, Audio Note, Bel Canto, and others make excellent DACs that are under $1000 (some at half that price), and you can get a good digital IC for $100. I think you will get better performance value from the component if going this route, and it also allows you the flexibility to run a hard drive-based system if you so choose.

Hope that helps.
dfhaleycko
178 posts
 
Three reasons:
1. you can always get your money out when you resell!
2. you can get one with a digital volume control and run it directly into the MC-352
3. synergy between mac amp & mac CD player

I've personal experience with the Mac players. They're really nice, round, warm, lush sounding, altho not detail champs. But I think you'll be greatly pleased with the sound.

Seen several MCD7008's for sale in the $7-900 range.

Just my $.02 (and you know that free advice is worth what you pay for it!)
klipschfan
176 posts
 
I am using the MC352 with-
Klipschorns
McCormack ALD-1 pre
Perpetual Technologies- P1/P3 & Monolithic combo
Sony DVD as a transport
PS Audio P300

Would suggest you look at the McIntosh MCD201 which would provide you with a pre and a source. You could keep the amp and your speakers, then sell the rest to help fund the new purchase. McIntosh also has a new pre (tube) the C220 if you want to go that route.

If you decide to go one piece at a time-Demo a PS Audio power plant and a DAC to hear for yourself if the change is to your liking.

Best of luck!
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
unless you are not enjoying this very nice system....don't buy anything.
whart's avatar
whart
3,125 posts
 
What is your room like? Have you investigated what some modest room treatment will do? The addition of some RealTraps, or equivalent, don't cost much, and make a noticeable difference in performance.
Perhaps not as exciting as a new piece of equipment, but you may be selling your existing system, and any further improvements you make, short, without giving the room some attention.
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