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Heard my friend's system, thinking of leaving hifi

I asked a friend to come over and listen to my system which consists of a Cary 303/200 CD player, Plinius 8200 integrated and Soliloquy 6.2 speakers with Acoustic Zen cabling all around, most of which was purchased from this site. He politely told me to gather my best music and invited me to go to his place and listen to his system.

He has some type of Meridian arrangement where the CD player goes directly to internally powered fullrange speakers. Oh my, the first 10 seconds and I wanted to cry! It was all there: imaging, soundstage, naturalness to all instruments, non-fatigue, front row... I've been to alot of trade shows and dealers in my area so I know what a great system sounds like and where my modest system stands in comparison, but geez that Meridian system sounded amazing! I mean it dwarfed all by comparison. (The only flaw that I could find was that in the systems current state it didn't allow for the addition of an FM tuner.)

Naturally most of us can't afford to drop that kind of money on a passtime. Certainly, I really can't afford to drop $50k on a system like that, but jeez it sounded great! I mean I came home and wanted to give my system away and find another hobby!

Does anyone have any suggestions about any changes I could make to my system to start working towards getting to that sound? I would say that first the speakers would have to go. Something "fuller" than the 2-ways I currently have. Perhaps something with powered woofers? His sytem seemed to present all frequencies in a balanced manner. Mine seems a bit thin in comparison and certainly lacks the lower end. Any suggestions would be appreciated...
portugal11
portugal11 OP
52 posts
 
Thank you for all your encouragement. Please keep your insightful thoughts coming.

I live in an apartment, so there is no dedicated room and none in sight for a while. Hopefully I'll be able to locate my system in the same room as my office furniture but that won't be realized until I move to a different location. I'm going to have to deal with speakers being close to the wall in any scenario due to Wife Acceptance Factor. Currently I have a tv in between speakers and throw a blanket over it when I listen to music. My current room is roughly 20x30.

I definitely understand the importance of room treatment. You can really hear it at times, especially at the dealers, and usually can be held responsible for poor sound at the shows. (I noticed this at the HES show in NYC this past year.) The thing with the meridian system was that the thing wasn't in a dedicated room either. In fact, it had a glass coffee table right in between the speakers.

Regarding speakers, I was wondering what people think of Audio Physic and Von Schweikert? Any other speaker recommendations? I hear Dynaudio goes well with Plinius but I don't like the current line's aesthetics. I don't mind purchasing used.

Thanks again.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Please add Vandersteen and Thiel to your choices; time and phase accurate.
slikric3000
638 posts
 
Slappin' down 50K on audio is no different then 50k on a nice auto, cmon everyday poeple do it every day.
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,213 posts
 
I've owned the Plinius 8200 MKII, and its a fine product for the price. However, I've also owned the Soliloquy 6.2i's and think you can do much better.

I don't know what you have in mind for a budget, but my first speaker recommendation would be something from Dynaudio... maybe the 72Se's that are currently listed.

However, since you don't really care for the Dyn's aesthetics, and you've stated interest in Von Schweikert & Audio Physics, consider the VR-4Jr's or the Virgo's.

Another gentleman recommended Harbeth... once again, not the last word in style, but a terrific recommendation, especially when mated with a REL Storm III subwoofer. The same can be said for Vandersteen 2CE Sigs... excellent value, but not necessarily easy on the eyes.

Another well respected brand to consider would be Spendor... and they also fill the niche when it comes to pleasing aesthetics.
ajahu
306 posts
 
Active speakers is the best possible solution for hobbyist,like many of us. Not only because theoretically active drive is better than passive. The main problem is for many of us is matching a passive loudspeakers with the right amplifier. There are endless variations, further complicated by cables.It is likely that the combination we able to do is a less satisfying and coloured soundprint, than the potential of each component alone. At an active system, professionally done this matching.
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