[jlee]

Hi all,

I would like to request advice re audio system building. Is combining a tube based cd-player with a tube integrated amp too much tubes (if that makes sense)? Or is it better to go for a regular cd player?

I am an absolute complete newbie, not at all techie, and I just got a used pair of omega grande 6Rs - I like alot. But I think I'll like more if I upgrade the components, which are a Pioneer SX-780 receiver and an oppo dvd player.

My first change is probably for a used cd player: Jolida 102b?, or maybe the MHZS CD 88E (please - any suggestions are very welcome). Or is a solid state player (if that's the right term) more appropriate? I think I heard some good value press on an low end Marantz or Denon unit recently. Eventually it would go with a tube amp.

Also (while I'm at it) is it appropriate for the Pioneer to be used as a pre-amp to a power tube amp, or is an integrated preferred (I probably could not afford a pre/power combo). I would like to keep the Pioneer piece in use: it's solid, it looks good (wife likes it looks as well as the speakers'), good ampage, nice feel to the controls, tuner, headphone option. The budget for any of my equipment is sub-1000, the closer to $500 the better.

As $ is low and spousal approval is lower for continued purchases, this is a long-term project - hopefully getting a decent player by the end the year, but I'm a bit o/c and a research nut.

Apologies for the long question post and thank very kindly for any suggestions regarding system synergy and specific products.

Please don't be put off if I take a while to reply, as I don't have the internet at home and it may take me a few days to get back on a computer + I type slow.

I'm very happy with the Grande and this hi-fi bug has really got me re-interested in music and energized to learn more about this hobby.

thanks again,

JohnL

[jlee]

Hi again,

my goof - the jolida cd player was the Jolida JD100A - the other one is an amp

sorry
johnl

[BossaNova31]

Hi - I have been told that the Marantz 8260 is a very solid CD/SACD player for the money. Very affordable used. There is one on Audiogon right now for only $400.   

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1210172151

[Louis O]

Hi John,

Try an Arcam CD73. Total sleeper and I love the sound. I think it kills a lot of high priced CDPs.

An integrated tube amp will be the most affordable.

Thanks,
Louis

[gbeard]

jlee,

You might check out the Soundquest SQ84. Steve Monte has just put out Version 2. It's a 15 watt 6V6 amp. I thought it sounded great with the Superhemps and it has a nice headphone jack to boot. Just a thought. Another excellent option is to find a rebuilt vintage EL-84 based amp. The EL84 tube is da value bomb with the hemps!!
 
Good luck.

[jlee]

Many thanks for the suggestions,

Gbeard's advice leads me to another general question that hopefully Louis or others could answer: when absorbing the info/commentary/suggestions on this board re hemp driver based omega products (ie superhemp, etc.), can I generally assume that it applies to the older omega fostex driver products as well - particularly re amp, cdp, cable recommendations?

Thanks muchly,


John

[gbeard]

My apologies jlee, I missed the part about the Grande 6's. I have hemp on the brain! 

I had the G6's here for a review a looooooong time ago, and as I remember, either of my suggestions would be fine, although the warmth of the EL 84 tube might be more well suited to the Fostex driver...

Cheers,
Gary

[Louis O]

Hi jlee,

Thanks and hemp's will retrofit in all the 4.5" Fostex applications. The grande 6 has no hemp substitute. I may be able to do this when my 6.5" alnicos are ready.

Thanks,
Louis

[rajacat]

Hi jlee,

Thanks and hemp's will retrofit in all the 4.5" Fostex applications. The grande 6 has no hemp substitute. I may be able to do this when my 6.5" alnicos are ready.

Thanks,
Louis

I bet that 6-1/2" Hemp alnico Bi/Dipoles would be incredible speakers. An engulfing sound stage to be sure and excellent bass. Actually, to my surprise, my hemp dipoles image quite well with satisfying localization of players. Sometimes I wonder how this is possible with opposing drivers.

-Roy

[Hank Murrow]

Dear John L;

Have you looked at this amp?   http://www.glow-audio.com/home.html  It uses El84s to yield around 5 watts and sells direct for less than $500 with a good volume control. Has a very high Wife Acceptance Factor.

Cheers, Hank

[jlee]

Hi again and many thanks for advice,

The Glow amp seems like a possibility.. and does look good (WAF is critical - very picky Venetian wife).

For now, I am relegating myself to the used market, maybe a vintage tube amp stuff.

Had my eye on a Hamlin Stereophonic Power Tube Amplifier that eventually went for $300 usd. It used EL84s too, as well as others, and I thought it looked swell enough.

Or maybe I'll just save up and purchase new next year.

Has anyone viewing this board used the vista audio i84 with omega speakers? It has some good reviews, has EL84s, as has some SET output (whatever that is?)

thanks very kindly, and apologies for my lax monitoring of my query (lack of access and under the weather lately),

john