[PhishPhan]

The itch to upgrade my system is in need of a good scratching as it's been a while since my last upgrade. I was hoping you guys would lead me in the right direction.

My current system is as follows:
Speakers: Tyler Audio Taylos
Amp: Jungson JA-88D
Source: Eastsound  CD-35

I listen to mostly rock, jazz, some classical and acoustic, mostly guitar stuff-Hedges, Kottke etc.

That's it at the moment. I was thinking of adding a DAC (Bel Canto DAC2, Audio Mirror, Paradisea) or a sub (for 2-channel audio only; one-note boomboxes need not apply). The only problem with adding a sub is that I have no line level outputs on the back of my Jungson so I'd have to use speaker level inputs. Unfortunately, several of the subs I've been looking at do not have speaker level inputs. I'm looking to spend about 500-1,000, preferably used.

Any suggestions, thoughts, and/or advice is much appreciated.

[BradJudy]

If you want to add a sub, find a used Paradigm or NHT sub integration box.  IIRC, the Paradigm model is the X-10 or X-30. 

[woodsyi]

If you don't have any vinyl, I would look into one of the digital music servers.

[PhishPhan]

Sadly, I have no vinyl.

I grew up in the age of Cd's, so all my music is in the form of 1's and 0's. I wish I had a nice vinyl collection and turntable, but building a vinyl collection and a system that supports it is not the kind of undertaking a poor college student like myself could support financially.

The paradigm and NHT stuff seems a little too home theater oriented for me. Are there any subs that are made strictly with 2-channel audio in mind? I had an HSU VTF-2 and it sounded OK, but seemed a little slow compared to my Taylos so I sold it on Audiogon.

[nodiak]

May want to look into the Rythmik servo subs and see if they're for you. I use a single "kit option #1" ($485, plus cabinet costs), so do a few others here on AC. It's my first powered sub so I can't compare, but the words is it's one of the great ones. All the bass you can feel. Even helps with acoustic music as it "brings the hall/stage to life".
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/servo_product.htm
Interesting gear you have. No tubes for acoustic music? 

[PhishPhan]

Thanks for the advice, but I'm not ready for any DIY stuff just yet although it sounds like something I'd be into in the future when I have a little more free time.

No tubes. Maybe in the future...

My Jungson operates in class A so it has a nice full sound, something simlar to tubes maybe; I've never heard any tube gear so I couldn't know for sure.

[bpape]

I'd look at the little ACI sub.  It's very nice for a music sub.

Bryan

[PhishPhan]

The ACI stuff looks very nice, but I don't think they have speaker level inputs.

[nodiak]

What about buying an already built cabinet for a Rythmik or other sub kit? Just need drill and screwdriver to assemble. Just trying to help as would keep within your budget. Meniscus, Madisound, ACI are all in midwest for cheaper shipping, and may have cabs or know where you could find them.
The tubes comment was lighthearted. I think your gear looks very nice and intrigues me, wish I could hear your system.
Don

[PhishPhan]

Now that sounds very interesting. 

I assume a small amount of wiring would be necessary; as long as it is simple I think I may be up for it.

[bpape]

Actually, the ACI does have a speaker level input I'm pretty sure.

Bryan

[nodiak]

ACI speakers are great for sure. Also worth talking to Chad at Meniscus. I think you'd be glad you called both places for their input.

[PaulFolbrecht]

The best sub you could possibly get for your $1K would be one of the smaller RELs used.  They are so much better than about anything else on music it's pretty staggering.  They all have speaker-level inputs too.

The Jungson stuff is very nice SS gear.

[BradJudy]

The paradigm and NHT stuff seems a little too home theater oriented for me. Are there any subs that are made strictly with 2-channel audio in mind?

I didn't say their subs, I said their sub integration devices.  They convert speaker level inputs to line level outputs (and a couple other features) so you can use any sub you want.

[warnerwh]

Personally I like the sound quality of M&K subs. You can get them used on Audiogon for your budget. I know Marty DeWulf uses one. The dual 12" sealed designs will be just what you need. Once you have a good sub music will sound much better. It's surprising how important it is. You won't go back after you're used to hearing all of the music.

Another component that people tend to forget is room treatments and bass traps. This can make a HUGE improvement. It is literally a necessity if at all possible. Do some research in the Acoustics forum here and you'll see that I'm not the only one who feels it's mandatory. It will be like a major speaker upgrade. I'm not talking about 1 model up in a line but two or three. Actually it could be even better.

Without good room acoustics your system cannot perform near it's potential. The average room has peaks and dips of around plus/minus 15db. A child with a 10 band graphic equalizer can't do as much damage to your sonic presentation that the average room does. This is pure physics as sound travels in wave lengths. Fortunately room treatments like Realtraps are a bargain for what you get in sound quality per dollar. I'd actuall recommend room treatments before upgrading anything else if at all possible. I realize sometimes the WAF comes into play but there's alot out there these days that are attractive and very functional. Don't cheap out here because you get what you pay for.

DIY room treatments are easy to construct and cost so little that it's foolish to not at least see what they can do for you.