System options. . .need advice!

pjchappy · « **on:** 18 May 2004, 07:43 pm »

OK, I still don't have a job. . .SOOOOOO. . . .here are a few things I'm thinking about doing:

First off, I am trying to do this b/c I want me VMPS Smaller Sub back in action. The 'sub' amp is currently being used to power my mains.

Option 1: Buy a SAXR50. This way, I will be able to use the sub out of the Panny into the 'sub' amp. . . the sub will be back in action.
Pros: Sub will be back in action.
No need for a sub x-over b/c I will be using the Panny's sub-out.
Will have a tuner in my system.
Will have a remote.
Will MAKE money off this set-up after you read my con below.
Cons: W/ this option, I will have to sell my SN TubeDac+. . .which makes
GREAT sound. A BIG con. This is b/c I want to take advantage of
the Panny's digital amplification (which I've heard is the whole
point of this unit)
Total Cost: Will MAKE ~$200 of this set-up. Or, can keep the SN TubeDac+ for later. So, set-up would cost me ~$300.

Option 2: Buy a relatively cheap (~$300) integrated amp to power my mains.
Pros: Again, sub will be back in action.
Can keep the great sounding SN TubeDac+
Cons: Will cost me money.
Will cost more money b/c I need to buy a crossover for the sub
and another set of interconnects.
Total Cost: Will cost me ~$500 to do this. Again, I have no job. . .but this would be the most ideal.

Would use this set-up only until a few weeks into my job. . .if I ever get one. So, probably would last me a year.

Option 3: Keep my current set-up and be patient. Ha.
Pros: Sounds good.
Cons: Am using a QSC RMX850 to power my mains (monitors). Sounds
surprisingly decent, but is probably the only 'weak' point in my
modest set-up.
No sub.
No sub.
No sub.
Total Cost: Obviously, nothing. However, I REALLY want to use the sub again. I have been about 4-months w/o it.

Option 4: ? open to suggestions. . .

Thanks!

p

maxwalrath · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 May 2004, 08:09 pm »

Being an optimist about the job hunt and not wanting to wait through the break-in time on the panny, I would opt for the integrated. You'll be making tons of legal $$ soon enough and want to sell the panny off before it really opens up.

pjchappy · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 May 2004, 08:15 pm »

Of course, the most expensive option. . .

THAT's the problem w/ that one, dolla. . .

Anyways, maybe I could get the Panny and use it as an integrated (still using the TubeDac+. . .). . .instead of using its digital input. . .maybe that would sound decent. Anyone have any experience using the Panny's analog inputs w/ a decent DAC? This way, I wouldn't have to buy a x-over and another set of interconnects. . .that extra cost would just be wasted down the road. . .

p

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 May 2004, 08:17 pm »

How are you with DIY? Could you make a chip amp? Gainclone like? That might be another option.

pjchappy · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 May 2004, 08:24 pm »

Well, I've made a Bottlehead Foreplay and my x-over for my P1s. . .when I sold my Foreplay, I sold it VERY cheap b/c it was only the 2nd thing I've ever done.

That's it. . .

I really don't trust myself w/ that stuff. . .would rather stick w/ non-DIY. . .

p

maxwalrath · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 May 2004, 08:54 pm »

I'm not exactly sure when my response audio modded 202 will be done, but it sounds like it will be within a month. If it's longer than that, I'll be between places for the month of July and won't be able to set a system up anyway.

Once I get the 202 or move out of my current place, and if you wanted, I could send you my 301 to try out. I'm not trying to sell it to you or anything, but I wouldn't need it and it would give you an idea of it's performance. I'd have no problem letting you try it for a month or so.

pjchappy · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 May 2004, 09:00 pm »

Hopefully I will have a job by then and can buy WHATEVER I WANT!!!

My current plans once I get a job:

1. VMPS RM-30s
2. Amps. . .unknown. Looking to spend $2-3k.
3. VMPS Larger Sub
4. Porsche 911 Turbo w/ X50 package

Oh, #4 is if I win the Powerball.

Anyways, I will think about that offer. . .but like I said, I BETTER have a job by then. I'll know in a couple weeks if I'll get the job I've been wanting.

p

Carlman · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 May 2004, 09:18 pm »

Buy the following if you want some retail therapy:
1 cheap used integrated amp ($200 or so?)
1 set of low pass filters for the sub (you'll have to search for them but they just cut a certain frequency... this way you don't need a crossover for now)

Or, do nothing. Those are the only options in my book... for 2-channel. Don't buy into the hype around the Panasonic gear. It's OK but unless it's modified it isn't really mind-blowing (to me, anyway). I haven't heard it modified. I own a Panny XR-25 and it sounds like a nice receiver. The XR-45 is supposed to sound a little better but then it'll sound like a nicer receiver. Can you do an ASL integrated or something Chinese that gets good reviews? Maybe something tubey since it sounds like you like that sound....

Anyway, that's my suggestion.... do with what you will.

BEST of luck on the job. I really know how it feels. However, now I'm on the other side and when it rains it pours... 3 contracts at once is tough. When Fall comes I'll probably have nothing again... oh the cycle...

-C

pjchappy · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 May 2004, 09:36 pm »

I can't find any info on a low-pass filter. . .any help here?

Again, if I go this route, I will need another pair of interconnects. . .another con.

Also, are there any cheap integrateds w/ a pre-out to drive the amp for my VMPS sub?

p

WEEZ · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 May 2004, 09:43 pm »

I think Bill at Response Audio can install a sub-output on the Jolida 301 for you- if you decide to go that route.

FYI

Good Luck,

WEEZ

WEEZ · « **Reply #10 on:** 18 May 2004, 09:46 pm »

Also- try Audio Concepts (www.audioc.com) for a filter. I'm not sure,-but I think they have them.

WEEZ

pjchappy · « **Reply #11 on:** 18 May 2004, 09:50 pm »

I found high-pass filters, but no low-pass.

The 301 w/ any mods would probably be more than I'm willing to spend. . .and would take too long to get. I am looking to do this stuff now, as it would only be a temporary set-up.

If I get a Panny, it could later be used for a small 2nd set-up.

Anyways, I still haven't made up my mind, so, any other ideas/help would be appreciated. Although, I am leaning towards the Panny right now, using it in conjunction w/ my SN TubeDac+. . .simple although I would need interconnects if I used the DAC, I wouldn't need a low-pass filter, x-over, etc. And right now, I can get the SAXR50 for $250 shipped from JR.com. . .

Again, I haven't made up my mind, though.

p

Hantra · « **Reply #12 on:** 18 May 2004, 10:13 pm »

That Jolida is a fine amp. I had the 1501, and I loved it.

Aside from that, the NAD BEE looks like a great way to make it over your hump.

Good luck on the hunt . . . (job, and gear)

pjchappy · « **Reply #13 on:** 18 May 2004, 10:41 pm »

OK, that Jolida does sound interesting.

However, 2 things. . .would want a pre-out w/ it.

Also, back to the low-pass filter or x-over. Would need some help finding these on the cheap.

Also, interconnects. Would need these for the mains. I already have cables to use for the sub. Would want good cables CHEAP. Suggestions?

Again, still haven't made up my mind.

p

Hantra · « **Reply #14 on:** 18 May 2004, 11:01 pm »

Quote

Would want good cables CHEAP. Suggestions?

How cheap?

The best cable for the dollar, out of all the cables I have ever heard, is the Audience Conductor. 90% of the Au24 performance, which is a hell of a cable for the money itself.

But. . If you want to spend less, the Kimber Timbre is supposed to be better than PBJ, and it's cheap!

Bolder M-80 is great too, and may work well in between those two. Last I checked though, it was close to Conductor price, and there's just no way it will compete IMO.

HTH. . .Good luck!

B

pjchappy · « **Reply #15 on:** 18 May 2004, 11:18 pm »

See, this is going to be the problem if I go an integrated route. A decent set of interconnects is going to set me back at least $100, then I'll have to find some x-over or low-pass filter which will cost me who knows what. . .

Still taking suggestions/advice.

I am especially looking for ideas in the x-over or low-pass filter department for my sub.

p

vpolineni · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 May 2004, 11:23 pm »

Quote from: pjchappy

I found high-pass filters, but no low-pass.

Is this what you're looking for?
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Klg0PdEUbIB/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=82600&I=069900060&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

pjchappy · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 May 2004, 11:33 pm »

I'm an idiot. . .I can just use the x-over in my VMPS Sub. . .for some reason (I don't remember why) I used the sub the direct route (bypassing the x-over. . did this when I first got it). . .and used an external electronic x-over. . .really have no idea why I did this. . .Anyways, this will simplify things a bit. . . .

SOOO, I can take the sub apart, solder the x-over back in, and also do the wood glue mod to the PR. . whoo hoo. . .

Anywho, SOOOO, guess I am just in need of advice on amps and interconnects still. . .I keep waffling. . . .

p

vpolineni · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 May 2004, 11:49 pm »

for interconnects I highly recommend the venhaus pulsars.. the "red hots" nature boy reviewed seem to be great as well.

pjchappy · « **Reply #19 on:** 19 May 2004, 02:26 am »

OK, I'm leaning towards the NAD C320Bee. . .anyone have any recommended online stores for this?

The cheapest I found it is for $329 at elegantaudiovideo.com, but, I've never dealt w/ them nor heard of them before. . .

p