thinking of changes....any ideas?

nickspicks · « **on:** 8 Jul 2004, 06:45 pm »

Hey now folks...

i've got the bug again, and i'm thinking about changing my system around.
I have been changing speakers for a while, and am setteled on my VR4s, so those will stay, as well as my cables.

on the chopping block is my Musical Fidelity CD-PRE24 front end and McCormack DNA-1 amp.

what I want:
- CD player or DAC w/volume control (thinking benchmark or shanling CD-T100)
- at least 120wpc SS, or 75wpc tube amp. am also interested in a digital amp
- massive detail and soundstage. good bass controll.
- remote operation would be nice

I want a "no preamp" rig. Simplicity....and only one interconnect to deal with. My goal is to get real high- end redbook action, and it would be nice to have digital inputs for my high-res hobby recordings.
I only play digital sources.
an older Sony transport > Benchmark DAC-1 is my leading thought. I'm very familiar w/the DAC-1, and think its the finest digital anything i've ever heard. If *only* it was remote controlled!

suggestions?
I'll have about $2k to drop on the entire project, and would be buying everything used.

Carlman · « **Reply #1 on:** 8 Jul 2004, 07:59 pm »

I like the Von Schweikert's with tubes. So, I think that'd be a great combo. If you could find a pair of used Rogue MB-150's, that would be a great match to the VR4.

The only problem is impedance matching using a variable output DAC. I would think that would be as important as any other preamp/amp combo.

I don't know much about Benchmark, but, I've heard great things. Another worth considering is a Birdland DAC.

I don't know if Rogue's and Birdland's are in your budget... but, may give you some food for thought... oh, and see what the impedances are... I think tubes like a higher impedance and SS likes lower.

-Carl

audioengr · « **Reply #2 on:** 8 Jul 2004, 08:25 pm »

Avoiding the preamp can be dicey. The DAC must have serious drive on the outputs or you will lose dynamics. Same effect as a passive linestage.

You might consider a volume controlled DAC, and then have a modder add a strong buffer stage to the outputs.

Inscrutable · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Jul 2004, 10:03 pm »

If you went to a one box cdp, you might consider a Resolution Audio CD50/CD55/Opus21, Cary 308/308T, Accuphase, Linn Genki ...

some people have complained that preamp-less systems may be more transparent, but may be a bit lifeless as well. YMMV.

Obie · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Jul 2004, 10:28 pm »

Nickspicks-

I'm waiting on a pair of VR4jr's to go with a Naim cd5i and Nait 5i. I won't set everything up until I arrive at our new place in New Hampshire next month. I've come to adore the Naim sound although I was a slow convert.
I think the match may be exceptional.

I'd be happy to meet an audiophool in our new nape of the way!

-kris

nickspicks · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Jul 2004, 11:00 am »

Obie...
you'll LOVE your vr4jr's!
my buddy Carl has the first pair, serial number 0000, that were at CES on display.
they are awesome!!!
He runs:
older parasound transport > benchmark DAC-1 > BAT VK60 > vr4jr
DH-labs cables (but hes really likeing an M-80 IC I lent him).
He lives in Somersworth, btw.

welcome to team NE!

nickspicks · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Jul 2004, 11:08 am »

a couple of friends of mine are actualy recomending I listen to the Sony STR-DAxxxxes line of recievers.
these are 7.1 digital boxes using Sony's new digital drive amplification, multiple DACs..etc.

my friends, whos ears i trust (one of them does recording and hifi for a living) says that using these for two channel playback is stunning. turely high-end and very warm and musical sounding.

I had no real quest for an HT setup. secretely, i've thought about dumping my dynamic two channel setup for a nice maggie HT system, but that was a secrete! (as i typicaly poo poo HT systems for my musical tastes).

Any way...
I've found the 5000es model for only $950 brand new.
anyone have any experience listening to one of these? My friends tell me to dump the DAC idea and just use the digital inputs on the reciever as the best route to go w/these units.
i'm confused now. Is Sony high-end consumer stuff actualy this good? We all know their SACD players are. But what aobut these digital amp / recievers?

Paul L · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Jul 2004, 05:14 pm »

Simplicity is a good approach. However, a lot of volume that added on to a CD player are not implemented correctly. You need to find one that doing it well. Two example, the Cary 308 and 206/200 as well as the Linn Genki's variable output are quite inferior. The same applies to DAC with variable output. I think a properly designed passive is the more cost effective route than finding a CD player/DAC that has a good variable output.

Obie · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Jul 2004, 06:47 pm »

I second what Inscrutable said about considering the Resolution Audio player. I really love the Opus 21- having lived with one for about six months. It is not an inexpensive player to lay hands on though.

My experience with the Sony ES digital stuff hasn't been great. I've not heard the 5000, but other units I've heard have really lacked in musicality and enjoyment for my tastes. I mainly listen to classical and jazz however.

-kris

nickspicks · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Jul 2004, 11:51 pm »

I demo'd a STR-DA1000es today (100wpc) using a pioneer elite source and Sonas Faber GPs.
it sounded like ass.
oh well.....