[strider]

Hello all, just wanted to make a quick introduction post before getting back to exploring the various circles. Being relatively new to the hobby, I figured The Starting Block would be an appropriate place to do so. My system begins with a Pro-ject Debut III turntable and a Sony CDP555ES SACD changer, both going into a Carver C-1 pre and then to a Carver M-500 amp. Final destination is a pair of Polk SDA 2B loudspeakers. I really enjoy it; as I've become a better listener there are certain areas where I'd like to see (hear) improvement. All in good time, though; as they say, it's not the destination but the journey. Currently, my project is a new rack for my components. I'm building a rack based on the flexi rack design from TNT Audio. In the spring I hope to begin assembling a Bottlehead Seduction/Foreplay combo to take the place of my C-1. Anywho, enough about me, back to reading.

Ben in Baltimore

[Bemopti123]

Welcome Ben.  What you have will hold your passions for the time being, but your eventual move to the Bottlehead set ups will really be a different world.  I once began hifi with Carver stuff.  It was okay, blasting it was great when one is in college but eventually I figure it out that it was really really bad.  I sold the last Carvers, mine being a M-4.0t for just $100 back in 2000.  Thanks that someone bought that unit.  What is funny is that many still rave about those carvers, those late 1980s to early 1990s models.  Good for them and maybe better for you, so you can recoup some $$$ in the used market, once you get your new passion going.  Prepare to diet in order to keep up you new addiction.

[JLM]

Welcome Ben,


Here's some basics:

Develop your (individual) listening skills based on attending live performances.  Try to learn what you like in terms of musical genres and aspects of audio playback.  Both will probably change (dare I say mature) over time.

Try to connect with local audiophiles and join in local audio gatherings.  There's only so much you can learn from the net.

When you audition limit yourself to 3 or 4 per day as the ear/brain can only juggle/process a limited amount of input.  Its hard to do serious auditioning away from your equipment/home.

Speaker are the biggest factor in the sound of a system with the room playing a close 2nd.  Many underestimate the importance of the room (mostly because they can't do much about it).  Size, shape, isolation, materials, and the domestic acceptance factor must all be considered.  Depending on the quality of your A/C, power conditioning should also be factored early in the process.


Thankfully audio can take a number of directions:

DIY in itself is a direction.  There's plenty of "bang for the buck" available going the DIY route but keep in mind that you can't audition and beware of the "proud papa" syndrome.  There is a lot to be learned from the seat of your pants.  Kits are the best way for nearly anyone to go.

Small amps have their own rewards (some great SET sound), but its own fustrations (the need for high efficiency speakers that have good dynamics but typically lack deep bass and add colorations is a major one).

Without a decent room, headphones make a great deal of sense for serious listening and you can get really great sound for under $2k.

[KCI-JohnP]

Hi Ben,
Looks like to me you are working on building a nice system there. You have received some good advice from the posters above. Anyway, welcome aboard and keep us posted on your progress.

Regards,
John

[woodsyi]

Welcome to AC and MAAC specifically.  We have a bunch scattered around the DC and Baltimore that get together every few months.  I, in fact, use SDA2s for my mains on my HT set up.  They are very clear and articulate.  I believe one of the member is quite active in the Polk audio site as well.  Good luck with your rack and foreplay.  I hope to see you at the next MAAC gathering where we listen to music second and discuss gears third.  What is the first you ask?  Socializing with good food and drinks!   

[lonewolfny42]

Welcome Ben...

Lots to explore on AC....and a nice group of members here as well.
Enjoy the journey....and as woodsyi pointed out, try to attend the local gathering in your area....meeting and listening further enhances your audio experience...

                            Chris

[strider]

Thanks for the welcome everyone.

There is a lot of info here, you guys should be proud. I was turned on to the site a couple of months ago by a friend's father who is a member. My wife and I went to his house to help his daughter move a mattress and while we were there I got to listen to his set up. A real nice combination of Dynaudio monitors, Rogue pre amp and a Musical Fidelity amp, it kinda opened my eyes to the possibilities.

woodsyi:  I was pleasantly surprised at the MAAC circle, I hadn't gotten down that far on the page yet. I'd definitely be interested in attending one of the gatherings, meeting new people and getting my ears on some different equipment. Oh yeah, the drinks never hurt, either

[Kim S.]

Hi Strider.  Just wanted to add my word since you mentioned Bottlehead.  A few years ago I built a Foreplay II. It was my introduction to tubes and the experience was totally positive.  There is plenty of support at the Bottlehead site for newbies.  The Foreplay sounds great and I hear the new version is much better.  Wish I could justify the expense to build another!  Have fun.