Where to invest 1k...

jasonc · « **Reply #20 on:** 27 Sep 2003, 03:17 pm »

I urge you to look at the Jolida JD-302B (integrated tube amplifier). This is I consider, as well as many others a giant performer for the money.

I've had this amp paired with my VMPS 626R's for the past few weeks and I can honestly say I've never been this busy enjoying music

.

Good luck!

Hantra · « **Reply #21 on:** 27 Sep 2003, 03:30 pm »

Quote

Can you enlighten us and let us know a cheaper amp that sounds better?

Dude, the Scott Nixon amps will KILL the LeAmps. Not only that, but my friend who bought LeAmps got rid of them in favor of his Arcam RECEIVER. In fact, I'd take those Marantz monos over the LeAmp.

F-100 · « **Reply #22 on:** 27 Sep 2003, 04:07 pm »

I concur with Hantra on the LeAmp. They didn't sound good at all in my system and I sold it right away without a second thought.

warnerwh · « **Reply #23 on:** 27 Sep 2003, 09:02 pm »

You may not be able to go balls to the wall with the room treatment but several pieces helps alot. Once you add some though and see how much it helps you may be inclined to do more and change the look of your listening room to where most women are less than approving. It will sound much better however.

Rocket · « **Reply #24 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 02:15 am »

hi,

i have found it really interesting reading about the comments on the original leamps. this goes to show me that hifi is such a personal hobby.

the leamps have had Many good reviews on the internet, including Tnt Audio which i rate highly.

i have never heard them and cannot comment on the leamp sound.

Regards

Rocket

Psychicanimal · « **Reply #25 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 02:29 am »

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?accspowr&1069826173

I have three of these.

Spend your money wisely. Audio is not an investment.

Hantra · « **Reply #26 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 03:27 am »

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Audio is not an investment

Very good advice.

JLM · « **Reply #27 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 12:04 pm »

Try the easiest path first, one of the Sony all digital receiver/players and save some of your budget.

This is how I see the next couple of years in audio play out:

1. More digital "all in one" units. This will capture the audio/HT mass market as well as the market of music lovers who enjoy high fidelity, but aren't "into" electronic gadgets.

2. Tubes and solid state will support vinyl to naturally join to be known as fully vinyl systems. (There will be little other reason to use tubes/solid state.) This concept obviously will also include all sorts of vintage fans.

3. Development of a "digital pre-amp" to support digital audiophiles who still want separates. These units would provide system controls and convert digital source outputs to be digital amp ready.

So:

Why get into converting digital to analog? (conventional systems)

Why get into converting digital to analog and back to digital again? (digital amp with a CD player and analog pre-amp) This looks quirky/half baked idea now, what'll it look like in a couple of years?

Why spend money on separate pre/power amps, interconnects, or equipment racks at this price range? (I know you have interconnects, but they can be sold.)

Bottom Line: If you're a music lover, or don't want to wait, buy one full digital "all in one" units and put the rest into music. If you're an audiophile wait until a separate digital pre-amp to be invented.

jeff

BOK · « **Reply #28 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 02:49 pm »

Rocket,

You are right, hifi is absolutely personal. Everyone has an opinion to match an individual taste.

I use 5 IRD MB-100's, Le Amps, in my HT setup and they sound very good to my ears. IMHO. Not a fact, as some would float, but to my ears and in my setup and room. And IME.

They replaced 5 Marantz MA6100 monoblocks, go figure. It was no contest which sounded better. And Brian C also favored the Le Amps over a pair of 200W Marantz blocks.

BOK

Tyson · « **Reply #29 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 04:59 pm »

I thought the LeAmps sounded very good for the $$, w/their only real downfall was that they were a little cold and uninvolving. But, they were smooth, not particularly transistory sounding, and had good bass. But the Odyssey amps sound a lot better, and the Van Alstine amps sounded even better than the Odyssey amps (I've owned all 3 of these amps). JMHO. . .

Gbatokai · « **Reply #30 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 05:15 pm »

I heard odyssey offered a complete (except for source) synergy-matched setup for $1500, consisting of Etesian pre, Khartago power, Epiphany speakers and Groneberg cables throughout. I mailed with Klaus (who runs Odyssey) about it, and it supposedly works well for all kinds of music.

Living in Norway, I have not heard this system - but based on the positive responses and purchases of people who heard it at a recent show, I was *very* tempted.

Unless you want to subscribe to a lifetime of hassles buying/matching/selling gear, I strongly suggest you consider such a solution.

You could always send it back.

Hantra · « **Reply #31 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 09:29 pm »

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I have not heard this system

Quote

I strongly suggest you consider such a solution.

Now this is perhaps the single worst piece of advice I have read so far to date. I'll stop there.

Marbles · « **Reply #32 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 09:36 pm »

Quote from: Hantra

Quote
I have not heard this system

Quote
I strongly suggest you consider such a solution.

Now this is perhaps the single worst piece of advice I have read so far to date. I'll stop there.

Hantra, I agree with you. But at least he qualified his response.

I have heard the system and I strongly suggest he consider such a solution.

There, does that make you feel better Hantra. That one who has heard it recommends it?

Hantra · « **Reply #33 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 09:39 pm »

Hahah. . .Thanks. I do feel better.

Too many people recommending things they have no clue about. . .

B

byteme · « **Reply #34 on:** 28 Sep 2003, 10:12 pm »

Since everyone is tossing in $.02, here's mine.

I've heard this setup with my Polk speakers, although they are '88 model RTA 11tl's (heavily tweaked) not the more current LSi series. To me, it sounded excellent and the only reason I didn't keep the amps is because I really like the Odyssey Stratos Stereo Extreme much more.

You may be able to get this preamp for the price it was going for about 6 months ago or there is a used one on Agon - http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?preatube&1069906453 , more info at http://www.phillyaudio.com . Typically $350, I'd spend another $50 on a quad of 4 Tung Sol 2C51/396a NOS tubes, for a total of $400. If you go with this preamp I can let you know where to grab those tubes from.

Then you could go with Scott Nixon Monoblock amps. VERY musical, great sound, the Polks are pretty efficient so you should be fine SPL wise. They are clean, quiet and great little amps.

That combination should put you right at $1000 or so. Another combo I would HIGHLY recommend which is almost what I've got is the Philly preamp with Klaus' new Khartago amp. That'd probably set you back a bit more, around $1100 - $1150 or so, however, you'd have that Odyssey "non" sound and extreme quality and some extra watts.

If you want something to front the Polks that will do them service you won't go wrong with either of these combos.

Gbatokai · « **Reply #35 on:** 29 Sep 2003, 06:28 am »

Quote from: Hantra

Hahah. . .Thanks. I do feel better.

Too many people recommending things they have no clue about. . .

B

I do have a clue or two about it - and I know enough to recognize potential great value when I see it. So I give this tip for people to investigate for themselves, in honesty. There's nothing wrong with that.

As you may well know, Hantra, people have very different tastes in sound and different needs, so they ultimately need to hear for themselves anyway.

Rocket · « **Reply #36 on:** 29 Sep 2003, 08:48 am »

hi,

sorry i recommended the odyssey khartago and pre and i haven't heard the either.

like the last poster indicated odyssey has a great reputation for quality products at affordable prices.

sometimes you just have to take a punt like i did. i bought the pt p3a dac and aksa 100 amp without hearing them.

regards

rocket

MaxCast · « **Reply #37 on:** 29 Sep 2003, 11:10 am »

For the record there is a difference when someone recommends a product and someone recommends checking out a product.

I have recommended products that I have not heard and try to include that they should check them out. AC is full of companies that can not be auditioned in stores. If someone seeks a $1000 whatever he may get 10 recommendations. It is up to him to narrow the list and search for reviews to see if it is a fit in his system.

I'm sure everyone will agree that in home audition is the best criteria for evaluating a product. I'm glad to see more and more of that here at AC.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #38 on:** 29 Sep 2003, 02:19 pm »

"I'm sure everyone will agree that a home audition is the best criteria for evaluating a product. I'm glad to see more and more of that here at AC. " I agree fully with your statement MaxCast - it's the best way !!!!!!!