Need component selection advice/recommendations

Double Ugly · « **on:** 24 Oct 2003, 08:10 pm »

I'm building a system from (almost) scratch and need some advice.

The component to be retired- The wife brought an old Sony 200-CD changer to the marriage and loves the convenience and functionality it offers. However, the changer is at least 8 years old, has only a "Line 1" and “Line 2" output and will essentially nullify the quality and capabilities of the components which will soon surround it.

The component to be named later- I'm considering the Sony DVP-CX777ES. I've already exceeded what I told the wife I needed to build a nice system (big surprise, huh?), so around $600 should be considered the upper limit. My hope is that the 777ES (or whatever) will allow me to (1) improve the system via the removal of a lesser component (cheap DVD player), (2) add a component I thought I’d have to wait for (SACD), and (3) provide the wife with the convenience she now enjoys. Ideally, of course, all this happens in concert with a quantum leap forward in Redbook capability.

I’d very much appreciate any and all input/advice/recommendations from those who’ve used the 777ES or similar components within the aforementioned price range.

For frame of reference, the new system will consist of:

Speakers: (2) SP Technology Timepiece 2.0s
Amp: Eighth Nerve-modified Carver Pro ZR1600
Pre-amp: Balanced Audio Technology VK-3i
DAC: “Old” dAck! w/ new charger, modified by Danny Richie
Transport: ?

The system may eventually become dual-purpose, but for now it’ll be 2-channel only (unless you consider listening to the TV w/ 2 speakers “HT”).

Admin/Facilitator - if the component in question makes this more appropriate for the "Multichannel Audio" circle, please move it and accept my apologies.

DU

Double Ugly · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Oct 2003, 02:22 am »

Disregard. I just purchased a 777ES from ABT Electronics and will exercise the 30-day return option if warranted.

DU

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Oct 2003, 05:34 am »

Did you get those SP Tech. speakers already ? If so , how do they sound ?

Double Ugly · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Oct 2003, 01:38 pm »

Not yet.

I ordered on the 10th, so it's only been 15 days. Bob asked that I give him 30 days since, as a new company, they can't yet afford to have ready-made speakers available. The speakers are almost completely built by hand, and Bob spends a LOT of time hand-tuning each speaker to match his reference. And in my case the wife wanted oak burl veneer, which had to be ordered, slightly lengthening the process.

Even then it’ll be a while before I can make any real determination since everything except the pre-amp is brand new. It’s almost scary, thinking about how much I’ve spent vs. how the system may sound the first time I fire it up.

Then there’s the small matter of speaker cabling and interconnects, which initially will be Monster at best. Can’t afford the good stuff yet. Nathan (8th Nerve) is planning to come down for a listen, and I’m sure he’ll bring along some of his better cabling. No doubt I’ll be quite unhappy with my zipcord after that, but I have a sneaking suspicion it's all part of his evil master plan to separate me from what little money I have left.

Since Ridge Street Audio and SP Tech are in the same town, maybe Bob can talk Robert into providing some of his good stuff for a really, REALLY long-term evaluation.

DU

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Oct 2003, 05:49 am »

DU, You might contact Ridge Street cables to see if they can add you name on to the AC audition tour list. By the time you would receive the audition package, your new equipement would be in place ! Just a thought ........

Double Ugly · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Oct 2003, 06:40 am »

Yeah, it's just a thought, but it's a good thought.

Actually it's something I’ve already considered, but decided against it because-

1) Though unlikely, it’s still possible that my system will be incomplete when the cables arrive. That’d be a waste.

2) Considering that I've already exceeded the budget by $1k, being tempted by something others are falling hard for isn't in my best interest...fiscal or otherwise.

3) Even if the system is in place, I wouldn't feel right about auditioning anything until I have a good feel for it. That won't happen until everything is burned-in, the speakers are dialed-in, and I have a true reference from which to identify and measure differences.

#3 is the real biggie for me, though the money thing is definitely an issue. It’s not that I don’t have the funds to do a few other things, but going over an established budget and continuing to consider additional outlays is completely against my nature. Exceeding it by so much has really whacked me out. I’m actually struggling over the potential purchase of Pandafeet @ $5 a pop. How's that for whacked out?!?

Nah, the audition tours will have to wait. But thanks for the response and suggestion. I do appreciate it.

DU

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Oct 2003, 06:52 am »

DU said : "but going over an established budget and continuing to consider additional outlays is completely against my nature. " You only live once - well at least I think so - anyway, Xmas is coming , maybe Santa will be good to you !!

Double Ugly · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Oct 2003, 07:03 am »

Quote from: lonewolfny42

You only live once - well at least I think so - anyway, Xmas is coming , maybe Santa will be good to you !!

Yeah, but I'll retire twice, and the first one happens in just over a year. Gotta keep things tight until I'm secure in my second career. The job market for pilots ain't exactly what it used to be.

That said, here's to a very, VERY Merry Christmas!

DU