jeffrey
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Fresh outta the womb audiophile - would like some feedback on the gear I have
commsysman
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I assume you are just using the front speakers when you listen to music? They are pretty good speakers, but the Polks? Mmmmmm.

I used to have Celestion speakers in my den, and they were very nice, but one of the drivers got scratchy and Celestion is basically out of business, except for guitar amplifiers/speakers. No parts available. I junked them rather than mickey-mouse a repair.

You should get fairly good sound from the front speakers, I would think. I wonder how well the center speaker matches up with the fronts, and you might need to think about that. I would guess that the Monitor Audio BX Center speaker would be a big improvement in the center. that way you could get a pair of Monitor Audio speakers if the Celestions die.

You can get a fairly good Cambridge CD player for around $500, but if you want to spend a bit more you can get an amazingly good one.

Five years ago I wanted the best CD player i could buy, and the Ayre C5xe was unquestionably the best SACD/CD player at the time, so I popped for the $6000 for it. It really is excellent, especially since I sent it back to the factory for the MP upgrade.

Recently, however, I have been reading amazing things about the new OPPO BDP-95 player, which plays Bluray, DVD, SACD, CD and about a dozen other things. I already had a Bluray player, but I decided to buy it just for the hell of it, because it has amazing features and sound quality from all reports. Anyway, it is even better than the Ayre at playing SACD and CD; the sound quality is off the chart. It is the only player I have heard that actually makes CDs sound as good as the best vinyl recordings...or maybe even better in some cases.

I would rate it as the HIFI bargain of the century, so far, for $1000. Highly recommended. It makes every CD/SACD player from $1000 to $25,000 obsolete, in my book. An amazing technical triumph! Everyone who is interested in good sound quality and has CDs should own one of these.

jeffrey
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Hi there commsysman,

Thanks for your response.

You are right in that I use only my front speakers for music listening. As far as the Polks go they do not match up to the Celestions. When playing a movie you can separate which speaker is playing what, especially the center. That to me was the first thing that had to go.

The Oppo definitely sounds like a bargain! I have always heard good things about Oppo but had no idea they offered such a valuable product. I will definitely be looking into that.

Thanks again!

jackfish
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The Pioneer Elite VSX37-TX is so-so AV receiver. I'd jettison it if you just want a music system, especially two channel.

If you would be planning on listening to multi channel material, SACD, DVD-A etc. then you might want to keep the Pioneer.

But for a two channel music system, I'd get rid of everything but the Celestions and get competent pieces for an integrated amp or preamp/poweramp, and a subwoofer.

jeffrey
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Hey jackfish,

Thanks for your input.

Luckily for me the amount I have invested into this current system is very low (under $1000), so I'm not too worried about changing some things out. As far as multi-channel goes that isn't something I've ventured into yet, so I will have to whet my appetite to see if it's something I want.

Glad to hear that there is resounding acceptance of the Celestions I have picked as that is the most important piece for me right now. I will have to look into getting separate amplifiers, and definitely a better source, but what brand would you suggest I look at? In terms of budget or amount to spend I won't be able to make any purchases right away, but I am willing to invest around $2000 into the power to run these speakers properly (or is maybe that too low?).

Thanks again! I appreciate the help.

-Jeffrey

jackfish
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was pleasantly surprised. For $1500 it offers quite a bit. Even has a good phono stage for when you make the jump into vinyl.

commsysman
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Another excellent integrated amplifier for $1500 is the Musucal Fidelity M3i.

The Musical Fidelity V-LPS phono stage is also excellent, and is under $200.

cbstudd86
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Gday Guys

I've got an 1970's technics CD-4 system its quadphonic picked it up for 50 bucks in working order and have since been playing new and used records on it, sounds fine to me and boy is it loud i cant ever turn it past half way.. I changed the stylus in it when i got it and noticed a big difference in sound, Long story short i know its prob not the best turntable system for the money i'm spending on records, Im looking at upgrading BIG time new speakers, amp and turntable. kinda thinking $500ish on each item.... "$1500 or round that mark" looking at this setup

Turntable- Pro-Ject Debut 3 or Music Hall MMF-2.2

Not sure on the whole amp setup but do i need a main amp or a pre amp or can i just use a intergraded amp on its own ?? i know how amps work ive got 2 at home but they are for the t.v surround sound and they both dont have phono so i'm guessing they are outter the question... little lost with this one... help!! the intergraded amp i was looking at was a Yaqin brand......

Speakers well again im not sure and i want something that will match amp .......

    Is there anything else other than cables and wires that i'd need??

Christian

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