This is my first post, so a hearty hello to everyone here at Stereophile.
I hope this isn't too lengthy of a post. Jump to tl;dr if necessary.
I have been an up and coming audiophile for some time now, browsing all sorts of websites and forums to get an idea what this crazy hobby is all about.
I'm a stickler for quality, and also value since I am a college student on a budget. I realize that in audio, once you get to a certain level the improvements are minimal relative to the amount of money spent.
This is just my first step into the area, so I'm not in need of reference standard devices and cables. However, as close to reference as possible while maintaining value is the goal.
I inherited an NAD 2200 power amplifier and an NAD 1155 preamplifier from my father which he got back in the '80s. I also inherited his two loudspeakers he had used. However, after storage, the speakers were shot (in need of repair).
I took the speakers in to get repaired, and ended up upgrading the drivers and replacing the tweeters. The speaker housings were custom built back when my dad got them, and I cannot recall the drivers that my tech put in (it was done in Austin, TX). I hope to figure this out soon when I can get in touch with the shop.
The NAD 2200 was taken in to a shop as well, and was found to be in perfect working condition. I did not take the 1155 in since i felt it would not be likely that it would have any damage, and would not be worth the money to bench.
---------- tl;dr ----------------
Right now I run Galaxy Note II > 3.5mm to RCA cable > NAD 1155 > NAD 2200 > Speakers
The 3.5mm to RCA is just some shoddy cheap cable that should probably be upgraded. The cables running from the amp to the speakers are custom cables I just got for Christmas (10ft each, I believe copper but not sure).
I love music. Cant get enough of it and the higher quality the better. What do you guys think of my current setup? What do you think would be a great addition or the next logical step?
I've been looking around at options such as a turntable (maybe a Project Debut III with a new cartridge), a DAC, a DAC/amp combo, and other such ways to complete my system.
I love the idea of a turntable, and my NAD 1155 already has a phono stage (although I'm not sure of it's quality/sound). But I have no vinyl yet. Then this makes me think of a DAC. Well I mainly play out of my Note 2, which apparently has a decent DAC on it, not necessarily worthy of spending $100-300 to get a standalone.
One thing to note is I have a pair of Yamaha EPH-100 IEMs as well. I'm not sure if they enjoy amplification or not while being sourced by a Note 2. I also have a laptop that would benefit greatly from a DAC or DAC/amp.
Any advice or discussion would be greatly received!
Sincerely,
Scornfulheal
This is my first post, so a hearty hello to everyone here at Stereophile.
I hope this isn't too lengthy of a post. Jump to tl;dr if necessary.
I have been an up and coming audiophile for some time now, browsing all sorts of websites and forums to get an idea what this crazy hobby is all about.
I'm a stickler for quality, and also value since I am a college student on a budget. I realize that in audio, once you get to a certain level the improvements are minimal relative to the amount of money spent.
This is just my first step into the area, so I'm not in need of reference standard devices and cables. However, as close to reference as possible while maintaining value is the goal.
I inherited an NAD 2200 power amplifier and an NAD 1155 preamplifier from my father which he got back in the '80s. I also inherited his two loudspeakers he had used. However, after storage, the speakers were shot (in need of repair).
I took the speakers in to get repaired, and ended up upgrading the drivers and replacing the tweeters. The speaker housings were custom built back when my dad got them, and I cannot recall the drivers that my tech put in (it was done in Austin, TX). I hope to figure this out soon when I can get in touch with the shop.
The NAD 2200 was taken in to a shop as well, and was found to be in perfect working condition. I did not take the 1155 in since i felt it would not be likely that it would have any damage, and would not be worth the money to bench.
---------- tl;dr ----------------
Right now I run Galaxy Note II > 3.5mm to RCA cable > NAD 1155 > NAD 2200 > Speakers
The 3.5mm to RCA is just some shoddy cheap cable that should probably be upgraded. The cables running from the amp to the speakers are custom cables I just got for Christmas (10ft each, I believe copper but not sure).
I love music. Cant get enough of it and the higher quality the better. What do you guys think of my current setup? What do you think would be a great addition or the next logical step?
I've been looking around at options such as a turntable (maybe a Project Debut III with a new cartridge), a DAC, a DAC/amp combo, and other such ways to complete my system.
I love the idea of a turntable, and my NAD 1155 already has a phono stage (although I'm not sure of it's quality/sound). But I have no vinyl yet. Then this makes me think of a DAC. Well I mainly play out of my Note 2, which apparently has a decent DAC on it, not necessarily worthy of spending $100-300 to get a standalone.
One thing to note is I have a pair of Yamaha EPH-100 IEMs as well. I'm not sure if they enjoy amplification or not while being sourced by a Note 2. I also have a laptop that would benefit greatly from a DAC or DAC/amp.
Any advice or discussion would be greatly received!
Sincerely,
Scornfulheal