I am trying to put together a budget system.
So far I have an Arcam a75 integrated amp and Audio Physic Spark Speakers. Years ago I had auditioned this set up with an Arcam cd92 so this is the way I am leaning. but a friend is also recommending the Naim 5 cd. I've read it can be fussy so I am concerned about how to audition before I buy since I have older equipment. I am looking at all budget cd players under $1,000. Also need to invest in some good cables.
I listen to Jazz, classical and some rock/pop in that order.
Any advice or thoughts?
Thanks!

There has been a new type of religious science invented. It is a doctrine adhered to by a faithful minority of human beings. It is the faith based 'HiFi Science'. It's followers need no evidence or fact, they need only their ears to find the truth. Interestingly, science and scientific discovery forms a large part of the vernacular of HiFi Science.

I currently have a pair of Epos ELS-3 on my 2ch system with the ST35 stands. I found a pair of M12.2 for a killer price and want to upgrade. But I am unsure if the would work with my current placement. I dont have much space between my ELS-3 and the back wall where there is a curtain (2-3in max). The M12.2 would go in this exact place where the ELS-3 are right now. I have been told to put some acoustic panels behind the curtain right behind the speaker. If I did would that help my acquisition of the M12.2 or would they not work at all in my current setup?

Hello everybody!

I'm very fresh to the world of hi-fi (do you guys really spend 700 EUR for a cable?!?!?!).

Anyway, I got a bit lost with all brands and models and i realized i should decide a budget first.

Let's say:

- my budget is 2000/2500 EUR and

- i listen to a good variety of music, but I especially need good performance with classical music CDs (i cannot stand the cellos getting suffocated!)

any suggestion for this lost new-comer?

Thank you!

I recently upgraded my entire stereo - except the turntable. I have a Sytemdeck TT with Profile arm and AN IQ1 cartridge. Mechanically everything is in really good shape, but the sound is - hate to say it - not as good as what's coming out of my cd player. The cd player provides more detail, broader frequency response and better dynamics.

Where to go from here? A new cartridge and phono stage? (the dealer threw in a Simaudio LP3 with the new amp.)

Or perhaps a complete new TT?

The amp and CD player are solid state stuff from Simaudio.

Thanks

Guys,

I currently have the RA 1062 and will be purchasing a pair of Avalon NP2's soon. Would you say the Creek is a much better sounding amp or should I just keep what I have?

Thanks,
Wig

I have inherited a pair of Siemens RL-171 bookshelf loudspeakers, originally purchased in Germany in 1971. These things sound absolutely awesome. Pure clear highs and wonderful midrange. Bass isn't all that tight, but still slightly better than the speakers I've been using up until now (Dayton woofers, tweeters, and crossovers in recycled Radio Shack cabinets).

Is there a forum that specializes in vintage speakers and the like?

Charles.

I just bought a brand new Yaqin MC-100B tube amplifier. I love the thing... it sounds absolutely amazing even with my shitty speakers. But I found a problem. While checking the bias today I put a meter on the top metal part of each of the four capacitors that are between the transformers, and chassis ground. Two of the four caps were at or near 247 volts AC. Is this by design, or is something seriously wrong? Shouldn't the body of the capacitor have no voltage? And shouldn't all four caps be the same? Two have no voltage, two are at 247 volts.

I love my iPod. but iPods are a serious threat to many things which we all rave about constantly on the forums and blogs. What I see as the biggest threat created by iPods is degradation of the listening condition which it creates aka musical ADD.

See Case A for an example.

Case A