yes, a budget system with MMG planars driven by the Outlaw RR2150 integrated leaves just enough for a decent source and cables - how about an OPPO universal player and anti-cables and -ICs? (that's what I did, plus a sub.) or how about a used Rega cd-p? then the cabling would go over the 1,500 mark a bit...
When you should change your interconnects and speaker cables try another brand. I have experienced that Audioquest is an underperformer. I really like Van den Hul and Kimber, should you try the Spendors with the Creek, maybe Chord would be a good choice also for cabling. Try de-coupling or coupling your equipment the best you can, it can be a cheap tweak or you can go all the way. It all starts with cones and cut in half tennisballs, and ends with racks and suspension.
If you have a small room and dont listen at high levels, I would suggest that you replace your speakers with Magnaplanar MMG ($550). This provide a level of detail and transparency that you may be missing at a very reasonable cost.
See audiovoice for my current system. I used to own MMG until I upgrades to Marin Logan at $2000, which may be more than you're willing to spend at this time. Let me know what you think.
i'm another "poor graduate student" with a 1500 budget. Just started building my first system in a closet dorm room. System will be playing classical CDs, ranging from chamber, solo, grand orchestra and operas.
hi i own a pair of 4t's and have just recently upgraded to the spendor s3/5se's and damn, if the soundstage didn't open right up. not to mention the dissappearing act they seem to do. i'm currently using the 4t's for my tv. oh and on the 4340 , if there are jumpers between the pre/power section, take em out and throw an interconnect in there, subtle yet worth it . imaging and so forth. i use a 5350se with the spendors and have a set of diamond backs between the pre/power.they seem to work very well. if you want tubes i'd go with the preamp. that way you can let the 4340 do all the driving. that's about all. cheers.
