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Rack with computer

Panasonic 42inch plasma and Paradigm Studio 100 v4

Surrounds: Paradigm Studio 40 v2

Description

Caveat: The Prices listed above are MSRP. In most cases I bought used or refurb which means I payed a whole lot less..

Finally had a chance to update my system from my college system. Look at item descriptions for more information.

Sound is somewhat forward and on some recordings sounds great and on others almost a little harsh. Have the bass tone control cranked up and the treble cranked down slightly. I know I'm "supposed" to use the tone defeat button, but I like it corrected like this. Perhaps it's because my room sucks, but the sound is very empty without adjusting tone controls.

Haven't added my interconnects yet, but they are TARA LABS and Tributaries of some kind. Thanks to my uncle who is also into audio equipment and has an attic full of nice interconnects and speaker cables. I don't think I could have brought myself to pay top dollar for cables. Cables just aren't that FUN!

Components Toggle details

- NAD M3 Integrated Amplifier
NAD M3 Masters Series integrated amplifier. Very heavy, very nice, very smooth sound. Took off most of the edge that I didn't like from the 375BEE. 375 relegated to the rear channels.
- NAD C375BEE Integrated Amplifier
150W X 2
Integrated Amplifier
Pretty great amp though I am currently on the lookout for a used NAD M3. Then this will become my rear channel amp.
- Cambridge Audio 840C CD Player
Cambridge Audio 840C CD Player. Upsamples to 384k. Has two digital inputs for connecting other digital equipment. In my case I connect my computer via the digital out.
- Oppo BDP-83SE Blu-Ray Player
Very nice blu-ray player. Also plays SACD and has usb ports for flash drives. The SE version has some very high end DACS. Because I am using two integrated amplifiers for my front channels and back channels, I am in the unique position of being able to completely omit a surround processor. Instead I simply use the analog outs from this unit. I do have to adjust the front and rear volume separately which is a little funny, but it's a small price to pay to eliminate an extra component.
- Paradigm Studio 100 v4 Speakers
Front Speakers
Great speakers from Paradigm. Got em used on Audiogon for 1600$
Upgrade from my Studio 40 v2 that I have had for 10 years. Great upgrade.
- Paradigm Studio 40 v2
Rear channel speakers
Demoted from Front when the new paradigms arrived. Didn't think they would have much future in my system, but I have found I really enjoy having them mirror the front channels. Not sure what some audiophiles would say about this, but it evens out the sound and makes it fill the room. Probably because my room is so bad acoustically.
- Asus Xonar Essence STX
Audiophile sound card for the computer. Also has a good headphone AMP. Was lusting after Benchmark DAC1 Pre but decided on this for price and because I am a computer buff. My Sennheiser HD555 sound great on it. I have it connected to my Int Amp via it's RCA Analog outputs, and to my CD player's DAC via it's toslink out. That way I can compare it.
- Home made Personal Computer
Intel Core 2 Duo, 320GB, 2GB RAM
AV Computer connected to Plasma Television via HDMI. Also has a small monitor on top of audio rack. Wireless keyboard and Blue Track mouse (works on any surface, even cats.)

Contains the Asus Xonar Essence sound card and a GeForce 9600GSO video card.

Most of the music is on a RAID5 file server in my basement.
- Project Audio Debut III
Nice entry level turntable. Has the acryl-it acrylic platter upgrade and a sumiko pearl cartridge. Sounds pretty good to me. Never knew LPs could sound as good as a CD.
- Cambridge Audio 540P Phono Preamp
Nice basic quality moving magnet phono preamp. Looks nice too...
- Sumiko Pearl
Nice cartridge. Warm sound but sacrifices mid-range clarity.
- Panasonic 42 Inch Plasma
42 inch Plasma TV from costco.
1280 X 720
720p, 1080i
HDMI from DVD Player
- Monoprice 12 guage speaker cable
Good speaker cable from monoprice. My uncle lent me a pair of PS Audio xStream prelude speaker cables, but they are only 8ft long. My equipment can't be that close to the speakers.. and I can't afford 20ft runs of nice wire.

Comments 6

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Thank you for your reply. It sound absolutely spectacular. It is educational to follow your changes. If you have time I love to see new photos.

Are you saying you are using full CA 840 system (pre/power/cd) for music and adding the NAD M3 for your rears (or visa versa)? Isn't this over kill? Have you considered an amp w/ HT pass thru so you can add addition channels for movies?

mjcmt January 19, 2011 13:17

May I ask what your thoughts are about the NAD M3 vs. C375 BEE. I'm looking to purchase an integrated amp for a 2 channel movies and music system.
And how does the Oppo compare to the Cambridge for cds. I suppose you use the CA's dac for the Oppo so it probably isn't a fair comparison.
i'd like to know what your system consists of now. You know you can go to your page > virtual systems > edit system, to make changes.

mjcmt January 18, 2011 18:16

Nice assortment of desirable equipment, just too bad your listening space is so cramped. It would really shine if you had a better room. And super nice Stressless recliners by Ekornes too.

mjcmt May 03, 2010 20:04