Here's my initial attempt at an audiophile system. I bought the integrated amplifier and speakers new, got the subwoofer, line conditioner, and speaker cable off of demo, and found the CD player and interconnects used. Luckily, I managed to keep things within budget.
I demoed a number of excellent systems. In the end, what won me over to Classe were their weighty, machined billet remotes. They really are a pleasure to wield. Oh yeah, and Classe gear produces a great sound, too:).
Unable to afford Classe separates, I settled on their integrated amplifier, and, so far, no regrets. It powers the Magnepans without even getting warm.
I found the large soundstage of the Magnepans very involving, and their sound equaled that of speakers costing twice as much. The Velodyne subwoofer effortlessly makes up for what the Magnepans lack in bass extension.
The Classe CD player is not the best I've heard, but it certainly works well with the integrated amplifier. I'm also satisfied with the Wireworld Polaris interconnects and speaker cable. I've heard others comment that they add some harshness to the treble. They sound neutral enough to me. Perhaps these cables complement the soft highs of the Magnepans.
So, that's my stereo system. It's been so satisfying sonically that I now buy dozens of CD's -- used, of course -- each month. I will eventually feel obliged to upgrade, but, for the time being, I m very pleased. Id love to hear any comments on my setup, comparable systems, and avenues for upgrade.
There you go. You're off. I'll give that Rotel filter a month. Since you're already beginning; can that baby (Rotel AC filter) and get an Audio Magic Stealth. I love mine...You'll be amazed what it'll do for you system.
I own both the Eclipse III+ and Gold Eclipse III+, and there is a difference in the amount of detail, seperations between instruments/voices and overall clarity, I have been lucky enough to own or try most of the highest-end interconnects..and once sold off my Gold Eclipse, only to re-buy them because they sound like music..and far too many other cables are bright/thin(which people think of as fast?) or they are dark with a forward midrange..like old JBL L-100 speakers or Bose!. The people at the Cable Company(on line cable, etc. dealer) have a very good sale on Wireworld product right now.
The lesser expensive power cords from Kimber and Wireworld give you most of what their top one do. If you try an upgrade power cord, you may want to try it directly into the AC outlet(at least for the CAP-100).
Right on. I was overly enthusiastic in my description of the system, and I neglected to mention what I think could possibly improve the setup. Being satisfied does take the sport out of it:).
First off, power cord upgrades are definitely in order. Any idea how they would interact with my Rotel line conditioner? Second, I've considered upgrading my cables and interconnects one day. I certainly lust after Wireworld's Gold Eclipse III+ silver kit, but limited funds will likely dictate copper Eclipse III+. Silver has less resistance than copper, right? But are there any sonic characteristics that justify it's cost?
Congrats!....super system. You have every right to be happy with what you have.
I have owned many of the pieces you have..or older versions of them..like the Classe CAP-100.
I am not saying to do this...since what you have is way, way beyond what most humans have, but if you ever wanted to try a simple upgrade that would have the most bang for the buck..you might want to try a pair of Gold Eclipse III+ between the CDP and integrated. Power cord upgrades would be a path also, and Wireworld has some good ones.
You're happy. That's wonderful. Post this when you're feeling like something is missing. Then you'll hear what you might need. Avenues for upgrades? You got to be kidding. You don't want to go there, now. You're in sonic bliss. When the wind comes out of your sails, then, drop us a thread...'til then, groove...,peace, warren
