juggler
02-12-2011, 16:04
Afternoon all!
Stan B pointed me this way a while ago when I bought my first DAC from him and while I've never yet spent much time here I do enjoying popping in, so hello!
My system - like nearly everyone's? - is a compromise between price, sound and interior decor requirements.
My father always had moderately high-end hifi when I was a nipper but I can no longer remember what any of it was. I do remember that the Genesis speakers seemed massive to a small boy.
My first foray into separates was when I inherited his cast offs 20 years ago. However that system got sold for various reasons and it was only a few years ago that I found the room and money for new stuff.
I started with an old DVD player as a source directly into a Cambridge Audio 640 V2 amp and some old JPW P1 speakers.
The speakers were replaced with some B&W CM1 compact monitors on Atacama stands. The warm sound isn't to everyone's test but they suit me and my living room.
Next came the Rothwell Attenuators - much of our listening is at low volume and these really help.
The next upgrade was a Beresford 7510 DAC - which then went back to Stan for some modifications. That made a huge difference to the whole system.
Then along came an EMU 0202 USB device - mainly so I could hook up my old NAD 5120 turntable to the laptop to digitise my records. The results were mixed and that project stalled slightly, but I'll pick it up again another day. It was definitely interesting to get the turntable out again, though, and interesting to compare to the Beresford - but direct comparisons weren't possible.
After that a BK XLS 200 sub was stuck in the corner. I don't have it turned up far but it really does bring a whole bit more depth and width to the party.
Then.. along came an Airport Express, principally for wireless streaming of the radio and recorded records from the laptop. This wasn't an unqualified success. The details will have to wait until another day - this post is already far longer than I'd intended.
(Very) new to the party are a VortexBox and a Musical Fidelity VDAC II. All of the CDs are going in the loft and I might finally get around to finishing recording the vinyl.
All of my tweaks so far have been aimed at getting the best out of what I've got. I'm always reluctant to spend huge wonga on equipment and I'm convinced that it's possible to get excellent results out of a modest budget by paying attention to the details.
So what's next?
Spend some time actually listening to music rather than just moving it about
Finish digitising the records - Mrs J and a certain 3 year old mean that the turntable ain't going to get pride of place any time soon
Consider upgrading the amp via the second-hand route
Learn how to get the most out of the VortexBox.
Thanks for listening!
.. I've just realised that I've now got 4 DACs. That must make me more of a hifi nerd than I'd realised ..
Stan B pointed me this way a while ago when I bought my first DAC from him and while I've never yet spent much time here I do enjoying popping in, so hello!
My system - like nearly everyone's? - is a compromise between price, sound and interior decor requirements.
My father always had moderately high-end hifi when I was a nipper but I can no longer remember what any of it was. I do remember that the Genesis speakers seemed massive to a small boy.
My first foray into separates was when I inherited his cast offs 20 years ago. However that system got sold for various reasons and it was only a few years ago that I found the room and money for new stuff.
I started with an old DVD player as a source directly into a Cambridge Audio 640 V2 amp and some old JPW P1 speakers.
The speakers were replaced with some B&W CM1 compact monitors on Atacama stands. The warm sound isn't to everyone's test but they suit me and my living room.
Next came the Rothwell Attenuators - much of our listening is at low volume and these really help.
The next upgrade was a Beresford 7510 DAC - which then went back to Stan for some modifications. That made a huge difference to the whole system.
Then along came an EMU 0202 USB device - mainly so I could hook up my old NAD 5120 turntable to the laptop to digitise my records. The results were mixed and that project stalled slightly, but I'll pick it up again another day. It was definitely interesting to get the turntable out again, though, and interesting to compare to the Beresford - but direct comparisons weren't possible.
After that a BK XLS 200 sub was stuck in the corner. I don't have it turned up far but it really does bring a whole bit more depth and width to the party.
Then.. along came an Airport Express, principally for wireless streaming of the radio and recorded records from the laptop. This wasn't an unqualified success. The details will have to wait until another day - this post is already far longer than I'd intended.
(Very) new to the party are a VortexBox and a Musical Fidelity VDAC II. All of the CDs are going in the loft and I might finally get around to finishing recording the vinyl.
All of my tweaks so far have been aimed at getting the best out of what I've got. I'm always reluctant to spend huge wonga on equipment and I'm convinced that it's possible to get excellent results out of a modest budget by paying attention to the details.
So what's next?
Spend some time actually listening to music rather than just moving it about
Finish digitising the records - Mrs J and a certain 3 year old mean that the turntable ain't going to get pride of place any time soon
Consider upgrading the amp via the second-hand route
Learn how to get the most out of the VortexBox.
Thanks for listening!
.. I've just realised that I've now got 4 DACs. That must make me more of a hifi nerd than I'd realised ..