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#1
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Possible (in my world) BIG audio purchase
As a bit of an introduction: I have been collecting vintage, cheap, and "decent sounding" bits of audio equipment for a few years now. I have a Rega RP1 TT powered by a Nakamichi SR-2A, and a CR-2A for cassettes. I like all of these components, but I want to upgrade my amp and add a CD player.
That brings us to a local seller. He is selling most of his audio equipment, and I'm considering buying it. Thus, I come to you all for your collective wisdom. I have been poking around the forums for a few weeks, and have found only limited information about some of these products. I suspect it's because they largely aren't considered "up to snuff," but with a limited budget, I'm trying to do what I can. What the seller has for sale currently: Marantz |
#2
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Was the "submit" button hit a little early? You're not providing much information.
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Tim Amplifiers: McIntosh 1.2 Kw Preamp: Esoteric C03 Speakers: Salon2 with F113v2 x 2 Analog: VPI Avenger Reference with Ortofon A95 and Esoteric E03 phonostage Digital: Silenzio and Esoteric K03-x and G02 Power Management: PS Audio P10 x 2, P5 Cables: WW PE7 SC & IC, Furutech Flux-50 Filters Rack: HRS SXR Signature |
#3
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Oops. Hit the submit button. Ok, here's the list:
Marantz SR6006 7.2 Network Receiver Paradigm DSP-3100 .V2 subwoofer Audioengine P4 speakers Mirage OS3-CC Center Channel Dell Inspiron N5010 i5 Laptop (as a digital media server/controller) V-Link 24/96 USB to SPDIF Converter Marantz AV 7005 = $550 Marantz US | AV Separates Paradigm Studio 100 V.5 (pair) Emotiva ERC-1 CD player Emotiva XDA-2, DAC Emotiva UPA-2, 2 channel amp Emotiva UPA-1,1 channel amp (3 total) (2) Dual 15" Epik Subwoofers Paradigm Studio CC-690 V.5 Center Channel All cables that are needed will be included. Speaker cables, USB cables, coax cable, HDMI cable. This represents two different audio setups from the seller. Here's what I would like input on: I think I'd like the Paradigm towers, Epik subwoofer, Emotiva amplifiers for the towers, the Emotiva DAC and CD player, and a few other items. Should this all present a good audio setup together? I know it all comes down to personal preference, but the room he has this all set up in is hard to get a real feel for the acoustic properties of the gear. I also recognize that a lot of this comes down to price for the gear (bang for the buck), but I don't think I'm allowed to post the link/prices etc. TL;DR Please help me decide on any/all of the above components to make the best system for a budding audiophile. Simply staggered by the amount of gear. Thank you in advance! |
#4
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Yes, yes it was. I'm on the site on my phone and fat fingered it!
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#5
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Quote:
Welcome to the forum.
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Tim Amplifiers: McIntosh 1.2 Kw Preamp: Esoteric C03 Speakers: Salon2 with F113v2 x 2 Analog: VPI Avenger Reference with Ortofon A95 and Esoteric E03 phonostage Digital: Silenzio and Esoteric K03-x and G02 Power Management: PS Audio P10 x 2, P5 Cables: WW PE7 SC & IC, Furutech Flux-50 Filters Rack: HRS SXR Signature |
#6
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Anyone else care to weigh in?
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#7
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Possible (in my world) BIG audio purchase
Jess, IMO whether that gear is a good buy depends upon where you fall on the cost/quality spectrum. I still use an Emotiva amp for home theater surrounds and center channel, but moved on from the Emotiva pre/pro. I also upgraded my amp for two channel. I strongly endorse the suggestion to become a Subscriber so that you can access the Marketplace. You may find far superior gear for not a lot more than "good enough."
Last edited by chessman; 03-21-2017 at 06:02 PM. |
#8
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Jess, nice gear... but there is indeed much nicer gear.
I think if you buy it, and you'll hear some really good stuff afterwards, you'll soon get buyer's remorse. And that usually gets expensive... Yes, do become a subscriber and look into our Marketplace. Some amazing deals there.
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Stereo: Hegel H590, Grimm Audio MU1, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Burmester 948 - V3 & V6 racks, Vivid Audio G2 Giyas, REL Carbon Special (pair), Silent Angel Bonn N8 Ethernet Switch & Forester F1, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse IC and SE SC, Furutech Digiflux AV: Hegel C-53, Marantz AV8802A, Oppo BDP-203EU, Pioneer Kuro 60", Vivid Audio C1 & V1w's, Wireworld Platinum Eclipse, SE & E Second system (veranda): Halgorythme preamp and monoblocks, Burmester 061, Avalon Avatar, Sharkwire & Wireworld cables |
#9
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Jess,
That's quite a basket of gear of varying pedigrees. I've heard a lot of it in different places and different times, never all together. But what the heck, I'll weigh in. Speakers - the Paradigm v100.5's are well regarded and sound very good. I've heard them in a friend's HT setup and they acquit themselves very well. They have good in room response and imaging. Their sonic signature leans toward the forward / bright side. The Audioengine P4 are great little speakers for nearfield listening. They do not play loud. I have not heard the 15" Epik Subwoofers. They have the juice to be great HT subs and have been positively reviewed. Epik came on the scene a few years ago as a value leader, had serious QC issues, and is now out of business. The Paradigm DSP-3100 10"s driver is too small to be considered a real sub (by me, anyway ) It may work in a small room. Emotiva stuff is loved and hated, reviews are all over the map. Lots of fanboys and haters. I've heard the Emotiva USP-1's driving a set of Polk Audio floorstanders at a co-worker's house. Sounded very good, great Bass, but tended to be on the lean/bright side. Marantz Pre/Pro's are generally well liked and the reviews are generally positive. The 7005 is now obsolete, not having 4K and the latest audio decoding options, if that is important to you. DAC, CD player, converter, receiver; A real dog's breakfast here. Everything is outdated and pretty much worthless in today's market. Nothing to see here, move on. For example the DAC's in the Marantz 7005 are likely better than the Emotiva standalone DAC. I say that with a grain of salt, not having heard either. This all makes it hard to value. What are your goals? If a high quality 2 channel system is in your sights, you'll end up with a mid-fi system and quite a lot of gear to sell, much of it worthless. If you are looking for a competent 5.1 system and are not interested in the latest audio/video formats, the Paradigm/Audioengine/Epik/Marantz 7005/Emotiva UPA-X system would make a good foundation, assuming the addition of a high quality disc spinner like the Oppo 105. You could start replacing the weak links over time. One way to approach this is to determine the used values of the pieces you want and offer the sum as a package price to the seller, discounting everything else based on what you think you can move it for, probably less than $0.10 on the dollar. As others have stated, an intentional, focused acquisition strategy will serve you well and allow you to build a best-in-class system over time. Regards, Tom
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Main System: Amati Futura Mains Amati Homage VOX Center, Proac Response 1sc Rears, Three MC2301's for L,C,R MC 602 for the rears C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 80 Nottingham Dais with Wave Mechanic Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation SurfacePro 3, RPi 4, ROON, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material. Lake House: Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 77, Rega P3 OnDeck: McIntosh MAC 4300v |
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