Audio Journey

[prepress]

Originally Posted by knecht

You are the second person to recommend Transparent to me. A friend of mine in the music/recording industry recommended them as well; that’s what he uses in his personal system and loves them. I’ll check them out. Not looking to break the bank on cables, I’m not one to notice big differences in cables.

There is also the Wave speaker cable, the model below MusicWave. It's $220/pr at 8ft. The absolute entry-level model is the "Hardwired" Perfect Front Row cable, which is 14 gauge and about $190/pr. It doesn't have a filtering network on it. With your gear, I'd suggest MusicWave as a starting point, or at least the Wave.

Not a Transparent salesman here, but trying to put myself in your position and think of where I'd want to start with their stuff. Their cables are upgradeable to models above through an authorized dealer, too (except the Perfect Front Row ones).

[Pampero]

Originally Posted by knecht

You are the second person to recommend Transparent to me. A friend of mine in the music/recording industry recommended them as well; that’s what he uses in his personal system and loves them. I’ll check them out. Not looking to break the bank on cables, I’m not one to notice big differences in cables.

And you don't need to (break the bank that is). If you can establish that the noise floor of your system is generally at or below the noise floor of your room, your cables are doing the job they are intended to do, namely not add (admit) noise to the systrem. I prefer to use balanced connections where possible because of their common mode rejection qualities but all that really matters is how quiet is your rig? I have nothing fancy and have built some of my own cables from commonly available professional parts. No audible noise, no rolling off of the high end (that I can hear) and no concurrent yen to spend money on cables given my other priorities for both my system and my life.

To each their own but cable tweaks are low priority for me.

[knecht]

Update.... I decided to return the MEN220. I just didn't notice a big enough difference in my room to justify the cost.

So what did I do with the money you ask....

I bought an MC452 and MB50 and sold the MC302.

[prepress]

Originally Posted by Pampero

And you don't need to (break the bank that is). If you can establish that the noise floor of your system is generally at or below the noise floor of your room, your cables are doing the job they are intended to do, namely not add (admit) noise to the systrem. I prefer to use balanced connections where possible because of their common mode rejection qualities but all that really matters is how quiet is your rig? I have nothing fancy and have built some of my own cables from commonly available professional parts. No audible noise, no rolling off of the high end (that I can hear) and no concurrent yen to spend money on cables given my other priorities for both my system and my life.

To each their own but cable tweaks are low priority for me.

Yes. I still have curiosity about Transparent Premium PCs ($600/2m) and Shunyata Delta NRs ($700/1.75m or $734/2m) but I get good sound using my HPPCs ($320/2m), and even a Transparent rep told me I'd be in good shape with what I have. So no need to go further. The only real priority I have regarding my system is finding more time to use it.

[Josep]

Originally Posted by knecht

Update.... I decided to return the MEN220. I just didn't notice a big enough difference in my room to justify the cost.

So what did I do with the money you ask....

I bought an MC452 and MB50 and sold the MC302.

You said 2 months ago your audio journey was over [emoji1]

What about Lumin D2? Are you replacing with MB50?

[knecht]

Originally Posted by Josep

You said 2 months ago your audio journey was over [emoji1]

What about Lumin D2? Are you replacing with MB50?

We all know the journey never really ends. I hadn't planned to upgrade, but received a great offer for my MC302 that I couldn't pass up.

I'm replacing the Lumin D2 with the MB50. The D2's audio and build quality are outstanding; however, I kept experiencing audio dropouts with AirPlay. I had no issues with Spotify Connect and Tidal streaming. Plus I like the McIntosh look so I figured why not try it. The MS500 is intriguing but a little to expensive at the moment.

I also purchased new speaker cables from Ivan. I ended up buying the new Wireworld Eclipse 8's. Looking forward to trying them out!

I'll post some pictures once everything arrives.

[knecht]

Update... I received a couple new toys! I know I said I was done; but I ended up selling the C2300 and picked up a D1100 since I only have digital sources. The C2300 was quite remarkable, but I like the D1100 even more. Also received the MC452 and new WW Eclipse 8 speaker cables (Thanks Ivan). All I can say is the D1100 paired with the MC452 is simply amazing. Streamers have been a challenge. I returned the MB50 because of connectivity issues and using a tried and true Sonos Connect for now; still the best app out there, plus I have Sonos everywhere else in the house. Not sure what streamer to buy; I really liked the MB50 but open to other options. I only need Spotify Connect and Tidal support.

A couple of pictures for your viewing pleasure! Not sure why they are not as clear after uploading to PhotoBucket.

[W9TR]

knecht,
Your system is really looking good!

One easy upgrade is to get a Cullen modified Sonos Connect. The modification adds a new output circuit and crystal controlled reclocker circuit. It turns the Sonos into an audiophile grade streamer - albeit limited to 44.1/16. If you search AA on "Cullen modded Sonos" you'll find a couple of threads with good info.

I use a MSFT SurfacePro running JRiver as my main streamer. Works really well and not expensive.

Tom

[Josep]

Very nice. I think Lumin D2 is a great streamer. Such a pity you had some issues.

[knecht]

Originally Posted by Josep

Very nice. I think Lumin D2 is a great streamer. Such a pity you had some issues.

I know... It really is the only streamer I have found with all features I want and is very well made. I’ve actually been looking at it again... I only lost $100 on it when I sold it so I’m not out much if I buy it again. I’m sure my dealer will work with me if I decide to go that route again. Airplay just wasn’t reliable with the audio dropouts.