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  #1  
Old 03-19-2017, 02:30 PM
Jess Jess is offline
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Default 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
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  #2  
Old 03-19-2017, 02:35 PM
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mtroo mtroo is offline
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Was the "submit" button hit a little early? You're not providing much information.
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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
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Old 03-19-2017, 02:43 PM
Jess Jess is offline
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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!
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Old 03-19-2017, 02:44 PM
Jess Jess is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtroo View Post
Was the "submit" button hit a little early? You're not providing much information.
Yes, yes it was. I'm on the site on my phone and fat fingered it!
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  #5  
Old 03-19-2017, 04:08 PM
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mtroo mtroo is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jess View Post
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!
I have to admit I have not heard any of the referenced equipment, but you should consider becoming a subscriber to this site. It allows you to see a marketplace full of used gear that is not visible to non-subscribers If you want a sampling, look under the "general audio" forum then click on "value added". It is gear that has sold here.
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
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  #6  
Old 03-21-2017, 05:36 PM
Jess Jess is offline
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Anyone else care to weigh in?
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  #7  
Old 03-21-2017, 05:59 PM
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chessman chessman is offline
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Default 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.
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  #8  
Old 03-21-2017, 06:31 PM
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bart bart is offline
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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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  #9  
Old 03-21-2017, 07:41 PM
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W9TR W9TR is offline
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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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