Hi everyone,
Have been a lurker on the forums here but first time posting as I've finally been able to put a modest audio/video system together in the last year after a long hiatus. The system is set up for HT for the kids and family, but I want to improve the 2 channel listening. The room is about 14" Deep x 15.5" wide but open on the front left side and rear back side, sitting in an equilateral triangle of about 10 feet. The Role Audio Enterprise have been very good but comes up short in the upper frequencies and overall transparency.
Many years ago, while way out of my budget range, I was pretty mesmerized by the Wilson Watt/Puppy 7's at the local Hi-Fi shop. They seemed leagues ahead of the B&W, Ariel Acoustics, Vandersteens that I heard in comparison and especially paired with Audio Research gear - in terms of transparency and resolution, but could get a little fatiguing in the highs.
After some research, I've been reading a lot of positive reviews on the Evolution Acoustics Micro Ones because they are not only affordable but also fits in rather small room. I haven't heard these but it seems some of the members here have owned Wilson's and think rather highly of these speakers. I contacted Johnathan - he happened to have a deal on a pair from a previous customer who decided not to use them and pulled the trigger without having hearing them first. They are on the way now along with a matching center. Hopefully the Seaton SubMersive HP+ will integrate well with the Micro Ones. If anyone has suggestions for the subwoofer crossover point would be welcomed.
The Cambridge Audio 851N has been a game changer regarding the ability to easily select and switch to whichever artist I'm in the mood for. I really, really like the digital streaming format as it is very convenient for me in the current space to access music from my iPhone or iPad. So, with this in mind, my question is - Would it be worth investing in a pre-amp(under $3k used?), solid state or tube, that has a HT passthrough as well as a better phono stage than the entry level Rotel phono unit? My speaker cables are probably also in need of an upgrade - entry level Transparent Music Wave 100s. Interconnects are balanced cables from Cinema 11a to Cinema 5 amp. I read somewhere Johnathan recommend Aural Fidelity Cables as an affordable alternative to Acoustic Evolution cables, but there's not much info on the web about them or reviews on how they compare against similar priced cables in the $1k to $2k range, otherwise my local dealer carries Transparent and Audioquest. Would love for anyone who's heard those cables to chime in. With a limited budget, I could use some recommendations on getting the best out of those speakers.
Noteworthy mention: I live about 15 minutes away from Cary Audio Designs so something in their line could be easily serviced.
Thanks,
Mike
Have been a lurker on the forums here but first time posting as I've finally been able to put a modest audio/video system together in the last year after a long hiatus. The system is set up for HT for the kids and family, but I want to improve the 2 channel listening. The room is about 14" Deep x 15.5" wide but open on the front left side and rear back side, sitting in an equilateral triangle of about 10 feet. The Role Audio Enterprise have been very good but comes up short in the upper frequencies and overall transparency.
Many years ago, while way out of my budget range, I was pretty mesmerized by the Wilson Watt/Puppy 7's at the local Hi-Fi shop. They seemed leagues ahead of the B&W, Ariel Acoustics, Vandersteens that I heard in comparison and especially paired with Audio Research gear - in terms of transparency and resolution, but could get a little fatiguing in the highs.
After some research, I've been reading a lot of positive reviews on the Evolution Acoustics Micro Ones because they are not only affordable but also fits in rather small room. I haven't heard these but it seems some of the members here have owned Wilson's and think rather highly of these speakers. I contacted Johnathan - he happened to have a deal on a pair from a previous customer who decided not to use them and pulled the trigger without having hearing them first. They are on the way now along with a matching center. Hopefully the Seaton SubMersive HP+ will integrate well with the Micro Ones. If anyone has suggestions for the subwoofer crossover point would be welcomed.
The Cambridge Audio 851N has been a game changer regarding the ability to easily select and switch to whichever artist I'm in the mood for. I really, really like the digital streaming format as it is very convenient for me in the current space to access music from my iPhone or iPad. So, with this in mind, my question is - Would it be worth investing in a pre-amp(under $3k used?), solid state or tube, that has a HT passthrough as well as a better phono stage than the entry level Rotel phono unit? My speaker cables are probably also in need of an upgrade - entry level Transparent Music Wave 100s. Interconnects are balanced cables from Cinema 11a to Cinema 5 amp. I read somewhere Johnathan recommend Aural Fidelity Cables as an affordable alternative to Acoustic Evolution cables, but there's not much info on the web about them or reviews on how they compare against similar priced cables in the $1k to $2k range, otherwise my local dealer carries Transparent and Audioquest. Would love for anyone who's heard those cables to chime in. With a limited budget, I could use some recommendations on getting the best out of those speakers.
Noteworthy mention: I live about 15 minutes away from Cary Audio Designs so something in their line could be easily serviced.
Thanks,
Mike