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Thread: New System Improvements
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July 4, 2022, 12:49 AM #1
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- Iowa
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New System Improvements
I have recently bought a new stereo system over the last several months which includes a Cambridge Audio Evo 150, Fluance RT 85 turntable and most recently Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers. When I bought the speakers I was given a $550 dollar gift card to Upscale Audio.
My question is - is there anything that I could purchase with that gift card that might improve any my purchases? The dealer recommended an upgraded power cable and some Acoustic Gaia footers. However, not sure how much of an upgrade they might provide? Any other ideas would be great as well - I am willing to spend a bit more than the 550 dollar gift card as well.
Thanks
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July 4, 2022, 09:50 AM #2
Re: New System Improvements
Welcome Iowa, Since it is a new system to you, this would be my approach.
I would spend some more time getting well acquainted with the differences from you last system.
Play with adjustments in your placement and room adjustments.
Only after you are intimately familiar with the sound will fine tuning be obvious and possibly noticeable.
Just my thoughts. I'm sure others will have others.
I'm guessing the Cornwall's sound pretty good already. I owned Herseys and corner horns at one time.Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jean CAT 6's between front end equipment.
LHY FMC and Corning Fiber to rebuilt LHY SW-6 switch in listening room.
Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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July 4, 2022, 10:55 AM #3
Re: New System Improvements
What cables are you using now? Power, interconnects, speaker, ethernet. I've found that quality cabling often provides immediate benefit. Power conditioning, if you don't already have something, can also make an enormous difference.
Vibration control/isolation is another area to consider.
Nice system you've put together! I love the simplicity of it, and the looks.Main System
Lumin X1 > Boulder 1161 > Scansonic MB3.5 B
Headphones
Home: HiFiMan Susvara > Schiit Lyr+
Portable: Focal Radiance > AQ Dragonfly Cobalt / Chord Hugo 2
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July 4, 2022, 08:45 PM #4
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- Nov 2013
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- St. Louis, MO, USA
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Re: New System Improvements
Do you already have quality speakers cables?
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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July 4, 2022, 08:47 PM #5
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- Nov 2013
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- St. Louis, MO, USA
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- 3,074
Re: New System Improvements
If your only source is turntable you could get a streamer in order to listen to Tidal or Qobuz
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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July 10, 2022, 03:14 AM #6
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- Jul 2022
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- Iowa
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- 5
Re: New System Improvements
Thank you all for the suggestions thus far.
So far I have have the system for about 6 weeks up and running and have placement pretty well fined tuned.
As far as speaker cables I just have GearIt cheap cable from Amazon and no power conditioners or anything of that nature.
For the streaming the Cambridge Audio Evo does that and works well.
A couple of things I have looked would be a phono preamp as the sound from my turntable could be improved - or it sounds like perhaps looking at better speaker cables? Any recommendations in the 500 range? Several people have said they don't make a big difference from what I have read elsewhere?
Thanks
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July 10, 2022, 09:03 AM #7
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- Mar 2018
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- 435
Re: New System Improvements
I would look at some lower priced cables from Cardas. If you can't find anything new in your price range you can always buy used. They will have a bit of a warmer sound which pairs well with horn speakers. Also, any power conditioning will probably be better than none at all. Good luck.
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July 10, 2022, 10:43 AM #8
Re: New System Improvements
Good records
First Sound Mark3SI preamp. Audion Black Shadow 845 SET Monoblocks. Mojo Audio Deja Vu Server. Mojo Audio Mystic 3 DAC. Linear Solution Ethernet Switch. Gigafoil with LPS. STST Motus II TT with Vertere SG1 arm, Hana ML Cartridge, Allnic H1201 phono pre. Pure Audio Project Trio 15 Horn speakers with Mundord Supreme oil caps. Power via 10 awg Oyaide cable from panel to custom distribution strip feeding front end. Oyaide dedicated10 AWG branch circuits from panel to each amp. Inakustik speaker and interconnect cables, Genesis Interconnect.
Kingrexelectric.com Lyncole certified grounding specialist.
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July 10, 2022, 12:12 PM #9
Re: New System Improvements
Agree with this. Use your credit on some power conditioning, and find a way to buy some better used speaker cables.
Maybe something like this:
IsoTek EVO3 Mini Mira Power Conditioner – Upscale Audio
If you can add a little $, then this:
AudioQuest Niagara 1200 Low-Z Power/Noise-Dissipation System – Upscale Audio
Then look at interconnects, speaker cables, power cables, ethernet. None of what will make things sound better will have to break the bank, but you will likely notice a difference with each change (or just return it).Main System
Lumin X1 > Boulder 1161 > Scansonic MB3.5 B
Headphones
Home: HiFiMan Susvara > Schiit Lyr+
Portable: Focal Radiance > AQ Dragonfly Cobalt / Chord Hugo 2
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July 10, 2022, 01:51 PM #10
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- Oct 2014
- Location
- Oregon
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- 234
Re: New System Improvements
Is the credit card limited to purchases at Upscale?
Main System: Analog - Linn LP12, Origin Live DC motor and Controller, SME V arm, Benz Ruby H 2 cartridge, Wright Sound preamp. Digital - Intel NUC I-7, 16 gig ram, Jriver media center 24, Wyrd4 Sound 2V2 SE Dac, Fathom Hard Drives.
H-Cat Version 9 preamp, ARC Reference 75 amp, Custom line source speakers - 10 SB Acoustics midwoofers, 10 Fountek ribbon tweeters. JL Audio Fathom f112 Subs
Wire - T G Audio, Shunyata, Synergistic Research , Audioquest, Lewis silver foil, Duelund, Transparent.
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July 10, 2022, 02:03 PM #11
Re: New System Improvements
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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July 10, 2022, 04:12 PM #12
Re: New System Improvements
He said gift card so I assumed so (Upscale).
Mike, if not, what do you recommend for him?Main System
Lumin X1 > Boulder 1161 > Scansonic MB3.5 B
Headphones
Home: HiFiMan Susvara > Schiit Lyr+
Portable: Focal Radiance > AQ Dragonfly Cobalt / Chord Hugo 2
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July 10, 2022, 04:43 PM #13
Re: New System Improvements
Excellent, now for a question, is it 'fine tuned' for your room as is ? perhaps a little acoustic help might be in order ?
As far as speaker cables I just have GearIt cheap cable from Amazon and no power conditioners or anything of that nature.
A couple of things I have looked would be a phono preamp as the sound from my turntable could be improved
or it sounds like perhaps looking at better speaker cables? Any recommendations in the 500 range? Several people have said they don't make a big difference from what I have read elsewhere?
ThanksCheers ! …. Dave
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July 10, 2022, 05:19 PM #14
Re: New System Improvements
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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July 10, 2022, 07:41 PM #15
Re: New System Improvements
Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jean CAT 6's between front end equipment.
LHY FMC and Corning Fiber to rebuilt LHY SW-6 switch in listening room.
Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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July 11, 2022, 02:10 AM #16
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- Jul 2022
- Location
- Iowa
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- 5
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July 11, 2022, 03:07 AM #17
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- Jan 2017
- Location
- Leyden
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- 596
Re: New System Improvements
I'd be very careful when investigating in cables or power conditioners. Try before you buy. I get good results from power cables and power conditioners. Interconnect from pre amp to power amps is in MY setup the least critical cable. But it's different for all systems.
My number one advice would be to buy a streamer with a build in DAC for Qobuz.
Also invite a friend over with good ears and play around with speaker placement.
PS.
Don't forget about room accoustics.Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.
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July 11, 2022, 03:58 PM #18
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- Nov 2013
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- St. Louis, MO, USA
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- 3,074
Re: New System Improvements
Cables is a constant debate but those who claim no difference haven't tried. If you live close to St. Louis I'd lend you a set. The only way to know for sure is to try for yourself, I'm sure Upscale would sell with a return if not satisfied. If willing to spend out of pocket a reasonable cable that would provide improvement is Bluejeans. Not on par perhaps with Cardas but it wouldn't cost a fortune to experiment.
For best streaming experience subscribe to one of the CD or better services like Tidal, Qobuz or even Amazon.
For analog I'd guess the Cambridge has a decent phono stage, there's always better, but as already suggested I'd as well try a step up in cartridge first.
Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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July 12, 2022, 03:51 PM #19
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- Jul 2022
- Location
- Iowa
- Posts
- 5
Re: New System Improvements
I have subscribed to Tidal (got it free for 4 months) and when that is done I have a 2 month Qobuz trial to try - I have been surprised at how much better I like Tidal than Apple Music.
Looking at what they have on the Upscale site it looks like Audioquest speaker cable dominate the 400-600 range on that site. I have also looked at phono cartridges. My turntable came with a Ortofon 2M blue - I have looked at the Ortofon black. Also open to suggestions as long it would fit my current turntable - Fluance RT85.
thanks
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July 13, 2022, 02:24 PM #20
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- Nov 2013
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- St. Louis, MO, USA
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Re: New System Improvements
I personally like Ortofon, the Black is quite good. I don't know enough about your table to suggest anything different.
I'm not that familiar with Audioquest. I got my USB cable with my ACS10, I have compared it to a couple of other brands and I prefer the AQ.
Have you looked at Bluejeans cables? If you can swing their cables you could use the gift card for the cart and upgrade two areas. Just do one at a time in order to hear what each
change does.
I've compared the BJC interconnects to other brands but never had the speaker cables. I liked the BJC better than an old set of XLO, BJC held it's own with entry Transparent, that would come down to preference, my take is the BJC was some better in midrange but Transparent was more extended on the top and better bass. In short for what BJC costs it's a good value. The BJC was noticeably better than Monster and some other generic stuff I had on hand, clearly better.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
-
July 13, 2022, 02:28 PM #21
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Location
- Oregon
- Posts
- 234
Re: New System Improvements
Main System: Analog - Linn LP12, Origin Live DC motor and Controller, SME V arm, Benz Ruby H 2 cartridge, Wright Sound preamp. Digital - Intel NUC I-7, 16 gig ram, Jriver media center 24, Wyrd4 Sound 2V2 SE Dac, Fathom Hard Drives.
H-Cat Version 9 preamp, ARC Reference 75 amp, Custom line source speakers - 10 SB Acoustics midwoofers, 10 Fountek ribbon tweeters. JL Audio Fathom f112 Subs
Wire - T G Audio, Shunyata, Synergistic Research , Audioquest, Lewis silver foil, Duelund, Transparent.
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July 13, 2022, 02:51 PM #22
Re: New System Improvements
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
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