This is the second full system I've set up for myself. I had to sell everything, but I've built up enough cash to start again. It's a budget system, but I'm doing my best to find higher quality used gear.
My main concerns for now are replacements for the Dynaco ST-70 and the Advents. I've enjoyed the Adcom 5802 (designed by Nelson Pass) and Martin Logan Aerius i's in the past, but I'd like to venture into something new. What do you think would pair well with the ARC LS-2?
Mint Condition ST-70 (Original boards but upgraded parts)
Advent Advent 1
Really old but still sound pretty good.
Denon 2200
I had a 3910 but it's having issues. I've switched to the 2200. It still sounds pretty good. I listen to more vinyl than CDs anyway.
Signal Cable Silver Resolution Reference
3 sets (2 2' and 1 3')
Custom made cable N/A
Home made cable very similar to Kimber 8VS.
Musical Fidelity X-LP
This is a stop-gap Phono stage for me, but it works for now (already outclasses the old Technics turntable)
Project Audio 2 Xperience Classic
Olive finish on a custom isolation platform (first Audiogon purchase)
Sumiko Bluepoint No. 2
Purchased along with the Pro-Ject TT. Sounds great
Sumo Andromeda mkII
I got this for a steal off of eBay. It sounds great at the right volume levels. It's a little flat at low volumes and can easily overpower the room when pushed too much. When it's loud - but not
Decware ERR
Extended Range Radial speaker from Decware. They certainly make for a different sound. Excellent for laid back acoustic jazz, vocal, and classical recordings.
My current speakers are the Martin Logan Ethos but I'm tempted by the Decware HR-1s, similar to your ERRs. Have you heard the Martin Logans? What would you say the differences are?
System edited: I recently purchased a set of Decware ERR's. I'm still comparing them to my Advents, but intially I'm pleased. There are still some adjustments to make to the speakers. There is an external crossover of sorts. There are two extra sets of binding posts on each speaker. One set is for a resistor and the other for a capacitor. The resistor is responsible for the level of the ribbon. I'm still deciding which resistor sounds the best.
Anyone have any cartridge suggestions? I'm always looking for a good deal. I don't need one right now, but tinkering is fun, and a major upgrade at the right price would be hard to pass up.
System edited: I'm alternating between the Sumo and the ST-70. The Sumo is definitely more precise and has more punch, but it can easily tire me out. The ST-70 just sounds wonderful. I also switched the stand out because the Sumo wouldn't fit in the old one.
It's actually sounding excellent right now. I'm eager to see how it sounds with the Sumo in place of the Dynaco. I'm not sure how I'll like it, but I got the Sumo for a complete steal. I'm not too worried. By the way, the ST-70 is the complete original design (no mods), but the only original parts are the transformers and the chassis. It's in running beautifully.
I compared this system today with a couple of others. One had an AR turntable going through a B&K pre, Adcom 5802, and a set of B&W 803 matrix 2. It made my system sound incredible.
The other system I heard was another AR TT going through a Conrad Johnson PV-5 and another 5802 into a set of ML Aerius i. This system definitely resolved better than mine, and the imaging was superb, but I came out with a healthy respect for my little setup.
If you haven't already done so, I would recommend side-wall treatment to limit reflections which are likely killing some of the soundstage. I have also run an ST-70 with large Advents and found the pairing very much to my liking.
I want to say the room is about 10x11. It's not really a bad sounding room, but it does seem to flatten out the sound stage.
As far as the wire goes, that's something that I won't be attempting again (I'm not even sure I could). The result worked out, but I think I'd be willing to pay quite a bit of money to avoid it. I did that at a time when I was a broke college student. I've pretty much decided to use Signal Cable and let Frank do the work for me from now on. I haven't tried his speaker cables, but his interconnects are great. Plus they don't seem to fail like homemade interconnects can (diagnosing and re-soldering can be a pain).
What is your room size. I have a small 10x13 room and wish it were bigger. One thing for sure you don't need much power.
I've made ti-braid Kimber interconnects, and use their braiding technique when I re-wire speakers, but I've never been crazy enough to try braiding 8 leads like you.
Tedious is an understatement. I don't really recommend it (though the final product is good). Interconnects are much easier.
I have been considering doing the Double Advents, but the room really is tiny. I'm trying to hold off on that; it's not like I'll have any trouble finding and repairing another set when I've got the room for it.
There is nothing shabby about this system. It shames mine in some areas.
In fact, it is good enough to add much better speakers, but the Advents are quite good if you get a second pair and run them as 'Double Advents'. I had them in the '70's and it blew away many other brands, as the improvement is quite noticeable. And setting them on nice sturdy low speaker stand is good for Double Advents as well as single.
The ST-70 is a great amp with unlimited mods, starting with a simple power supply mod. How in the world did you figure out how to braid the 8vs. Must have been really tedious w/o a machine.
I'm quite impressed with what you've assembled for little money, as this is the route I also take. Congratulation!
System edited: The Pro-Ject table sounds pretty good, and I just bought a Sumo Andromeda MkII on the cheap. I'll update the system again and take pictures whenever that arrives. I'm still looking for suggestions on what speakers I should try.
jazzerdave on Opinions Please