Where Next?

Posted by: David C on 16 April 2001

Dear All,
I am suffering from a chronic bout of upgradeitis at the moment and would really appreciate some advice on what the best moves are...
Currently I have 82/Hi/135's /Kabers (latest spec) Sources are CDX & Lp12/Cirkus/Aro/17D2/Armageddon

I want to get more dynamics into the system and more resolution. Listening is about 50% CD 50% Lp & DVD. I have been offered some extremely compelling prices on some ex dem kit spcifically Supercap and SBL's.
The options that I see are:-
get a Supercap
Get the SBL's
Get an XPS

Are the Kabers the weakest link? Or sould I improve the pre / souce.
All thoughts appreciated.
David

Posted on: 16 April 2001 by Andrew Randle
Yes, the Kabers are the weakest link !!!

You now have a top source (the LP12) and excellent amplification (which really are not voiced to suite the Kabers).

Time to ditch the Kabers and get some real 'speakers. My suggestions are:

1) SBLs
2) Naim's new loudspeaker (to be released in May)
3) Something from Royd
4) Living Voice Auditorium

Option 4 is fantastically good and will work with Naim amps.

Naim's new loudspeaker may be as good as, or better than, the SBLs.

Andrew

Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;

Posted on: 16 April 2001 by Joe Petrik
David,

Have you considered a more upscale cartridge, something like the Dynavector Te Kaitora? I tried one a couple of months ago and was astounded by how much music is in them thar record grooves that had -- until then -- gone unresolved.

It's truly a landmark product and wouldn't be out of place on an LP12/Aro/Armageddon. If you're looking to boost both sources, the new Dynavector XX-2 (haven't heard it, though) and an XPS might be the way to go.

Joe

Posted on: 16 April 2001 by Dev B
David,

You have an excellent system which should do all of the things you want without upgrading.

Kabers although quite dry in balance are an excellent speaker when they are properly installed.

As the first step I would ensure that the system is installed and working correctly - preamp and other head units away from powersupplies, mains spur, good stands, LP12 in tune, etc. For Kabers also nake sure that the NACA5s is wired to the treble conection and then make links of NACA5 from that.

If after that lot you are still disatisfied, the only answer is to either improve your source(s) or your Preamp. So your choices XPS and/or SuperCap are valid ones.

The XPS wil give more more detail from CD, much better bass and better PRAT. The Supercap will make ALL sources sound more refined and smoother. I would borrow those pieces and try them in your system to see which will offer the biggest upgrade.

regards,

Dev

ps. FWIW, as I am not a great lover of digital I would get the S/Cap, 52, Prefix, Mana stand for the LP12 then NBL's (I think SBL's are more sideways than upways from Kabers.)

Posted on: 16 April 2001 by Dev B
quote:
It's truly a landmark product and wouldn't be out of place on an LP12/Aro/Armageddon

It would be even more of an landmark product on a Well Tempered.

kisses

Dev

ps. I reckon Tickatora on LP12 would get easily beaten by a 17D2 on a Well Hung. Absolutely no contest such is the turntables resolution

Posted on: 16 April 2001 by Martin Payne
David,

the XPS would be a huge upgrade for your CD source. This would be a good idea if you are looking to bring your CD replay closer to your LP.

The SuperCap would also be a big upgrade, and would obviously benefit the LP too. You could use the HiCap to power a StageLine and boost the LP even further!

I would guess that the XPS would give a bigger boost to CD replay than the SuperCap.

cheers, Martin

Posted on: 16 April 2001 by Joe Petrik
Hey Dev,

quote:
It would be even more of an landmark product on a Well Tempered.

No doubt, but you have to ease the uninitiated into this mindset very slowly. Saying the LP12 isn't the best table going is like saying to some people that Kans have been bettered by newer designs. wink


quote:
kisses

Wow, a public display of affection -- and from a Brit no less.


quote:
ps. I reckon Tickatora on LP12 would get easily beaten by a 17D2 on a Well Hung. Absolutely no contest such is the turntables resolution

I've got to hear one of these beasties. What do they sell for?

Joe