What is the "weakest" component of your system ? (vote on this) [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

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OzzieAudiophile
04-12-2008, 08:14 PM
Hello, this poll was inevitable.

Now that you have seen and voted for your pride and joy. Now you must vote
for what component makes your teeth grind ? Perhaps that component that
you believe when you change it, will make the highest impact improving
your system. Those may provide two different answers.

Perhaps the next thing you will upgrade may not be the weakest one,
but cheapest one, and you upgraded the next bit due to good opportunity,
or because of budget.

I won't confuse the issue, there has to be some part of your system that
you are itching to replace. I wouldn't like to turn this into a negative
feedback post, as there may be some people looking for that particular
model to upgrade to. If you are able to explain why that model doesn't
work well for your system, rather than saying why that model is so
crap, that would be great :)

I will give you less options this time, of course who has voted for what
won't be revealed, just the pure numbers.

EG.

aevans
04-12-2008, 08:59 PM
I'm still looking for the right source, I have never really owned a top of the line source, I'm owned JVC and denon units, The JVC was and is still a good unit, it's just so old that it's quality faded and as I upgraded the rest of my system it really started to show.

As for the Denon unit, it sounds really harsh and crowded, even with an outboard opamp (in my system). And it broke recently after only 3 years of use.

I'm looking at the slim devices stuff, the transporter is out of my price range, so I'll probably end up with the duet and see how it does. I've also got my eye on an old KCD-40 that matches the rest of my system.. I may pick that up, but it was made in 1990 so my expectations are pretty low.

JohnMichael
04-12-2008, 09:16 PM
The size of my room is the weakest link. I would like my speakers to be further from the rear wall and I further from them. This would then allow me greater seperation of my speakers.

OzzieAudiophile
04-12-2008, 09:33 PM
Mr aevans. Well I feel your pain, I have a garbage source, I have to use my
PC haha. Well it has a 24-bit sound card, so it's better than my DVD player.
It's the classic phrase, garbage in, garbage out. Fortunately my speakers
help me through the pain.

From the brands I have recently audtioned, the following may be worth
considering to audition yourself, if they are available in your area.

I'll put a price in Australian dollars next to them, so I'd take a guess,
that it would be 35% cheaper where you are.

All of the following have balanced inputs as well as unbalanced.

1. McIntosh MCD201 (SACD, and CD player). Sound is just totally natural,
no stupid processors to colour in the music. Detail is supurb.
retail 6.2 K (Australian), best I have auditioned.

2. McIntosh MCD205 (6xCD disc player, no cartridge, or carasel, just input
1 disc at a time in a thin slot). As above, find it hard to see the 201 as much
better for the extra money. (retail 5K).

3. Raysonic CD128 (not bad, the sales staff tried to explain the advantages
of the valve technology, it looks very beautiful, but in grey). Retail 3K

4. Cambridge Audio 740C (upscaler from 16 bit 44kHz, to 24 bit 384kHz). I
plugged in my Seinheisser 570 Symphonies into the direct 740C phone
port, instead of the amp, and was most impressed with the playback.
It was more than 1 year ago, so I was not sure if it uses processes to
colour in the highs and lows. Many people swear by it & say it's the best
player you can get under 5K (before the 840C came out). I just think it's
a little too good to be true, but definately worth an audition, you tell
me if it's too good to be true or not. Try to audition the 840C instead.
(1.7 K), 840C (2.2k). They both have balanced ins.

5. Plinius CD-101 (silver, great detail, remote is heavy and lobsided,
no display, has only 2 buttons on the unit, so if you lose the remote,
you're in trouble). 4.2k to 4.5k

6. NAD Master Series (one is universal disc player M55, one is not
M5). They look very nice, however they are all Class-A products. I
have been told from one of our official suppliers that they have received
many returns due to overheating. It is hard to blame that 100% of the
buyers were all muppets and didn't read the instructions to place
them to give enough space for ventilation. Perhaps a bad batch,
not sure.

The universal player can upscale DVD up to 768p and 1080i. It has
5.1 outs, plus HDMI output. By many reviews, the upscaling is that
unit's best feature. The SACD is good, the CD not bad, nothing too
exiting. The detail was pretty good. The non universal player can
just play CD and SACD. M55 4.5 K, the M5 2.6K.

The rest, are of the mid to low range, and may not be worth my
time. SACD is a feature I would want in a player I buy next. I
have 6 SACD already, and I know the SACD layer is just
incredible. I have made a list of about at least 10 other SACD
that I will buy next, so I will end up with quite a collection of
those.

Let me know how you go.

EG.

aevans
04-12-2008, 10:22 PM
Thanks for the input and write up, my taste is definately caviar, but I on a hotdog budget. I just don't think I can rationalize anything more than 600-700 bucks on a cd player to the wife or myself.

I've been moving all my music to flac files on the computer in preparation for the slim devices stuff, but I'd still like to have a nice cd player.

I'm think that my best best may be a moded mid priced unit.

filecat13
04-12-2008, 10:48 PM
My DVD player was one of the highest ranked in a number of comparative reviews (including "Secrets of Home..."), but that was a few years ago. I've been holding out until there's a compelling universal product and also waiting to see how the BR/HDDVD thing played out.

Now I'm not so sure I want to invest in another format on top of the stuff I already have, so a top flight CD/DVD/DVD-A/SACD/upconverting player might be the ticket.

The XP50 still does a great job, but it's getting long in the tooth, and that shiny, mirrored silver case looks completely out of place. Also, there's no HDMI or DVI.

OzzieAudiophile
04-13-2008, 01:26 AM
Hi aevans. Well I don't want to be salesman on ya, but well at least
try out the Cambridge Audio 740C, if the 840C is way too much.
It upsamples, and it should be much cheaper where you are.

What is wrong with layby, or trade in to get a more favourable deal ?
E-bay ? , other shops to increase your bargaining power.

As for za filecat13, I'd at least audition the list I made below 2 posts ago.
It is good to see what these babies can do, the detail, the hi's, lo's,
it may sound very nice. Some of them can play SACD. Only good if you
have or intend to get a SACD collection.

In your situation Universal disc player is the better option, some of the
ones I have listed below upscales the DVD from 576p to 768p and/or
1080i. Will be future-proof in terms of if you don't have a full 1080p
lcd, when you do ? you have the upscaler already. I'd definately test
that feature at the store before you buy it. See if it does a good job.

No such thing as a SACD upscaler, it's already a 24 bit 96 kHz format.
For a 5.1 channel system, you'll need a player which has the 5.1 outs,
plus HDMI out. Not many SACD players have both. The McIntosh 201's
do not, but the SACD and CD playback is far better than the rest I have
auditioned. Yeah it's sort of a catch-22. On a good system of amp and
speakers, the source should still sound good.

Choosing a player with balanced out, will make a difference. All options
listed below have that. Only McIntosh and Cambridge Audio have
FULLY balanced models.

It would only be fair to audition other players that I have not mentioned,
whatever is available in your area, at least try those. Your ears must
be the deciding factor. The features I have mentioned must not be
ignored. You sound like you would like to future proof your next
purchase per-sei.

Some blu-ray players can play DVD and CD anyway. Plus you'll get the
1080P HDMI 1.3 taken care of. I will wait till something really good like
a blu-ray burner comes out with 1 TB HDD, so I can record in HD
straight to blu ray.

If you consider Blu Ray player, I'd set some time aside to find which
ones actually have full HD, Dolby True HD, DTS-HD Master audtio
processors etc, if those are missing, then you cannot achieve proper
HD sound and image. Every link from player to processor, cabling,
all the way to your full 1080p screen. There is not many blu ray
players which have the features. There's a samsung model which
has all the features, but a bit pricey. I'll keep researching in case
there is one out there that is more like a universal disc player.

EG.

Feanor
04-13-2008, 08:09 AM
Given I'm soldiering on with my Samsung 27" CRT, you might understand why. I'm hoping to upgrade to, say, a 42" 1080p plazma later this year; (with all due respect to Pixelthis).

In terms of audio only, I have to go with the current leader, digital source. Since I listen mostly to music from computer, it's essential that I have a DAC. Amongst available new equipment, Id consider:

Benchmark DAC1 USB
PS Audio Digital Link III
Monarchy NM24
Cambridge 740C or 840CSince I consider my M-Audio Audiophile USB external sound card is adequate using the M-Audio ASIO driver, USB input to the DAC isn't absolutely essential.

oaqm
04-13-2008, 08:39 AM
The owner is the weakest link in my system. He's old, notoriously cranky, and he can't hear a damned thing over 10KHz. I would trade him in, but I'm fundamentally worthless.... I mean, the owner is fundamentally worthless.

filecat13
04-13-2008, 08:56 AM
As for za filecat13, I'd at least audition the list I made below 2 posts ago.
It is good to see what these babies can do, the detail, the hi's, lo's,
it may sound very nice. Some of them can play SACD. Only good if you
have or intend to get a SACD collection.

In your situation Universal disc player is the better option, some of the
ones I have listed below upscales the DVD from 576p to 768p and/or
1080i. Will be future-proof in terms of if you don't have a full 1080p
lcd, when you do ? you have the upscaler already. I'd definately test
that feature at the store before you buy it. See if it does a good job.

No such thing as a SACD upscaler, it's already a 24 bit 96 kHz format.
For a 5.1 channel system, you'll need a player which has the 5.1 outs,
plus HDMI out. Not many SACD players have both. The McIntosh 201's
do not, but the SACD and CD playback is far better than the rest I have
auditioned. Yeah it's sort of a catch-22. On a good system of amp and
speakers, the source should still sound good.

EG.

Hey mate, I think you missed my point. The upconverting (upscaling) is for the video signal not the audio. Something like this:

http://www.oppodigital.com/dv980h/default.asp

It does play SACD, but there's no video to upscale. However, on DVD formatted discs, any video material can be upscaled.

:)

Jack in Wilmington
04-13-2008, 09:46 AM
Given I'm soldiering on with my Samsung 27" CRT, you might understand why. I'm hoping to upgrade to, say, a 42" 1080p plazma later this year; (with all due respect to Pixelthis).

In terms of audio only, I have to go with the current leader, digital source. Since I listen mostly to music from computer, it's essential that I have a DAC. Amongst available new equipment, Id consider:

Benchmark DAC1 USB
PS Audio Digital Link III
Monarchy NM24
Cambridge 740C or 840CSince I consider my M-Audio Audiophile USB external sound card is adequate using the M-Audio ASIO driver, USB input to the DAC isn't absolutely essential.



Any specific one in mind? I went to look at the Panny TH-42PZ85U yesterday. Awesome looking picture. Tweeter had it on sale for something like $1547.

Feanor
04-13-2008, 11:21 AM
Any specific one in mind? I went to look at the Panny TH-42PZ85U yesterday. Awesome looking picture. Tweeter had it on sale for something like $1547.

It'll probably be November before I buy. I'll see what's available nearer that time. Right now the price is $1500+ for a 1080p plazma as you note.

aevans
04-13-2008, 04:33 PM
Bought:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180231623687

Brett A
04-15-2008, 12:29 PM
I had to vote "other" because it's definitely (in order) my phono stage, my TT, then my cartridge.

OzzieAudiophile
04-15-2008, 03:49 PM
Well it appears that the source component is the weakest link of systems than not.

That wouldn't be unbelievable since it's more likely one would have more than 1 source
than amps.

In terms of CD/DVD/SACD player, there are a lot of options to suit each budget.

It would be interesting to hear from you guys what makes it the weakest link.

filecat13 : There is a blu-ray burner that you can get for the PC. About a year ago
it was selling for 2K, Australian dollars. So I'm sure by now there'd be a wider range
of BR burners plus they'd be cheaper. In terms of software required, and blank media, I
don't know what they cost. If you were not willing to wait another year or two, the PC
burner is an option.

If you get a HD tuner card, then you're laughing.

O'Shag
04-15-2008, 06:48 PM
Perhaps a new CD transport would improve the system. Also want to try an active electronic crossover.

jrhymeammo
04-16-2008, 07:23 PM
The size of my room is the weakest link. I would like my speakers to be further from the rear wall and I further from them. This would then allow me greater seperation of my speakers.

I hear you JM.
Will we ever have audio friendly apartments? I believe it's time we start a revolution.

JohnMichael
04-16-2008, 07:30 PM
I hear you JM.
Will we ever have audio friendly apartments? I believe it's time we start a revolution.




Or win the lottery and build our respective dream homes.

Gab
05-15-2008, 11:31 AM
imo the creek destiny realy rocks but you can achieve a good source with building your own dac / cd transport , there is kits and parts and it works very well...

if you have a very detailled sound system you might want a rega saturn....

After than you reached the limits of digital sound, i am not kidding, now your looking for LP, old recording mostly :( to beat the rega sound. With the pro-ject 10 rpm your going to experience time travel.

thekid
05-15-2008, 03:42 PM
In my system it is the noob of an owner....but my gear puts up with me anyway cause i pay the electric bill........ :)

Rich-n-Texas
05-15-2008, 05:51 PM
Took the words right out of my mouth thekid. :yesnod:

But I'll say that at this point in time my DVD changer is definately my weakest link, from an A/V component standpoint.

Groundbeef
05-16-2008, 06:42 AM
The size of my room is the weakest link. I would like my speakers to be further from the rear wall and I further from them. This would then allow me greater seperation of my speakers.

Still going for the optimal 12' eh?

bobsticks
05-16-2008, 08:55 AM
Still going for the optimal 12' eh?

You're like a pitbull on that one, aren't you? Just keeping the legend of Melvin alive...

Groundbeef
05-16-2008, 09:16 AM
You're like a pitbull on that one, aren't you? Just keeping the legend of Melvin alive...

Well, it seems you cornered the market on creepy avatars. What's a guy to do?

bobsticks
05-16-2008, 09:20 AM
Nice.

One I.O.U. for Green Chicklet Lovin'.

JohnMichael
05-16-2008, 06:36 PM
I had to vote "other" because it's definitely (in order) my phono stage, my TT, then my cartridge.




When I first received the CA 640P I liked the tone and the high frequency purity but the more I listened the more I thought where is the sound stage. I went back to the Rotel for more depth and seperation between instruments. The Rotel sounds a little more aggresive but the music is less confused. My AT 440ML sounded good in my Thorens TD 290 which is another Pro-Ject sourced table. The AT should sound good in a Pro-Ject table.

audio amateur
05-17-2008, 01:04 AM
You're like a pitbull on that one, aren't you? Just keeping the legend of Melvin alive...
Poor old Melv.. we need to get him back around the parts

JohnMichael
05-17-2008, 11:10 AM
Poor old Melv.. we need to get him back around the parts




The ban can be lifted.

audio amateur
05-18-2008, 02:45 AM
The ban can be lifted.
Well if we was banned there probably was reason. We don't know if he'd come back either. The debates were fun though:)

RoyY51
05-19-2008, 11:04 AM
My DVD player was one of the highest ranked in a number of comparative reviews (including "Secrets of Home..."), but that was a few years ago. I've been holding out until there's a compelling universal product and also waiting to see how the BR/HDDVD thing played out.

Now I'm not so sure I want to invest in another format on top of the stuff I already have, so a top flight CD/DVD/DVD-A/SACD/upconverting player might be the ticket.

The XP50 still does a great job, but it's getting long in the tooth, and that shiny, mirrored silver case looks completely out of place. Also, there's no HDMI or DVI.
I, too, owned the Pannie XP-50 and absolutely loved the video reproduction. When I bought my Oppo 980, I thought I was taking the next step up in picture quality.

Wrong.

The XP-50 was smoother and more film-like. The 980 has better connectivity and audio. However, if I had a choice between my new 980 and a new XP-50 I would take the Pannie in a heartbeat, shiny finish and all.

ldgibson76
05-19-2008, 12:47 PM
After several days of contemplating this poll and analyzing my current set up.
Hands down, it's the speakers (all of them). Don't get me wrong, I believe that Klipsch offers a good value, but for my system to actually to improve, an upgrade in speakers is the most logical step. I would then say that my AV Receiver would be the next weak link in my system. Lord knows, I love my Marantz SR9300. It's a great performer. Especially when it comes to 2 channel playback. As far as connectivity is concerned, handles all of my components (11), and is user friendly. But, where it excels in connectivity, it also falls short of today's technology, namely HDMI and the newer hi-res audio formats TDHD/DTS-HD/MA, etc,.... A new pre pro/multi-channel amp combo or a Hi-end AV Receiver with version 1.3 connectivity is also in order. Thirdly would be the Flat panel, being that it's 1366 x 768. 1080P is a must, but it can wait a little longer.

Regards.

quintana01
06-12-2008, 10:01 PM
imo the creek destiny realy rocks but you can achieve a good source with building your own dac / cd transport , there is kits and parts and it works very well...

if you have a very detailled sound system you might want a rega saturn....

After than you reached the limits of digital sound, i am not kidding, now your looking for LP, old recording mostly :( to beat the rega sound. With the pro-ject 10 rpm your going to experience time travel.

Hi hello everybody - I´m new user of this site and have problems with Destiny´s DVD-ROM unit as it produces noises like a clock on the wall. So It´s impossible to enjoy pianomusic ( J.S.Bach Goldbergvariations/ K.Jarret:Köln Concert). Unit has been already muffled by german distributor an the case by myself with bitumen - but without great success. Think you have a tip for me.
Thanx a lot

bobsticks
06-13-2008, 06:25 AM
The owner is the weakest link in my system. He's old, notoriously cranky, and he can't hear a damned thing over 10KHz. I would trade him in, but I'm fundamentally worthless.... I mean, the owner is fundamentally worthless.

What a great post.

I'd agree with JohnMichael. I could use another couple of feet on either side of the ML's to gettem to really sang.

emesbee
06-13-2008, 07:34 AM
The weakest component of my system is ----- ME:2:

musicman1999
06-15-2008, 02:40 PM
My system needs 2 or 3 upgrades, first the Cambridge Audio receiver that i use as a power amp needs to be replaced with a proper amp, second i hope to replace my PS3 with the Denon 3800 blue ray and maybe a new SACD player to replace my old Sony. The rest of my gear( Anthem, Sim Audio, Focal) should be good to go.

bill

filecat13
06-16-2008, 08:46 AM
After reading these responses I might have to change my "weakest" component to "owner." :arf:

GMichael
06-16-2008, 09:20 AM
I would like my room to be a little wider. I sit about 16 feet from the main speakers but only have them about 11 feet apart. Otherwise, I am very happy with my system as it is. My dreams on upgrades include going with HDMI so that I can go from a 720p projector to a 1080p. And If I'm going to make that change, I may as well go with separates this time instead of a receiver. Until then, I like everything the way it is except for how close my front speakers are together.