help choosing a new component or whether I even need one

[teledynepost]

Those speakers are dual 5.5" drivers? I'm guessing you're not getting enough bass if you have a strong preference for it and you describe them as sounding 'shrill'. Upgrade speakers rather. A subsidiary of Energy and Mirage speakers is Athena Technologies. They make a dual 8" floorstander that goes for $400 new/pair. Athena F2.2. High efficiency (listed 93dB, measured at 93.5), good bass.

[Woochifer]

CD players have definitely improved noticeably since that Sony player was made. The early Sony CD players had a grainy and slightly harsh sound compared to other similarly priced models. I have that SACD/CD changer that Geoffcin linked to. It's a nice unit with surprisingly good sound quality with its CD playback. For one thing, it uses the same Burr-Brown DAC that's found in higher end players. If you don't want to bid on the SCD-C2000ES, the $150 SCD-CE595 has the same basic features, uses the same transport and DAC, and is readily available at Best Buy. The CD player is probably your most cost effective upgrade.

The upgrade that would make the biggest difference is the speakers, but an upgrade that will significantly improve upon what you currently use will likely cost more than $500.

[ktrucke]

Wow! This is excellent information. Here's what I'm planning.
1) I am intrigued by the idea of a powered sub. I've been reluctant to go beyond the basic components. For now, I'm going to put this on the wishlist for my future upgrade 'plan' in favor of getting rid of my "no one can believe it works" cd player.
2) Same with the speakers. I'm not averse to the idea of upgrading them but think I need to use the first in, first out method since my budget won't allow for a complete overhaul right now.
3) I'm going to seek out a place to purchase a cd player where I can follow Bobsticks advice about being able to return it. I'm leaning against the Denon. I couldn't find reviews on the specific model recommended but the units I did find reviewed seemed to have reliability issues. I'm also leaning against the Sony for the same reason. So, I'm going to give the Marantz cc-4300 a whirl.

I'll report back in a few weeks after I've got it and tried it.

THANKS AGAIN for all your help. Wish me luck.

ETA: Dang. Just looked at Woochifer's alternative Sony rec. Still leaning Marantz...

[Woochifer]

Wow! This is excellent information. Here's what I'm planning.
1) I am intrigued by the idea of a powered sub. I've been reluctant to go beyond the basic components. For now, I'm going to put this on the wishlist for my future upgrade 'plan' in favor of getting rid of my "no one can believe it works" cd player.
2) Same with the speakers. I'm not averse to the idea of upgrading them but think I need to use the first in, first out method since my budget won't allow for a complete overhaul right now.
3) I'm going to seek out a place to purchase a cd player where I can follow Bobsticks advice about being able to return it. I'm leaning against the Denon. I couldn't find reviews on the specific model recommended but the units I did find reviewed seemed to have reliability issues. I'm also leaning against the Sony for the same reason. So, I'm going to give the Marantz cc-4300 a whirl.

I'll report back in a few weeks after I've got it and tried it.

THANKS AGAIN for all your help. Wish me luck.

ETA: Dang. Just looked at Woochifer's alternative Sony rec. Still leaning Marantz...

The issue with a powered sub for your setup is whether you want to use some kind of crossover with a high pass filter that filters out the lower frequencies going to your speakers. Since you use a stereo analog receiver, it probably does not have any kind of bass management built in, unlike with home theater receivers where the crossover is a mandatory feature. The benefit of filtering out the lower frequencies that go to your L/R channels is that it improves the midrange resolution with your speakers, removes some of the load from your amplifier, and gives you more flexibility with placement and dealing with room acoustical issues.

Nowadays, most lower cost subwoofers simply do a pass-through on the line level connections because the manufacturers pretty much assume that most powered subs will connect through a home theater receiver rather than an analog two-channel setup.. In the absence of a high pass crossover on the subwoofer itself, you can always add an external crossover that will do the low frequency filtering, but something like the Paradigm X-30 will cost more than $150.

I'm not that big on Sony either, but their entry level SACD/CD changers have gotten a lot of positive press for how well they handle both SACDs and CDs. (Part of the reason that I went with the ES model is that it comes with a 5-year warranty) At $150 MSRP, it's not that much more than other entry level CD changers. One thing to keep in mind with Marantz's CD players is that they use Sony transports. So even if you want to avoid Sony by going with a Marantz, it will still have Sony inside.

[ktrucke]

I finally have an update! Based on feedback here I took five of my favorite CDs in different genres for a listen. I listened to the Sony ES model, a Denon and the Marantz cc-4300. In the store I preferred the sound of the Marantz so I brought it home. I'm going to spend the next 30 days trying it out with my setup.

Thanks again for taking me under your wing. The knowledge you shared with me REALLY helped me when I was shopping!

[bobsticks]

I'm glad you found something that may well resolve the issue without breaking the bank. Keep us informed of your impressions and let us know if we can help further...

Cheers and good listening

[swwdts]

Baby steps here!

Bobsticks
1) I'll have to think about this. Off the top of my head the highs are too sharp (if that makes sense). I'm generally happy with the bass. I love bass.
2) The 'main' room is carpeted with a couch, two large upholstered chairs and one small bookcase. The larger room has a dining area with hardwood floors covered by a large area rug and a dining table with chairs. Beyond that is a kitchen with the usual cupboards and an island.
3) The speakers are not flush to the wall. They are about 10 inches away. One each in the SE and NE corners of the 12x14 part of the room. Angled slightly to the center of this room.
4) No television at all.

Re the 400 disc changer. I keep reading that single disc players are superior to multi disc players. Is a 400 disc changer going to sound good? Is my cd player so old it will still sound better?

BTW A quick Google search is what overwhelmed me in the first place!

I have the same set up in my home.I also had the same Q to ask them in the past.I fixed my needs w/ a new sony dvd player & Pioneer amp.

[ktrucke]

I spent all day Sunday listening and so far I am very pleased! My overall system is mellower without sacrificing the details of the music. In fact, I think I'm hearing some details I was missing.

BTW I picked up a pair of Sidewinder cables to connect my player.

[2chAlex]

Good to know that everyone's input helped the process. Keep the info coming on your 30 day test drive. Oh as for the sub, on a stereo just hook it up speaker level thus allowing fine tuning on the crossover via the sub.

[ktrucke]

That went fast. I've decided to keep the Marantz. I'm very happy with the sound.

Ironically I've been listening to a lot of single CDs during the trial. I have an eclectic collection and I wanted to try a little of everything to make sure I didn't get wowed by one CD then end up disappointed overall. Not a good way to put together a five disc playlist. I DO think the system has some CDs that really highlight its good qualities though (Jody Williams - Return of a Legend and Loreena McKennit - Book of Secrets are two that made me stop and really listen).

I'm also enjoying the feature that allows me to change CDs while one is playing. It wasn't a requirement but I'm happy to have it.

And I'm happy with the bass. I think I'll get a sub eventually, I could still use more but for now what I have is an improvement.

[2chAlex]

Good to hear, the process to decide what to buy and then the trial and a happy ending. That's what it's all about.