AudiogoN Forums: Getting there

Simple pleasure

Getting there

  Marantz SA 8004 CD Player
  McCormack DNA 0.5
  Revel Concerta F12 Speaker
  Lightspeed passive/ buffered
  Logitech Touch Transport
  Paradigm PDR-10 Subwoofer

Getting there
After some recent rides on the merry go round express, this system has stopped the ride. I am really enjoying the synergy and great tone with this one.

I wanted a modern system for streaming pandora, playing wifi FLAC, as well as SACD/CD.

My sonic preference is playing SACD, but redbook is excellent as well. The internal DAC of the SA 8004 complements the flexibility of the Logitech Touch very well.

I recently added the SA-8004 which was the missing link. In the past I have played around with Dac's from Benchmark, Bel Canto, and PS Audio...all using the Touch as the front end. I also used a seperate CD transport.

The SA 8004 is the cornerstone of this system. It does it all, and to my ears, does it exceptionally well.

Value and performance is my constant goal.

Overall this system sounds excellent. The Revels have a beautiful midrange that are very similar to my Dynaudio's of the past. Vocals, especially female vocals come across with surprising realism from low levels to blistering. The Concerta F12's are also very efficient which seems to give rise to highly expressive sound. Bass is outstanding in its depth and definition. The twin 8" drivers per cabinet really dial in the lower registers. The tweeter is unique in its design. It has a curved baffle that gives it a wide dispersion for a very fluid and open top end. The treble region is detailed and extended; certainly enough to let my finest SACD recordings really shine and to reveal changes in upstream gear. Revel hit a grand slam with these Concerta F12's.

Dpac996 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

12-12-11

Responses

12-15-11: Skroudo
NICE!!!!!
Skroudo (Answers | This Thread)

12-22-11: Dpac996
System edited: Completed the Lightspeed (LS) project; the lightspeed PCB and matched LDR's were purchased from Uriah Dailey. I installed th attenuator in a Theta Pre Basic II, which has buffered outputs comprised of Precision Monolithics BUF03's ( of Aunt Corey's fame). I have a tap from the LS running direct to output jacks and another
Dpac996 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

12-22-11: Dpac996
I have a tap from the LS running direct to output jacks and another tap routed to the input of the buffer. (silly droid x cut me off; i can't wait to get an iPhone)

Both outputs sound excellent, but the edge goes to the buffered; only when I compare the passive to the buffered do I realize there is some slight compression to both the soundstage and the dynamics. It is a *very* slight result but it's there. I can only conclude that the combination of interconnects (from volume control to amp) with the lowish (22K ohms) input impedance of the amp give rise to this result. Other than this, the passive route sounds excellent.

In general, the biggest benefit that this volume control imparts on the system is one of naturalness. There is an ease and fluidity that is hard to describe. Other line stages, in this system, seem to force the sound out, sometimes manifesting in lower treble glare, sometimes in exaggerated images.

The buffered Lightspeed solves many issues for my system. I highly recommend trying one in yours if you have a unity-gain friendly setup.

I really look forward to listening to music in this system now, and the time when doing so seems too short...

happy holidays

Dpac996 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

04-12-12: Djkzk
So as to clarify, is the Marantz SA 8004 being a DAC and CD player are you able to operate it like other DACs. That is being your preamp. I was looking to replace my preamp with a Bel Canto or Wyred 4 Sound DAC but now you have me curious.
Djkzk (Answers | This Thread)

05-17-12: Dpac996
Djkzk,
The SA8004 has fixed analog outputs. Unless your power amp has a volume control you will need a preamp
Dpac996 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

08-19-12: Glenfihi
Enjoyed reading your comments on your system. Especially the 8004 as I have just been exposed to the line. The Acurus Aragon line a favorite of mine. Nice system, happy listening.
Glenfihi (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

10-18-12: Adam18
Nice system. I agree with your comments about the Revel F12's. I'm extremely happy with mine. Check out my system and take a look.
Adam18 (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)