Two Channel System Development Suggestions


I presently have the following gear:

Sim Audio Equinox CD Player
Arcam C30 Preamplifier
Proceed Amp 3
Paradigm Studio 60s

The electronics were purchased used here on Audiogon. The speakers are approximately one year old.

I am looking to upgrade my system one piece per year with an annual budget of $3,000 to $5,000. System is primarily used for two channel audio (I also have a Denon 2900 Universal player and Paradigm center channel and surrounds). I primarily listen to female vocals, jazz, folk and rock.

I welcome any suggestions as to what piece of equipment I should replace first. I would also like some input regarding recommended replacement pieces. I'm obviously not opposed to buying quality used equipment and strongly believe you can get your best value in used amplifiers given their long life expectancy and the lack of annual amplifier product enhancements (just my opinion).

I've learned a lot from Audiogon members over the last few years. Thanks in advance for your time and attention.
randal05

Showing 2 responses by vicdamone

I used to own Studio 100's v1's and 2's and I felt they are a great speaker for their price point. I had a chance to use some Avalon Acents on loan for a few months. The Ascents are an old two way design and I only wish I could put into words the audible differences between these two brands. I think this is what's meant by the term, "more musical". The Paradigms went deeper but an acoustic Bass sounded much better through the little Avalon.

I've since purchased used Eidolons and they are simply stunning.

I have a Denon 5900 which had the full boat mod by Dan Wright and the difference was huge (from memory) as digital goes. He can tell you what bang for the buck would be best for you.

My inexperienced suggestion would be to start with an Avalon product then maybe replace your amp with an Ayre V3, then top it off with a Well Tempered turntable and a Benz cartridge. Keep your Paradigms for home a theater system.
Many of us in this goofy obsessive hobby understand your frustration. The variables in equipment, your room, and the flavor of sound you're looking for make it almost impossible to come up with the perfect system for you.

If you look at this little thread as a whole you'll see that choosing a another speaker system rates high with the majority. On the other hand you seem to want to upgrade to another preamp, and that's OK. Personally, I experienced that the preamplifier is the second most important component in my system. Those are two fine choices which will undoubtedly out preform your current unit. Unfortunately you may not hear the full measure of improvement another preamp or even your current electronics (which aren't that bad) for that matter, with those Studio 60's choking the output.

When you see a speaker manufacturer building the same basic design year after year and still in business you need to take a hard look at those products. Besides Avalon Acoustics, Vandersteen came to mind. Both designers seem to put allot of effort into phase and time response. Both have had many of their design cues copied by other manufactures. C. Hansen, who designed the original Avalon and who designs Ayre electronics uses Vadersteen's 3A for voicing. He admits his favorite is Avalon's Diamond. I trust his ears.

Avalon Studio Monitors were designed for nearfield monitoring of every little inflection of miking, and gain setting, in the recording process. I have recently had lengthy experience with these in a control room monitor and post production environment and they are a huge leap forward in what you'll find in many studios today. They might also work well in a home theater. However, they are not the Avalon sound you get with Avalon home/Hi-Fi systems.

Keep in mind there are many of us who are satisfied with what we've finally ended up with. We're probably spending money on albums and live performances and not the next 2% increase in fidelity. Could we spend more? Sure, who couldn't? At some point you start listening to music and not your system. For me it was when the Eidolon's arrived.

Happy shopping.

Vic