fineberg

Responses from fineberg

Cheap upgrade path?
I have the newer Muse (the model 296) and it is unbelievably good. It seems to me if you can get a used model 2 (make sure it has the besel filter option which is VERY important and HDCD - if you have HDCDs) or a model 2+ (the same thing but with ... 
Use digital processor of Classe ssp-75 or SCD 777?
I have used both the Analysis Plus digital Oval and the Illuminations D-60 and both are great cables, though I prefer the AP cable in my system. All very good digital cables (consitent impedance, etc) will sound much more similar than analogue cab... 
Most "Musical" speakers
If you have the room. The Magnepan 3.6 is amazing in this range. It is many peoples favorite speaker at any price, but it is large (though flat)and power hungry. 
35 and 40 ft runs-Balanced will be expensive
Canare Star-Quad Microphone cables with Neutrik brand connectors work very well for long balanced runs and are not hugely expensive (probably a couple of hundred). A studio I was using upgraded to these cables for their long runs when they went to... 
Best Budget SCD-777ES DAC?
The SCD-777 has a reasonably good DAC. To beat it significantly you will need a really fine DAC and Digital Cable. My preference would be a used Muse Model two ninety six (you can find these for around $1400) - I have one and it is amazing only dC... 
CD Player Recommendation?
Muse Electronics Model 9 is a phenomenal player. There are several excellent used for sale by Hello Simply Music right now (and they are offering upgrades to signature status for $500. I have no affiliation with them except that I bought a Muse 29... 
new Electrocompaniet vs older LINN Karik/Nemeric?
I think a better solution for same or less money would be a used Muse Model 9 signature (I think there is currently a dutch auction going on for 5 of them on this site from Hello Simply Music) I bought a Muse Model 296 from them at an auction a mo... 
Proceed AVP or Meridian 561?
If you keep the 3B for the rear, you should go with a Bryston 5Bst for the front and center channels, 
Cambridge CD500se as good as Planet 2000??
You might find an Arcam Alpha 8se or even and Alpha 9 in this price range and it is much better than either of those players. 
Pre-amp for NADC370 vs NADC370 plus Stratos amp?
When I first strted on the upgrade path I also had an NAD integrated. I think using the NAD as pre-amp with a better power amp makes more sense than the other way around (though I did it that way). Although it is the total effect of pre-amp and po... 
speaker wire, digital, and interconnect
I have gradually been moving to all Analysis plus and love it. I use Oval 9 and Oval 12 bi-wired for the speakers, Digital Oval and am now gradually replacing interconnects and power cords. These products are phenomenal and produce great synergy. 
What's the best digital cable around 100 each?
Get used Illuminations D-60s (they can often be found around $100) which are wonderful reference quality digital cables. Analysis Plus Digital oval also sounds amazingly good (I used to own the D-60 and when I needed to cange from an RCA-RCA to a ... 
Help me with the last item in my new system
the Analysis Plus oval 12s would certainly be great, and you might even find oval 9s for you price. 
Best speakers for a small room? 10'X14'
If you like Maggies, but have a small room, Thiels are a very good idea. You are un likely to find 2.3s for your price, but might well fing 2.2s, the 1.5 is also superb though has a little less bass punch if you listen to lots of Rock music. 
Which cable will reduce harshness of CD player?
Harshness in a CD (presuming it is a good to very good one) may well be due to electrical interference so a cable with good regection is probably what you need. I would reccommend the Analysis Plus Copper Oval (or the new single crystal) oval or f...