2. amps-preamps
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Set me straight, don't pull punches

Esteemed contributors

 I, a neophyte, present myself as supplicant for knowledge in all aspects of my system.

(Feel free to skip ** sections **, included only to rationalize intent)

**I don't know how much info you want, but know that I have done a fair amount of research and read lots of opinions, but have skipped steps in setting up an intermediate listening rig*

I recently picked up a Peachtree nova300 to replace a Marantz 2238b driving B&W 685 bookshelf speakers and 12" DefTec sub.

I'm having troubles. My TT output is extremely quiet, and running digital files makes the speakers voice timidly - not at all what I expected from 300w. I got much stronger response from the "38w" Marantz.

Are my speakers mismatched? 

**I wanted to have the ability to include my wife in enjoying the set-up, and the Sabre DAC specifically designed for iOS devices removed the fear of vinyl handling, turntable cueing and the like.**

I changed everything at once. I had been using 12 gauge radioshack speaker wire. I upgraded to AudioQuest X2 (directionality running the proper direction) and audioquest bananna clips. 

I have a technics 1300 TT that isn't giving me much volume, which is a huge disappointment, because my main input is a vinyl collection I have been building for a few years.

I thought the peachtree had a dedicated phono input designed specifically for MM cartridges.

I can't find branding anywhere on my cart, but had been under the impression it was MM, not MC.

**I actually found the turntable inside a cabinet I bought that had been sitting outside on a deck in SD for a few seasons, so I'm surprised and pleased it works as well as it does (a little sticking on the speed/pitch adjustment knobs, and 45rpm runs too quick, cannot be slowed further)**

Anyway. I have been putting off buying a pre-amp to reduce extra equipment.

**I inherited an Arcam d9 that I wanted to A/B test against my marantz, but I preferred the simplicity that the peachtree integrated offered.**

I feel like I'm stranded in Wyoming, not included in any audio circles that could help me troubleshoot these issues. Connecting with anyone would be awesome, I'm just hoping this post doesn't go completely unnoticed due to my ignorance. 

Another consideration, I have access to discounted Pro-Ject equipment, so specific direction on the models they offer would be particularly helpful

Thank you for any and all feedback. Try to sell me on something 
 
mpdahl

Showing 7 responses by mpdahl

mpdahl OP
8 posts
 
@gs556 there is a loop functionality where I could attach a DAC or an equalizer.

My only other audio source I have is a marantz 5025B tape deck, which I'll hook up and experiement with different input channels. 

(I had a 5-cd carousel that wouldn't give me anything, so I'm on the prowl there as well)

I'm wondering if running the marantz as the phono input and use the peachtree's much higher watt ceiling headroom would change the sound quality? If it isn't head and shoulders improvement over the Marantz, why include it in the chain at all? 

I'm also switching the speaker wire back to the previous arrangement to see if those make a difference in sound quality. I'll return and report
mpdahl OP
8 posts
 
Ok, it took my wife making adjustments and pushing the buttons the way I SHOULD have to switch from the AUX2 to the phono stage. My issue was impatience, incompetence tinged with insecurity that I could break the input channel if I held it longer than the 5 seconds prescribed in the manual. 

I skimmed the instruction manual, missing the step where I HOLD the aux button UNTIL the indicator switch changes from blue to green, which turns off the digital inputs and uses the separate analog circuitry. I was pressing and holding...incorrectly?

Pivoting...

I hooked up the tape deck, but there is a hum every other time I push the play button, where the DB meter is maxing out and there is a loud buzzing. Do I just need to get the heads cleaned? We have already established that I should hold off on my own alterations, repairs etc until I can apprentice under someone who knows
mpdahl OP
8 posts
 
@minkwelder correct! Things have been settled on the phono front. Good catch on the multi-functionality. 

@terry9 I'll make sure to order and integrate. 

this has been the pleasantest troubleshooting in my life!

Thank you all for the advice and feedback. I very much appreciate it
mpdahl OP
8 posts
 
All is well at base camp 

Hum is gone when playing the tape deck thanks to the ground loop suggestion from @terry9 

After I re-installed larger speakerwire. I think I still like the sound of the Marantz though. Woops! but having a remote and DAC playback for my wife will be worth acquiring the peachtree
mpdahl OP
8 posts
 
@soundsrealaudio preach! Denver is my closest metroplolis, which is excellent...but planning and executing is daunting. I know much more than the associates at the state's only Best Buy, and there isn't any audio shops I know of to fill my knowledge gaps
mpdahl OP
8 posts
 
@nycjlee I am in a holding pattern at present because I was able to get "industry accomodation pricing" on the Peachtree - where 1.) all sales are final and 2.) I'm expected to hold for 12 months before I can resell. I like the idea of Bluesound Node. I appreciate your suggestion. 

Im not mad, just disappointed. Let me explain how. 

I am running a subwoofer for my lower freq's and I liked the ability to adjust the output for "bass" on the Marantz receiver and compensate with the knob on my subwoofer. I feel I get more out of my bookshelves when they are only running mid and high. The Peachtree is trying to make them throw bass notes, which hamstrings their performance. 

I intend to test out other speakers to see if other sets of air movers do more justice to the class D configuration.

Most likely scenario - (which I don't particularly want my wife to know) - using the HT bypass function in a bonafide home theater arrangement for front L&R channels - while having the ability to use in a two channel set up for music. But that's one day, not today. 

I have been looking at stepping up to bigger speakers, and am itching to see if 300wpc Peachtree will make an adequate soundstage with better components. Specifically full-range speakers. 

There is a metaphor I'm grasping for - instead of using mud as the medium, I'm looking for clay...and maybe one day to marble. But if I'm buying components that are more and more "sand" based....(can I go so far?) I don't want to end up neck deep in sinking sand. 

Anyway. I am very interested in what I can get from Best Buy (see above, accomodation pricing) 

I can use the Magnolia HT room to test B&W's new 700 series. I liked the CM10 with tweeter-on-top. Obviously prejudiced in that direction.

The Martin Logan electrostats are by far the best speaker I've ever auditioned for precise soundstage (albeit in the store, Kurt Vile "I was all talk" made me jump because I didn't know the Congo hits would be popping at different proximities from my head - I kept ducking) but the extremely narrow sweet spot wouldn't be ideal for the strange configuration at our house.

Would you prefer the ML Motion line to the B&W?
mpdahl OP
8 posts
 
@wolf_garcia Longmire is actually shot in everywhere BUT Wyoming - mostly New Mexico. Which is a bummer. But buffalo wy is a pleasant spot. Not much to see or do in town, but the big horn mtns are a delight to hike. The only exposure MOST people get is I-80, unquestionably the worst sliver of the mountain west. It keeps most folks out of the Wind River, Big Horn and Snowy mountain ranges. No complaints from the locals. 

Another lame realization, the Hateful 8 by Quint Tarantino was set in Wyoming and shot south in Colorado. 

And there are are plenty of front-porch benches made out of ford tailgates...almost inside decor
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