2. digital
  3. 1021234736

want to upgrade music performance in HT syst.

First the system:

Pioneer Elite DVC-36(odvious weak link for music but love video performance and conveniance of 5 discs.)
Krell HTS1
Plinius SA-250mkIV
Aragon 8008x3b
Dynaudio Contour 3.0
Dyn Contour cntr ch
Dyn 1.3mkII
Rel Storm III sub

I'm not getting the performance that I feel I should be getting, for music, from this system. I cannot afford a separate music only system and I know someone will mention getting rid of the HTS. Sorry, but I love the performance I get from this piece overall and I will not let it go. I've looked into getting a dedicated cdp and have rounded up the usual suspects. Budget; Music Hall MMF cd-25, Rega Planet 2000, top of the line Rotel, various Sony sacd players but I'm not interested in multi-ch music formats at all. The more pricier suspects; Rega Jupiter, Accuphase, Electrocompaniet, Wadia, Levinson, ext. The dealer I purchased my Krell HTS from mentioned that the dacs in the HTS are state of the art, so I could run a good transport and have the processor do the upsampling. I'm so confused. I just want to enjoy my music and I know I'm not getting everything I can from my dvd player. I would like to keep the cost down, $750-$1500. I would greatly appreciate any help you guys & gals could give me. I'm running a Goldmond digital cable (RCA to RCA terminated) and I've had my doubts about that purchase. If you have any thoughts on this cable or any ideas for an upgrade I would love to hear from you as well. Thanks in advance for your help.....John
jrwr7

Showing 2 responses by bwhite

bwhite
807 posts
 
Jrwr7 - my suggestion was not for multi-channel, SACD or other "new" format. The EAD T-7000 is an "old" transport based on a laser disk mechanisim.
bwhite
807 posts
 
Jrwr7, My close friend has owned a system which was almost exactly like yours - except his front speakers are the Dynaudio Consequence which were the flagship Dynaudio speaker prior to the Evidence. The HTS-1 is a good pre/pro but we have had some trouble with the way it handles Super Audio CD and therefore do not recommend SACD machines as long as you have the original HTS. IF you upgrade to the HTS-2, SACD through-put is better - but still not optimal.

Instead - here is what you should do:

Keep the HTS (use its DAC) and use an EAD T-7000 Transport (or Theta Data II). Connect with a Kimber AGDL or better digital coax. NOTE - please do not even think of trying any other EAD or Theta transport (newer or older) they will NOT perform at the level as the T-7000 or the Data II.

The EAD T-7000 is a laserdisk transport and sounds VERY analog. HUGE soundstage - warm - and detailed... Amazing!

The combo I just suggested will cost less than your budget and will be absolutely marvelous. My friends setup has embarrassed my Audiomeca Mephisto, Electrocompaniet EMC-1 and yes - the Audio Aero Capitole by sounding nearly as good but without spending $$$$.
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