Where do I go from here?


    • Marantz AV-7005, pre/pro (with balanced outputs and 1.4a HDMI);  Rotel RMB-1565, surrounds and center;  Rotel RKB-650, mains w/ bi-amping;  Martin Logan Motion 20, mains;  Martin Logan Motion 8 Center; Klipsch SW-10, subKEF iQ-5, surroundsKlipsch RS-41 II, surround backs
  • Alright y'all, here is your chance to help out the newbie with your thoughts and opinions. Thanks in advance for what you may offer.  I have the above system, which is sounding really nice, with many of the qualities I've been looking for, but the upgraditis is creeping in, (again, sigh) and I am wondering which of the components may represent the weak link to my music listening nirvana?  As some my recognize, I recently added the Motion 20's to the lineup, much to my satisfaction, but where might I go from here.  I'm thinking my better half may let me get away with another $1500-2000 before I'm sleeping with the system and not her, LOL.  Since I'm more interested in the musicality of the system, listening to a mix of female vocal, rock, and dipping into the ambient realm now and then, I'm considering the replacement of the Rotel RKD-650 with something in a nice stereo configuration, possibly 3-channel to pick up the center. I'm really looking to broaden and deepen the soundstage as much as anything.  What do you think?
    128x128wisciman99

    Optical is a very poor digital interface because the LED diodes just cannot light up fast enough to make a pure square waveform pulse.  You can see the results here, if you scroll way down to the section that says "What if there is no SP/DIF output (digital out) in our CD player, only Toslink fiber optic type ?"

    http://lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/TRANSPORT/CD_transport_DIY.html

    Digital COAX is always superior here.  Optical should only be used if you have no other alternative.  But if you must use it, try to get one of the high density glass fiber optical cables, such as Lifatec or the Wire World Supernova cable.

    In my experience, fiber optic gives a very slow messy sound.  Detail is just not there.