The evolution of an AV system

[viper_2003]

Viper,
I think you managed to get through a life time of upgrading in about 5 years!

How do you find the 805's - similar sound to the 602s? I heard some 805s before and I was blown away but I there are none going second hand!

I think 5 years would be about right, im currently looking at getting some new surrounds - the xmas bonus has to go on something.

The 805s certainly come from the same familly as the 602's, the way I see them is as the bass from the 602's coupled with the treble of the now 700 series + a bit more of course. I found the CDM's rather light on the bass and bright on the treble but the 805s have a good bass performance and an oh so wonderful open treble which is detailed but not too bright. They just happen to look amazing aswell! The addition of the parasound just highlighted how good the 805s are, they really sing on the end of 250 watts!

 

[Sequoia]

Is anyone really completely happy with their setup that they literally don't want to change a thing, even if you can throw unlimited amounts of money at it?

Yes ..... but it's because I have spent a lot, and tried a lot of combinations of equipment. I can't think of anything I'd change ....... until I hear something else I want to try. But then, I'd probably borrow it for a couple of days, try it and then most likely take it back. That's happened a few times. I'm content with the current system.

 

[DRZ]

I am about 95% sure I am happy with this. I have an idea that the CDP needs upgrading to "match" the rest of my system but I havnt found anything that I prefer that is remotely within budget. As soon as I do, thats me done until I get everything else I want

I think I have reached what I am now calling the "9designs2 point" - I stopped listening to the hifi and started listening to music, having got a system I am still grinning about on a daily basis

 

[Matblack]

I can't say I am entirely happy with my current system, I suspect that with a few tweaks a 'different' sound could be achieved, I'd like deeper bass when in AV mode which will need a significantly more expensive sub and I currently feel the centre channel is underpowered so another amp to handle the centre would be good. Unfortunately the Alphalab power amps which match my 8000A integrated are expensive so it will probably be a case of using another 8000A, not really what they are designed for but they seem to do a good job. The two other changes I would consider are change my front speakers for KEF Reference Model 2s or 3s and moving the 103/4s to the back and then getting those bi amped with a Alphalab 8000P

All these changes are designed not to really alter the sound but to increase the control of the sound I have already achieved, the Audiolab clarity really agrees with me

MB

 

[viper_2003]

My wallet says that im happy with my system now, when my new surrounds arive I really cant afford to go any further apart from possibly a new sub. It does sound and look (picture wise) amazing though. I just go through bursts of changing things and then I sit back and enjoy it for a while before I can pick up another bargain (sevenoaks gave me almost 20% off a pair of surrounds earlier). I can also be reasonably confident that I could sell my system for almost what I have paid for it should the need arise.

 

[danza]

Cool, have you done any mods to the Inca Tech, want to make it sound much better ???

Not yet, apart from fitting an ALPS volume pot. I was going to make an entire new casing and front panel, then begin fiddling with the electronics, but I haven't got arount to that quite yet! Infact I'd forgotten, but now you've reminded me

Considering the amp only cost me £100, it does sound rather good.

 

[9designs2]

Have you replaced the internal speaker jump leads yet ? (solder new ones)Plus replace all the crimp connectors ( think they got them from Halfords !!!) on the mains circuit with solder joints. From switch to transformer windings etc, (removing the shellac or coarse).
Amazing improvement in sound...and costs about £0