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Audiophile question, What do you listen to your music on?

175K views 698 replies 170 participants last post by  Bkeske 
#1 ·
At the moment im trying to decide which seperate system to get so that i can fully enjoy my classical CD collection, but i wondered what system do you currently use to listen to your music collection.

Has anyone got a NAD C545BEE cd player coupled with a NAD C326BEE Amp?

Or what couplings do you use?

Im a complete newbie to seperates so i think it may take me ahwile to decide which ones to get, alhtough ive read its best to have a CD player and amp from the same company.

Will be interesting to hear peoples fave systems.
 
#2 ·
I generally listen to music through my ipod and a pair of Denon AH-D1001 headphones powered by a headphone amplifier.
 
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#4 ·
I am working on building a good system. I have my Bose 901 speakers at the heart of my system, with a Sony amp and the CD player and woofer are from Brookstone. (It's that store in the mall like The Sharper Image.)

A lot of folks hate the Bose 901 speakers, but I think they sound great. I was listening to a CD of solo guitar music the other day with a guitarist friend and she was very impressed by the sound: she said it sounded like the instrument was live in the room, and I agree.

The only drawbak to the Bose speakers is that if the CD has less-than-audiophile engineering, the speakers expose that. But if I put on an audiophile recording...watch out! The sound is rich and real.

I want to get a more powerful amp than the Sony I have...it is barebones at best. But let's wait for some some money to come in first...

And I'll want to upgrade my player and woofer one day, too.
 
#5 ·
I'm not sure NAD gear will be the best option for classical - it's more suited to modern music that needs a rock solid bass. At least that's what I've read - I haven't heard it with classical.

I feed my Marantz CD input through a dedicated Heed headphone amplifier to my Beyerdynamic DT880 phones (I rarely get the freedom to play it at decent volume through amp/external Mordaunt-Short speakers ... family commitments) - or from PC in lossless data format through a wireless Squeezebox device then the Heed/Beyers - it's a great sound, but I'm looking to improve it with a Cambridge Audio DACMagic which should improve both sources.

While I'm working I feed the lossless data through a Monitor Audio amp/speaker device (originally intended as an iPod dock) - good enough sound to have for background listening.
 
#6 ·
Look at the Mcintosh Amps

I have only run a few good systems. I have used McIntosh and Onkyo amps before and either Klipsch or Bowers & Wilkens speakers.

Started with old Sherwood Amp and FM Multiplexer with FM Tuner.
Then moved to a Onkyo system.
Then did the McIntosh total system.

The B&W speakers will run you over $14,000 for a good set.

I mostly use my iPod (I have several) and Bose in-ear headphones. I don't know much about other systems that what I have tried.

Have fun building your dream system.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Caveat: Will never claim expertise on rocket science engineering or golden ears. Will not make any product endorsements as well.

If your primary goal is to enjoy music, you don't have to shred your wallet into threads. Buy more records or tunes! Don't mind what others will say about your system or what type of source you listen to. End of the day, you enjoy what you really need.... Listening to Music (not equipment).

NAD has a history of making quality products. The only problem I encounter with them is that its not expensive or "WOW" looking enough for some folks :D.

Im a complete newbie to seperates so i think it may take me ahwile to decide which ones to get, alhtough ive read its best to have a CD player and amp from the same company.
In my experience, no. The best optical/digital player is the manufacturer who makes the best one for its price. Same rule applies for amps. If you enjoy objectively testing products the way I did, please do. I'm eager to know other's experience as well.

Its good to know you're willing to spend time for your purchase. The best scenario for you is, if your dealer will allow, test the equipment (one at a time) you want to buy using your own existing rig and room. Try all the types of music you enjoy listening. Please do not base your decisions to the quality of "ambulance/police car siren", "jet plane engine" on test records unless thats the kind of music you really want to hear everyday. Also, please do not limit yourself to audiophile recordings unless all your collection is audiophile pressing.

The basic rule you could apply is: If you don't honestly hear it, don't buy. Get more music or watch live performances instead :).

The only drawbak to the Bose speakers is that if the CD has less-than-audiophile engineering, the speakers expose that. But if I put on an audiophile recording...watch out! The sound is rich and real.
All things being equal, good recordings will sound good on a decent system. If audiophile recordings sound rich and real on your rig, all the more reason for you to celebrate for you have a good system that didn't cost you an arm and a leg. Horray! :)

As for power ratings of an amp, consider first the room. One doesn't need large wattage for a small room. Also, for small rooms, just buy monitor speakers and live with its limitations. Think of the useless electricity bill for overkill systems.

Be realistic. Be immune to advertising. Trust your ears, your better judgment and what really makes you happy!! An impressive-wow-looking rig would be a tragedy if there's not enough music to listen to. Happy Listening! :)
 
#9 ·
Thanks for the replies so far, been interesting reading. I guess when it comes to buying a seperate hifi system, the more a person reads the more questions it brings up.

Unfortunately where i live there are no shops that deal in seperate systems, quite possibly the nearest is 200 miles away.

But its interesting reading what people listen to their music on.

I dont download classical music, i much prefer the CD and box in my hand, however i did go through a phase of downloading indie/pop/rock, but im now back on CD's for that type of music. I buy much more classical than any other type though.
 
#10 ·
Price

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a wonderful system today. I started collecting pieces before there was digital music and iPods.

You can learn more about B&W here, but they are very expensive and you will see them in recording studios like Abbey Road. http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/

They most likely produce more sound than my ear can hear. For convience I don't heat up the tubes all that much. I mostly listen via iPod or my computer with Bose speakers. That was not possible back in the day when I bought expensive Hi-Fi equipement and turn tables were all the rage.

In terms of amps, I was told once to focus on a system that offered a Loudness control so at lower levels I could boost the bass without artificially adding to it. I had a mentor who was a sound engineer that explain much of this to me.

There are some terriffic bookshelf systems out there with wonderful speakers as monitors. I have played with Yamaha, Onyko, Luxman, McIntosh in the past and I am sure Nad is a fine system also.

Don't get discouraged. You can put many systems up against the big dollar ones and you won't tell much difference. Technology has improved greatly.
 
#12 ·


Audio Research VT 100
Audio Research SP 9 Mk. III (auditioning NuForce and Aesthethix preamps for personal replacement)
fabaudio Model 1 loudpspeakers with Murata Supertweeters hardwired
Accustic Arts CD 1 CD Player
Cables by Transparent and Cardas
Conditioning by Audio Power
Support by Target and Solidtech

A synergistic system. Not shown. Clearaudio Titanium cartridge awaiting an AJ Conti 'table and arm.

I'm reviewing dCS Paganini and Sonus Faber speakers, presently.

Lotsa fun...
 
#22 ·
Envious of the Audio Research gear in the photo. I miss my preamp that I was forced almost at gunpoint to replace with a surround sound receiver. I now have a new, smaller room and use no preamp between my USB audio interface and my Parasound power amplifier driving a pair of Magnepans. My computer stores all the music.
 
#24 ·
At work (which is in the Study) a Linn Classik into a Linn LK 140 driving Linn Katans and Sizmik.

In the main (but wife friendly) listening room Linn Ikemi, Linn Kairn, 4 x Lk140s Activ driving Linn Ninkas. I did use the Sizmik in here but since going Activ it's not needed, the subwoofer will never give you slam anyway, just those lower octaves and a more defined soundstage and in balance putting the sub with the Katans just made more sense.
 
#26 ·
This is my system:
Rotel RCD-02 CD Player
Rotel RA-03 Integrated Amp
B&W (Bowers & Wilkins) 603S - floorstanding speakers
Magnum Dynalab MD-90 FM Analog Tuner
QED Silver Anniversary speaker cables
Ecosse and Transparent interconnects

The cost of the core system (CD Player, Amp and Speakers) was just under €2000.

The guideline I have set, which others might want to follow, is simply this: the value of one's hifi system should be roughly half the value of one's CD collection. Someone who has a vast collection of music to the value of, say, €10, 000 "deserves" a system worth €5,000. Because there is NO doubt, that an audiophile system enhances both enjoyment and appreciation.

The purpose of a good audiophile system, for classical music, is to be "transparent", which means, simply to get rid of as much noise/filter interference as possible. It is not supposed to enhance the sound at all (that is more appropriate for pop music which is electronic to begin with). Cheap systems are tinny and do not have any mid-range sophistication.

For over 25 years I listened to vast amounts of music on cheap hi fi systems, being only interested in the "music". But when I had the opportunity to change it I did, and I have not looked back since. There are audiophile freaks - who seem more obsessed with equipment than with music - but as long as one keeps it all in perspective - a good sound system can be most gratifying.
 
#81 ·
This is my system:
Rotel RCD-02 CD Player
Rotel RA-03 Integrated Amp
B&W (Bowers & Wilkins) 603S - floorstanding speakers
Magnum Dynalab MD-90 FM Analog Tuner
QED Silver Anniversary speaker cables
Ecosse and Transparent interconnects
For over 25 years I listened to vast amounts of music on cheap hi fi systems, being only interested in the "music". But when I had the opportunity to change it I did, and I have not looked back since. There are audiophile freaks - who seem more obsessed with equipment than with music - but as long as one keeps it all in perspective - a good sound system can be most gratifying.
Great philosophy, Ut Pictura. I've heard great things about Rotel. (Actually had one for a very brief period, but no speakers). Any chance of posting a Pic of your system?

Do you also have Super-Audio capability? I assume all the audiophile-quality systems have them now?
 
#28 ·
I have this system:
Harman/Kardon HD990 CD-player
XTZ Class A 100D II amplifier
KEF IQ7 floorstanding loudspeakers
Musical Fidelity X-Can V3 headphone amplifier
Sennheiser HD650 headphones
TEAC analog T-H300MkIII tuner

I listen a lot through my Sennheiser headphones and my headphone amplifier using my cd-player as a source. Perfect for late nights or any time of the day :) I am really happy with the sound of my system which is perfect for classical and jazz.
 
#29 · (Edited)
Muxamed, nice system you have.

I am also really happy with my combination. At some point would like to add a power amp (Rotel 1070).

The standout component in my system, (as wonderful as it is, esp for the price), is surprisingly the tuner. The quality of the sound is CD like. Magnum Dynalab is a Canadian company. Check out their website. With such good classical music channels in Berlin, where I live, it is like I have added thousands of CDs to my collection!

I have never heard QEDs, although I could have - fell in love with the 'naturalness' of the B&W sound and that was it.

My other discovery when entering the audiophile world was the importance of decent cables. I was surprised to hear the dramatic change in sound when I used different speaker cables (though the difference was negligible when it came to interconnects).
 
#30 ·
Ut Pictura, you are right about loudspeaker cables, they really can change the sound of a system. I guess it is because of the nature of the signal between amp and loudspeakers. I have tried to change the headphone cable on my HD650 to a Cardas Audio headphone cable. The difference in sound was hardly noticable and absolutely not worth 200 dollars. Changing signal cables is snake oil I think.
 
#31 ·
I tested 2 interconnects I have against those standard interconnects which come with all hifi systems and I could not tell the difference.

Yet on the the other hand, in the early days before I bought my B&W speakers, I was listening to my Rotel amp and CD player on my friends 7 series B&Ws, and they sounded shrill and disturbingly bright. He changed from my common interconnects to his Kimbers and the sound was corrected immediately. So it is a mysterious thing.

Like all things, I suppose, a sense of balance is required - as long as the cables are not disproportionately priced in relation to your overall system, (they say 10% is a useful guideline) then it is worth spending the money.

Those HD 650s must be superb!
 
#33 ·
I hope I don;t come off as too stupid here...

I am thinking of getting an amp for my home stereo. Currently I have an HK 3490 that is acting as my receiver/amp. If I were to buy a new amp to use with the 3490, does anyone have any good suggestions? Also (here is the part where I hope I don't seem stupid), does the second amp ADD amperage to what the 3490 is already putting out or does it supercede it?
 
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