How I got to my my happy place, (formerly the how to spend $3000 thread) - Page 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcpoor 

with $1500 you can do almost any stax amp and lambda model. If I had $1500, I would probably get a srm-1/mk2 or srm-t1/t1s for $200-700 depending on whether you want SS or Tube. And then spend the rest on maybe a new SR-507(~$800) if it lives up to expectations or a SR-404LE(~$600 used), and another lambda, possibly a vintage model, to give you a slightly different sound.

 

Heck, I find the SRS-2050A system to be pretty amazing and that can be purchased used for 400-500 usually.

I was going to say something like that.

For less than $500 new a Stax 2050 system (SR-202 headphones + SRM-252 amp) is hard to beat. For $1000-$1500 you could get a decent used Stax amp, e.g. SRM-T1, plus some nice headphones and have $$ left over for other pursuits. 

You have nine months to get to some meets and hear stuff you may like. That is the best way

Quote:

Originally Posted by kboe 

As far as the Zana is concerned.  The source was a highly Modified Denon CD/SACD player, and I listened through HD650s/Cardas, and the L3000s.  It just sounded hum hum, to me, nothing special especially for the price,  but I hope Im wrong.  It was far from ideal conditions.  If I could listen to one again, I would jump at the chance.  I felt the same way about the HD800s,  just didn't like them until I heard them on my rig.  So whos got one I can listen to...?

The L3000 and HD650/Cardas are pretty dark by nature - so some would argue that's how they're supposed to sound (well, not the slow part) ;)

I tend to like a warmer/darker signature, as especially with headphones - it's easier on the ears.

I also felt that the Cardas cable kinda over-warmed and over-smoothed the 650, by a touch. I liked the Zu.

Sorry man, my Zana Deux is long gone! The once plentiful headphone gear around here, is now sparse.

Electrostat setup maybe?

I think it is time for some electrostatics...

Ok, perhaps not the 02. But how about the upcoming SR-507 and a nice energizer to go with it.

How about the Samsung's LED 40" 3D TV.

You can find one for about $1700. And you got $300 left over for some 3D glasses.

Model Number is: UNC40C7000

i had the xp-7 years back and to me it was one of Rays best "deals" in his lineup and still is. it goes nicely with the Raptor fi you want a solid state and tube rig, its good enough not to worry about upgrading to the HR-2 (though i dont think Ray can top the price/performance from the HR-2) and all around its just a great bang for the buck amp.

being a Raptor and B-52 owner now  and seeing how you like the RSA sound i would you go the Raptor route for sure! i have old thread about the Raptor for more of my opinion with that amp if you want to look and search.

i would reccomend you find a GOOD bang for the buck DAC, look in the older used dac's and you should find a much better sounding product for alot less. I have the dac-1 USB and i just picked up a Meridian 566 for 1/3rd the cost of the dac-1. the two are a bit different but the Meridian is an amazing buy at $400-$500 and would pair perfectly with the xp-7/raptor. others telling you to get a more costly amp to me is a waste for you right now, i always believed in Source first! a good amp will give you what a good source will and your xp-7 will easily fit the bill in giving you better sound from a better source. the Zana is a good sounding amp but imo you already have a good amp, upgrade your source..esp when the cost of the Zana is will above $2000.

again look at older dacs used and dont be affraid to look at what Raptors go for used and buying one used..RSA is a great product new or used.

Interesting thread. Subscribed*