Is this a decent entry level setup?

[AuroraProject]

I've got a decent sounding portable rig, and now I want to set up a budget home system. Here's what I'm considering:

Nad C542> Gilmore Lite> Senn HD-650's.

This would put me right around $1000, which is my budget.

Would this be a decent setup? I'm looking for something with decent bass without having to EQ it. I'm also considering the Rotel RCD-1072 cd player, but that puts me over my budget. Thanks.

 

[go_vtec]

Sounds pretty darn impressive. I think either Gilmore or SR-71 are a good choice according to the impressions on a Chicago meet.

 

[Welly Wu]

Try this out: NAD C542 HDCD ($399 USD) -> Ray Samuels Emmeline XP-7 ($350) USD) -> Sennheiser HD650 ($325 USD)

 

[Wmcmanus]

I agree with Welly that a used XP-7, if within your budget, would represent a significant improvement over the Gilmore Lite. Reasonable opinions (and your ears) may differ, but this was my experience when comparing the XP-7 and Gilmore Lite head to head at a recent meet.

 

[AuroraProject]

The only issue I have with the XP-7 is the $225 external power supply. How long does this amp run on batteries?

 

[ampgalore]

When I still had my XP-7, using the XP-7 occassionally, a set of Alkalines lasted about a month.

 

[Welly Wu]

It runs between 40 - 50 hours on two alkaline 9V batteries. You don't need the external power supply right away. Work and save up for that later.

The reason why I suggested that setup is because it should provide great system synergy: you will hear astounding clarity and a clean sound with just a touch of warmth. You will also be able to op-amp roll which means that you can fine tune the sound to your preferences with the Emmeline XP-7. This is a tremendous boon alone. Oh, you will be tapping your foot for countless hours...

 

[Canman]

You have some great options here and the Sennheiser HD-650 is a great headphone for a system of any level. The new version of the Gilmore Lite is reported to be a great improvement. This may be a good alternative to the XP-7. The XP-7 does a nice job with the Sennheiser's, though it is not my taste. If you use rechargeables with the XP-7 (I had Plainviews) they last about 8 hours. If you are going the Emmeline route, you may also want to consider an SR-71, which to me sounds very similar to the XP-7.

A little more expensive but in the general range is the Melos SHA-1. I really like this amp with the Sennheisers. Plus if you see any used Singlepower amps these are a good value though if you have to replace a tube it may get expensive.

 

[ampgalore]

There were a couple of XP-7's for sale in the for sale foru. One member was selling the XP-7 plus the power module for $525. A heck of a deal.

But have'nt seen the XP-7 for sale lately.

 

[AuroraProject]

Well I'll keep an eye on the for sale/trade forum for an XP-7, but the Gilmore Lite still intrigues me. But then again so does the XP-7 and it's "synergy".

Argh, damn this hobby and it's wide world of choices!

 

[Canman]

Don't forget to budget in an interconnect cable. I wouldn't advise spending too much on it, maybe $50 max for this setup. Something like the Kimber PBJ would work nice with the XP-7 and you can pick up a used 1.0M cable for $35-$40.