Post by chet on Aug 8, 2012 19:01:41 GMT -5
After much deliberation and procrastination, in the middle of my move around the country, I decided to make use of the Summer Sale and buy my dream system.
With almost no experience in high end audio, I found comfort in the useful guidance of lounge members (see Newbie -> For the absolute beginner). I wanted something which would stand the idiosyncrasies of my musical choices, time, and rooms which it would inhabit. I chose:
XDA-1 --> XLR --> XPA-2 --> X Series Speaker --> ERT 8.3
Most of my music is in Apple Lossless, and is streamed through an Airport Express connected via optical cable to the XDA-1. While this may not be an audiophile's choice of source or delivery - it suffices (at least until my next move!). I also used a Samsung CD/BluRay player via optical to the XDA-1.
Ah! Sheer bliss.
The sounds of David Gilmour's On An Island had crystal clear highs, and a tight enough bass. The guitars sang, but only enough to keep you wanting more. I switched to an overproduced Sting Brand New Day listening. The spacey ambience enveloped me, with the hi hats generating sufficient interest to keep me from nodding off. Steve Perry and James Hetfield's pipes produced a keen interest in karaoke. Even my Buddha Bar and assorted electronica sounded interesting and engaging, with the bass heavy Hip Hop / R&B being sufficiently punchy.
I am very happy with my purchase.
I still need to buy a big enough TV / Audio rack. But, it's less messy than this picture leads to be!
--C
With almost no experience in high end audio, I found comfort in the useful guidance of lounge members (see Newbie -> For the absolute beginner). I wanted something which would stand the idiosyncrasies of my musical choices, time, and rooms which it would inhabit. I chose:
XDA-1 --> XLR --> XPA-2 --> X Series Speaker --> ERT 8.3
Most of my music is in Apple Lossless, and is streamed through an Airport Express connected via optical cable to the XDA-1. While this may not be an audiophile's choice of source or delivery - it suffices (at least until my next move!). I also used a Samsung CD/BluRay player via optical to the XDA-1.
Ah! Sheer bliss.
The sounds of David Gilmour's On An Island had crystal clear highs, and a tight enough bass. The guitars sang, but only enough to keep you wanting more. I switched to an overproduced Sting Brand New Day listening. The spacey ambience enveloped me, with the hi hats generating sufficient interest to keep me from nodding off. Steve Perry and James Hetfield's pipes produced a keen interest in karaoke. Even my Buddha Bar and assorted electronica sounded interesting and engaging, with the bass heavy Hip Hop / R&B being sufficiently punchy.
I am very happy with my purchase.
I still need to buy a big enough TV / Audio rack. But, it's less messy than this picture leads to be!
--C
