JHoyt Goes Back to Basics . . . Again

jhoyt

jhoyt

Incomprehensible space llama
For several months my listening space / living room has been dominated by my open baffle mostrosities--great sounding, but with all the visual appeal of a wet great dane. I've also used a hodge-podge of amplification, mostly based on the fantastic TPA-3116 and 3110 chip amps. But this has necessitated a rat's nest of power supplies, splitters, outboard crossovers, etc., all of which was coming out of a Pioneer Elite SC-07 receiver.

It worked well, but it wasn't pretty.

Then I learned about a special employee purchase program through my employer, who happens to be (among other things) an A/V dealer. So now I have a nice new integrated amp coming my way. However, it has no preamp output capability, so I cannot use the external crossover and amps. Ergo, the big OB's had to go, and "standard" speakers had to take their place. I was planning on saving up a few bucks and popping for a nice (used) pair of speakers to complement the new amp.

So I was cruising CL last weekend and came across a good deal for a good-but-basic HT system from a few years ago, for short dough. The included speakers were Def Tech, a small tower pair and a bookshelf pair. Good enough to play with and possibly give to a friend or family member, but not exactly world beaters. The towers (BP-6) were exactly that, and have ended up in my son's room. But the bookshelf speakers (Celcius) showed more promise. As they had been unused for quite a while, they needed to re- break in. Then after some simple mods they were sounding quite good--and just got better the more they were played. In fact, they have ended my search (at least for now) for better speakers, as they have turned into absolute gems.

I also decided to use the Pioneer's internal ICEPower amplification, which is quite good in its own right, if not quite as lush as the TPA-3116. It is more powerful though. This simplified the setup down to basics, and I'm really happy with the result. Obviously when the new amp comes (hopefully next week!) I'll be changing things up again, but I just wanted to share where I've been for several months, and where I am now in transition.

I'll be posting more when my new amp comes, but for now, enjoy the view as I enjoy the music!

Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-07
Streaming: Toshiba Excite AT300
Disc Player: Sony DVP-NS900V
Turntable: Denon DP-52F
Cartridge: Panasonic EPC-450 Strain Gauge, with custom interface by Pio1980
Speakers: Definitive Technology "Celcius", modified
Stands: 30" barstools
Equipment Rack: Ikea LACK
Power Control: Furman M-8x (2)



 
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Cool room, and the system looks positively stylish!

Definitive Technology speakers are very well respected. I haven't heard any as of yet.

What sort of view do you have out those windows?

:thmbsp:
 
Out the windows? A dead (for winter) garden, an alley, and the neighbor's back fence. :scratch2:

DefTech's "claim to fame" is their bi-polar speakers, with the same driver load on the front and rear. their upper end speakers also have built-in powered subwoofers. They're known more for being home theater speakers, but do well with 2-channel music in the right setup. My DefTech bookshelf speakers are not bi-polar, just a 5 1/4" woofer and aluminum dome tweeter.
 
I realize your not asking for advice, however...:D

This is probably a cornball idea, but I'd plant a rose bush about six feet out, centered on each window. I have a yellow rose bush that was growing when a bought my house 18 years ago. It's magnificent now.

Just something to look at while listening.

Okay dokie then, back to the relevant stuff.
 
Gotta believe that SC-07 is every bit as good or better than a TPA 3116. Nice amp. So... what is on the way to replace it, I am curious? Nice system.
 
The TPA3116 is actually another sounding than the Pioneer ICEPower, although the Pioneer is rated for far more power per channel.

I have a Sony TA-A1ES coming, and I'm trying to patiently wait! :D
 
Nothing wrong with simple. Sometimes things get too overly complicated and more time is spent working on things versus enjoying the music...which is what it's all about. Very nice system!

I have those same bars stools. But, they're at the bar. :D
 
Scroe for sure...my system is minimal as well..works just fine. I too was and am still plesantly surprised by some ineexpensive little speakers..
 
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