Initial Impressions???

My current CD player is a Pioneer DVD333, hooked up as digital through the toslink connection on my Krell. The Rega is hooked up to an analog input on the Krell (although it has no true analog pass through - the Krell returns the signal to digital). I have two identical copies of Bob Marley - Legend, so I start both CD's playing, and switch back and forth, at as close to identical volume as possible. The A/B test makes the winner immediately apparent - a fuller, more natural sound from the Rega. The Pioneer sounds thin by comparison.

I must say that the differences really surprise me, given that the Krell is doing the digital conversion in both cases. Goes to show that all transports are not created equal.

Now, I'll try switching the Rega to digital out to the Krell, and see what happens. OK, it's hooked up - and after A/Bing the analog vs. digital out on the Planet, analog out wins. Not so edgy, more "analog" - smoother response.

Nice machine - built like a tank. Using it as a weapon could cause serious damage Given that I paid $300 out the door for the source piece that I use most, it seems worth the money.

Thank you, Mobile Homeless, for the recommendation!

Edit: My wife has been subjected to the A/B tests. Same results. She is sold.

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Klipsch Cornwall II's (mains) - Klipsch Academy (center channel) - Klipsch Chorus (surrounds)

Krell Home Theater Standard processor - Outlaw 750 Amplifier (5x165)

Bass Kit: 2 JBL 4638 LFE/Bass Reinforcement cabinets - Crown CE 1000 amplifier - Behringer Feedback Destroyer (Bass EQ)

Sources: Rega Planet CD Player - Pioneer DV-333 - 2 Aiwa ADF-850 3 head cassette decks - General Instruments cable box - Panasonic VHS PV-4459 - Digital Audio Labs CardDeluxe (computer sound)

This message has been edited by dndphishin on 07-23-2002 at 07:29 PM

Jobman

Klipsch out.

One of the most important besides the obvious lack of track control is DISPLAY which enables you to turn the display on or off (also dimming).

Based on past experience, Klipsch Forum personnel will scratch heads, but I have to report that TURNING OFF THE DISPLAY results in better sound. No doubt about it. If you set it to DISPLAY OFF, the display only lights when inserting or starting a CD and when changing tracks. Otherwise, you have no digital readout interference.

For those owning a Planet, try leaving the display off.

I would recommend you write Rega to see if any all-in-0ne remotes can access these functions. The Rega Planet actually has minimal controls on the player with a majority located on their remote. Perhaps you might see if the remote is not too expensive to replace. It is not my favorite remote by any means, but it is worthwhile.

I also second the importance of interconnects with the Rega Planet. Just recently, I re-auditioned a past pair of IC and I found that Alpha Core Goertz T2 Silver works well and is very smooth while still being extended. See below.

I am currently using DIYCable Superlative with excellent results as well.

kh

ps- Never turn the player OFF.

Phono • Linn Sondek LP-12 Valhalla / Linn Basic Plus / Sumiko Blue Point
CD Player • Rega Planet
Preamp • Cary Audio SLP-70 w/Phono Modified
Amplifier • Welborne Labs 2A3 Moondog Monoblocks
Cable • DIYCable Superlative / Twisted Cross Connect
Speaker • 1977 Klipsch Cornwall I w/Alnico & Type B Crossover
Links • system one online / alternate components / Asylum Listing

This message has been edited by mobile homeless on 07-24-2002 at 08:53 AM

Where can the Alpha Core be purchased online?? The DIY cable place is on vacation until the end of the month, and the Alpha Core website is down. I guess I can be patient and find a pair used, as well. "High end audio" is not real common here in town - very limited options.

I contacted the US distributor to find out about the remote.

Just curious - why no power down?? Is it just easier on the gear to leave it on? Does the unit "warm up" for a period after power up?

This message has been edited by dndphishin on 07-24-2002 at 08:59 AM

For getting this item from the pawn shop to home, I recommend using a portable generator which you can have running in your car or truck, either that, or if you live close, a charged up battery and inverter (not as much time). I once needed to move a commercial video game to my house and did not want to loose my high score, so the generator was the best way to do this. See if you can get a tall guy wlth funny hair named Kramer to help you.

-C&S

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Cornwalls
currently upgrading
to all tube components

As for the IC question, Goertz AlphaCore TQ can be purchased directly from their site and auditioned and returned if not happy. Rest assured, there is a LONG breakin time. Still, a note of caution as the first time I had these IC in, I really thought them too bright and not as transparent or open as my DIYCable Superlative. IT was only this last time that I liked them, perhaps because they were more broken in as a friend had them for another few months. Obviously, your results may differ.

The DIYCable Superlative is a GREAT IC for the money but only comes in kit form. If you can do some soldering, it's a great deal. The kits are top notch with good instructions. I really do like the Superlative with the Planet.

Check out Jazman's IC to Planet as well. He likes his Silver Lace IC.

kh

Kelly just ribbing you don't take it to heart

Craig

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HH Scott 299 Amp
HH Scott LT-110B Tuner
HH Scott P-87 Turn Table
JVC JL-F50 Turn Table
Sony CDP-CA7ES CD Drive
1985 Walnut Heresey I W/Layne Audio Woofers
KSW-15 Sub

Me and my wife listened to Pink Floyd - DSOTM (MFSL gold disc) last night, amonsgt other offerings.

WW

I dont have any LEDs from clocks or microwaves or cable boxes etc on my audio power lines.

Of course, I also measure my speakers from every distance for exact placement and believe in all sorts of ways of isolation etc. Ditto with interconnects and speakers wires. Ditto with dampening devices. Ditto with ferite cores for RFI blockage. Ditto for a lot of things I dont even mention here...

These differences add up in my view and from my experience. Many other neglect them all and are happy as pigs in a blanket with none the worse for wear. Of course, many others dont hear the differences between CD players, amplifiers, interconnects, speaker wires, power cords, isolation feet, stands, turntables, analog vs digital....etc. The list is endless.

When I first ventured into this forum, many on here doubted all sorts of things. Interestingly enough, I have watched the change of many within this forum as they have progressed via the equipment chain combined with experience and more attention to detail.

13 months ago, the mere mention of this subject would have brought 20 responses of incredulous angst. Now we have one or two.... When I first talked of the merits of tube amplification, I must have had 20 or so naysayers talking of distortion and colored, rolled off sound. I guess they have given up or been converted.... It's been an interesting ride to say the least. I didnt earn that rather pathetic "no life" designation without a hefty amount of battle scars.... It's almost embarrassing.

kh

Phono • Linn Sondek LP-12 Valhalla / Linn Basic Plus / Sumiko Blue Point
CD Player • Rega Planet
Preamp • Cary Audio SLP-70 w/Phono Modified
Amplifier • Welborne Labs 2A3 Moondog Monoblocks
Cable • DIYCable Superlative / Twisted Cross Connect
Speaker • 1977 Klipsch Cornwall I w/Alnico & Type B Crossover
Links • system one online / alternate components / Asylum Listing

This message has been edited by mobile homeless on 07-24-2002 at 05:46 PM

Dont you just love science? It's the kind of stuff that makes Mr. Warren smile with glee...

kh

I will switch the current Radio Shack interconnects to one of the recommended models of IC and see what difference it makes to my ears. It will take a week or two for me to find and get the cables, so I will get accustomed to the RS cables first. I may get a used set, too - I've got a line on a pair.

I look forward to trying it out.

Klipsch out.

Oh well, at least I can get good deals on the internet...

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Receiver: Sony STR-DE675
CD player: Sony CDP-CX300
Turntable: Technics SL-J3 with Audio-Technica TR485U
Speakers: JBL HLS-610
Subwoofer: JBL 4648A-8
Sub amp: Parts Express 180 watt
Center/surrounds: Teac 3-way bookshelfs

Yes, it sucks, but better to come. KLIPSCH soon! My computer is better than my stereo!