C2700 ordered. Now what?

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by GeAllan70

this...



https://www.stereophile.com/content/...cing-equalizer

I'm sure this is top shelf but out of budget. Mama needs to eat sometime.

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by PeterMusic

The MEN220 made my system less transparent--I lost high end detail and sparkle. I had borrowed the demo from my local dealer for what I expected would be 2-3 days. I returned it the first afternoon.

But YMMV based on your system/room/ears. So my only real advice if you are considering is to try on a risk-free basis for 2-3 days

Originally Posted by crwilli

Do you need any of the functions the MEN220 offers? If you need them, then try it. Otherwise, I would pass. It can reduce low level detail. BUT if you can’t tame/integrate your subs or your overall room, then the MEN220 is worth a try. It brings a ton of functionality to bare. Trade offs.

Thanks PeterMusic/crwilli. I don't have a dedicated listening room. I'm using a family room area. There are some room treatments but not enough because of WAF. If I did proceed I would request a trial period. My deal has a demo unit.

High end detail lost, low end detail lost is a concern but if I find that to be the case could I not tweak the curve on a PC to get the end result I wanted. I have some experience mixing on a soundboard so I'm not unfamiliar with EQing. That last statement will probably initiate a lot of finger wagging from some true audiophiles here.

[crwilli]

If you need it, try it! I needed one once and it was perfect for that situation.

[dkorbal]

Hey guys. Just thought I would take a moment to update everyone on my musical journey. I am waiting on a men220 to be delivered which should be this week but in the meantime I purchased a Sonore OpticalRendu and linear power supply from Andrew @ SGC. I'm using Roon now with a Sonictransport5i. I hooked the rendu up last night to the USB in the DA2 and wow! what a difference. The noise floor dropped and the music just bloomed. Instrument separation and depth got much better.

My wife and I have talked about the difference in the way we listen to music and songs. She being a medical transcriptionist early on in our marriage and now in corporate communications and a blooming author listens to the words and message in the songs. She enjoys songs that tell a story by moving ones emotions. I on the other hand, have always enjoyed singing and sung in many groups and choirs over the years (nothing known just a hobby) but as my voice has become lets say WEAK? (can't hit the high notes anymore ) I've gravitated toward sound engineering and mixing tracks. When I listen to vocals, to me its just another instrument or track making a sound and I evaluate how it mixes or blends with the rest of the instruments. I normally am not aware of the story being told. I said all that to say this: Last night I sat there and effortlessly heard every story being told. The singer's pronunciations became so clear. Clearer than I've ever heard songs sung before.

I know my equipment pales in comparison to some of the systems in this forum but it just reassuring to know that I'm moving in the right direction when I can hear a difference.

The best part of this addition is it's only going to get better. The current setup uses a standard USB cable but I'm waiting on a WW Platinum Starlight 8 USB 2.0 cable I ordered from Ivan. ......... Let me stop here and give a shout out to Ivan. What an enjoyable individual to talk with and it doesn't hurt that he takes care of individuals that support this forum by subscribing. Now back to our regularly scheduled program.

Feel free to comment even if it's a different of opinion or other equipment that might be better. This is how we learn from one another isn't it? I for one am curious if I took the "Better?" path for a "Middle tier priced" digital signal. Digital signal being source and path (Roon/OpticalRendu/cables etc.) and not so much pre-amp and amp.

For instance, I saw on another forum someone that regularly post here saying “If folks were interested, I was also thinking of putting up a thread on how to set up an optical fiber-based streaming setup for their digital front-ends.” I was wondering if that individual ever did that? I don't want to put them on the spot in case they don't want to respond so I pm'd them.

Anyways, thanks for reading and hopefully I helped pass the time while sipping that coffee.

[UFTE]

Glad you are enjoying the journey Doug, and it is great to hear about all the advancements in your system! I am looking forward to your impressions on the MEN220 once it arrives. Best to you and your family over the holidays

[PeterMusic]

Sounds great Doug. I agree completely that one of the wonderful things about a good system is that you hear so much more of the music.

On the MEN220--make sure to listen carefully with a number of different types of music before deciding whether/how to use it. It can degrade some aspects of sound quality as it improves others

Good luck!

[FreddieFerric]

Doug, sounds like you're completely on it. Knowing what you like and matching your gear to suit your taste is all this hobby is about.

For my part, my dealer just texted me today that the MC 1502 that I have on order will arrive in about a week. Very excited!

[dkorbal]

Originally Posted by UFTE

Glad you are enjoying the journey Doug, and it is great to hear about all the advancements in your system! I am looking forward to your impressions on the MEN220 once it arrives. Best to you and your family over the holidays

PM sent

[dkorbal]

Unfortunately the MEN220 is going back to the dealer. Not because I didn’t like it. I didn’t get a chance to evaluate it. While going through the calibration process it shutdown and afterwards I have no right channel test tone. Anyone have similar issues? I’ll keep you post.

[audiolover]

Originally Posted by dkorbal

Unfortunately the MEN220 is going back to the dealer. Not because I didn’t like it. I didn’t get a chance to evaluate it. While going through the calibration process it shutdown and afterwards I have no right channel test tone. Anyone have similar issues? I’ll keep you post.

I had similar issues with mine. I gave up on McIntosh digital anything.