• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Upgraded System Finally - after Decades

AmKestrel

AmKestrel

This Space For Rent
After many years of dreaming of upgrading to a higher-quality system for my two-channel CD listening, and many years of listening through 32-year-old B&W speaker cones that buzz constantly, I finally have my new integrated amp and speakers in my apartment, and wired up. Basically, I took advantage of sudden "Black-Friday" sale emails that appeared in December to buy what I've decided are the best value products for me.

I bought a Wyred 4 Sound STI-500 and Ohm MicroWalsh Tall speakers. The integrated amp arrived quickly. I ordered new wire and plugs, and waited for the new speakers to arrive. Unfortunately, after about a month, I received the wrong speakers from Ohm, a mishap which could not be immediately corrected. I found out eventually that immediately after sending the speakers to me the entire company went on their annual two-week vacation. I was told they would attend to me after they all returned. I finally received the correct speakers this week, although I'm still working on successfully returning the first pair.

Now that I finally have all of the right equipment, of course, the sound (although nothing is broken in yet) is way better than I've ever had, based on my first experiments playing a few songs. I could hear the separation, brightness and clarity of the tones especially when playing the first studio recording I put in my Marantz CD player, "Unreal!," by the voice-only jazz ensemble The Real Group.

To get more out of the new components, I bought new 12-guage wire and my first gold-plated banana plugs from Monoprice.com, thanks to reading the AK threads, and also invested a bit in better cables for the CD player connection. I know I'll be enjoying music more and listening will once again be the pleasurable indulgence it should be.

To maintain use of the Kenwood receiver that used to drive my CD player, I now have the receiver wired to Canton bookshelf speakers I've also had in my possession for over 30 years. They still sound amazingly good for their size, and now I can listen to the receiver without having to endure the mush and buzzing coming out of the B&W's, with which I will now have to sadly part ways. Here's a photo of the new items and the set up, with one of the little Canton speakers next to the receiver.

IMG_0917-1.jpg
 
Register to hide this ad
I had to look up that amplifier, wasn't familiar with the brand at all. It's a beast! And it's the "smaller" one? Wow. Nice Upgrade!
 
That's a nice system you put together, and topping it off with speaker cables you made. Doesn't get any better than that.

Hope you have many years of musical bliss! :music:
 
Thanks everyone! I Appreciate the Warm Welcome

Thanks to all for your kind responses. I'm very new to quality audio, but I've learned a lot from reading posts on AK.

I agree with you - it seems that Wyred 4 Sound and Ohm Acoustics are making great products that offer a great value.

I have had many years to think about what type of system I want, which components would be of the best value to me, and how I'd pay for new equipment. My old 30+ year-old main stereo system speakers have been unlistenable for several years, but I was hesitating on purchasing an upgrade due to other priorities. Meanwhile, I was not able to listen to music in my home on a stereo system.

It took me a long time to save and also to get the deals I wanted on the new gear - during which time my choice of components changed along the way, as new items became available, and as I learned more about what is available and how to find the best value for me. I'm happy I waited, as the sound I'm hearing so far is wonderful. I have a renewed enthusiasm for playing my CDs (hearing familiar music as if for the first time) and also will be very interested in obtaining more music for my library.
 
So far, excellent!

arcamguy1 said:
Let us know how you like Wyred 4 Sound; I've had my eye on their products.
Click to expand...

Thanks arcamguy1. So far, I only have a few hours on the STI-500, but it sounds terrific and works like a dream. The unit appears to be built extremely well, and very intelligently designed, as well.

In fact, I like it so much that I am still turning on and off the master power switch on the back of the unit for every listening session, as I am concerned about the effects of the many power surges we seem to have in my apartment building. As a result, I notice that I have to select the CD input and turn up the volume at the beginning of every session. When I leave the master power switch on, the unit comes on at the same input setting and the same volume level as in the last session. I'll probably stop using the master power switch all the time, as I develop confidence that I can probably trust my new surge protector to do its job. I'm not there yet, though!

One other thing I notice that struck me as unexpected, but might be consistent with amps from some other brands: the RCA input terminals on the back of the product are arrayed so that the Input 1 left and right channel terminals are on the opposite, far ends of the cabinet; the Input 2 channels are just inboard of those; and so on for Inputs 3 through 5. So, only the Input 5 terminals are right next to each other and can accept the RCA plugs I have to connect my CD player, which are tied together and can't be separated. I have no idea if this is common to many other integrated amps, but it means that if I am going to use the Input 1 terminals for my CD player, I will have to eventually get connectors that are separated. The only inconvenience because of this is that, using the master power switch every time I turn on and off the unit, I have to reset the Input from 1 to 5 (which I've re-named "CD" on the front panel readout) every time I turn on the amp. Not a big deal. As I said, I'll probably stop turning the master switch off after awhile, so the unit will come on at the "CD" input it was set on before.

I love the set-up menus and the way you can re-name each of five inputs using letters, numbers and special characters. The product looks great, and you get a "high quality" feeling from handling it, also. As I said, a very well designed and built product that will give me years of listening pleasure, I'm sure. I am very happy that I waited, saved my money, and decided to go with this product when the sale appeared, rather than economizing and buying something I would have considered a compromise for my present and possible future needs. I heartily recommend Wyred 4 Sound products, based on my experience so far with the product and with their efficient customer service.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom