Cutting
corners
November
13, 2017
Marc,
I
would love to have your opinion on a couple of things. My system is as follows: McIntosh
601 monoblocks, Audio Research Reference 5 SE preamp with Reference 2 SE phono stage, VPI
Classic 3 turntable with Lyra Etna cartridge, all with Nordost Heimdall 2 interconnects
and speaker cables and Magico S5 speakers along with a REL S3 subwoofer behind the right
speaker. The system sounds pretty good, but I'm trying to make it better. Because of the
cost of a Nordost Valhalla 2 cabling system, would you go for the
Tyr 2 or wait till you could swing the Valhalla 2? Also, I'm looking at adding an extra
sub behind left speaker. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. The system is resting
on an HRS rack, so I have that covered.
Herb
Dawson
One thing I learned as a budding audiophile was not to cut corners, because doing
so only cost me more money in the long run. Thus, if you've heard Valhalla 2 and liked
what you heard, keep your money until you can afford it. While Tyr 2 is a very good cable
line, the performance of Valhalla 2 is a step beyond.
As
for the second sub, people often think subwoofers are only about bass depth, but savvy
listeners know how a good, finely tuned sub can expand the soundstage. This is definitely
the case with stereo subs, which are really necessary to elevate the sound of very good
systems, and yours would fit into that category. So, again, I wouldn't cut this corner;
you may even find that the second subwoofer is a bigger upgrade that a set of Valhalla 2
cables. -Marc Mickelson
Reader
list
November
1, 2017
Marc,
Please
add me to the reader list.
Paul
Hennis
You've
been added. To join TAB's reader e-mail list and find out about new articles
first, send e-mail to rl@theaudiobeat.com.
-Marc Mickelson
