What would you buy with $500 or less?

[KLM]

Well it's that time again for the holidays and I've been a good boy. So does anyone have any tweaks or recommended audio components to buy for $500 or less. I always try and treat myself to something (such as the Cary 303/200 I bought myself earlier this year).

Like many of you, my audio system has evolved to a point where I can't really buy a component for $500 or less (see my profile for more info) that will improve upon what I already have.

At this point I usually buy tweaks that bring some small improvement to my overall system. I was thinking about a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet or something like it. I have a Chang Lightspeed power conditioner from many years back

Anyone have any other thoughts or recommendations for a new or used item....

[Jamie Tate]

How about some new cables. Tip Toes for your speakers if you're into that. Remote controll extender. New center channel. New speaker stands. I'll think of more.

[sgraham]

Maybe a new cartridge? Pair of headphones?

[Joseph]

KLM,

I would imagine your system sounds very good. I agree that $500 would not be enough to upgrade any of your components.

Some possiblities for you :

1) Improving the power to your system (as you mentioned)
2) Look at improving/adding support and isolation for your components.
3) Adding a good headphone system (if you like headphone listening).
4) $500 of the best sounding software that you don't already have!

[Ron Stone]

Other than $500 of CDs, I'd buy a pair of Sennheisser 600s with a Musical Fidelity tubed headphone amp.

If you simply won't do much headphone listening, no matter how good the sound, I'd pay an electrician to run a dedicated line to your audio system, with good, clean outlets (available for relatively small sums from Music Direct and the like).

Or you could replace six sets of interconnects with Kimber PBJ.

[Metralla]

I can think of a two classes of things: the inexpensive

1. Dedicated line. If you don't want to have the electrician come in, I'd get as many ACME outlets as required and wire them up myself. I would most definitely try listening to both amplifiers and the turntable plugged directly into these outlets before introducing line conditioners. Spend the rest on records.

2. Herbie's Halos (tube dampeners). Spend the rest on records.

3. Isolation. Try the WHAMO SuperBall trick - that'll only cost a few bucks. Spend the rest on records.

the expensive:

1. A nice stash of NOS valves. That'll soak up the $500.

2. A record cleaning machine.

Regards,
Geoff

[pigmode]

Yeah, some tubes-- 45 Globes, Bugle Boys, Telefunkens. Whoops, over budget already...

[Ronflugelguy]

Probably, upgrade the platter and bearing on my VPI JR, I think it would cost about $400, with the leftover, I'd buy a Zerodust stylus cleaner, or the new VPI Clamp.:wave:

[Gary Freed]

Definitely a set of Headphones. The wife keeps asking me to lower the volume.

[KLM]

Thanks for all the suggestions. You see the challenge is that I have already done a lot of the things listed including:

-a nice set of matching silver Audioquest cable throughout
-Bright Star, aurios and other various isolation devices
-My VPI had an MK IV upgraded bearing and platter
-I have a VPI record cleaning machine and lots of brushes and cleaning fluids
-I also have the top of the line VPI record clamp
-The mailman/UPS are constantly dropping off cds/lps to my frnt door (don't tell the wife)

The tube dampners and the electrical wiring upgrade are a possibility though but I don't think I am going to pursue the headphones.

I also have a dedicated home theater room and while I have some good cables and an old Adcom power conditioner, I could probably use some more tweak there. So keep them coming as there are 10 more days to Christmas.

[Dave]

....And what was your address again KLM?:winkgrin:

Perhaps some sound proofing materials for your audio room. I know it costs a bit more than $500.00 but hey, it's a start.

[Joel Cairo]

How about a donation to a local school's music program?

In these days of draconian budget cuts, I assure you that your contribution would be welcomed!!

Plus, it doesn't clutter up your living room, or give the mailman a hernia. :D

...and you never know-- it just **may** change someone's life...

-Kevin

[BradOlson]

We at NorthernLightFX do have some audio ideas on our website that we are promoting for the Holiday season. You know the URL.

[Gary]

A $500.00 contribution to the Nauga fund? :D

I think a dedicated electrical power line / fuse might be pretty cool! I know that I need something like this as my house wiring sucks....

[srigby]

Geoff
What is the Whamo Superball trick?

Scott

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by yesman
I'll think of more.

:laugh: :D :laugh:

-Jeffrey

[Sckott]

Thread should be changed to :

What the forum thinks you should buy for Xmas for... YOURSELF! :^)

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by Sckott
Thread should be changed to :

What the forum thinks you should buy for Xmas for... YOURSELF! :^)

:laugh: :D :laugh:

Good idea! I love spending other people's money. :D

-Jeffrey

[Ed Bishop]

Originally posted by Gary
A $500.00 contribution to the Nauga fund? :D

I think a dedicated electrical power line / fuse might be pretty cool! I know that I need something like this as my house wiring sucks....

Actually Gary, if I were you I'd send $500 to Larry. I've got a feeling a guy who hums "Sixteen Tons" all day will enjoy a little extra spending cash, and maybe at the same time you can talk him into releasing the Naugas he's got penned up in his backyard. If he's out blowing a wad of bills that Nauga stew will just have to wait. Granted, it only delays the inevitable:( but, well, I've a hunch Larry has acquired a real taste for the critters. Sad, but what can ya do? :winkgrin:

Most house wiring does seem to suck. When buildings get built, most contractors will just hit the minimum code requirements, and they know wiring, since it isn't seen and is generally tough to access, is something they can cut corners with as long as they stay within the law. They can't pull that with pipes: anything inferior along those lines and any building inspector will catch it, and back they go to put in the proper tubes.

ED:cool:

[Jamie Tate]

Originally posted by Ed Bishop
Actually Gary, if I were you I'd send $500 to Larry. I've got a feeling a guy who hums "Sixteen Tons" all day will enjoy a little extra spending cash, and maybe at the same time you can talk him into releasing the Naugas he's got penned up in his backyard. If he's out blowing a wad of bills that Nauga stew will just have to wait. Granted, it only delays the inevitable but, well, I've a hunch Larry has acquired a real taste for the critters. Sad, but what can ya do?

ED:cool:
:laugh::laugh:

That's how I was. I used to hate cats but now I just hate the dark meat.

I had a grandfather that hummed 16 Tons all day long. I miss him so now I just hang around the liquor store since those old men smell just like him.:)

[Metralla]

Originally posted by srigby
What is the Whamo Superball trick?

Mark Gdovin on AA (http://db.audioasylum.com/scripts/t.pl?f=tweaks&m=71904) posted about using SuperBalls for isolation. If you read the thread you may agree that they are worth trying.

Regards,
Geoff

[Tullman]

I have this thing you put between the preamp and amp called a triphazer. The improvement was significant. Call music direct and ask them about it.

[BradOlson]

On the receiver part of my minisystem, I do have rubber bottoms on them (a SuperBall is made out of rubber) so it already provides good isolation but for those who don't have as good isolation, the SuperBall tweak will be worth your time.

[Metralla]

Originally posted by cbsolson
a SuperBall is made out of rubber
Not really. This is a pretty interesting substance that has some unusual properties. Almost every piece of equipment has those little rubber feet, but I don't think they will provide any thing near the level of attenuation/isolation that the Superball material will. You should try it mate.

Regards,
Metralla

[Gary]

Thanks for the link, Metralla! Certainly worth checking out!

Imagine that:

"Superballs-R-Us have reported an increase in sales due to thousands of middle aged men dropping quarters in their Superball toy dispensers. Medical authorities have been alerted and are concerned about this potential, previously unknown condition which causes early childlike behaviour in the victims.

There have also been unsubstantiated reports that the same group of people are unabashedly buying up unremastered CD copies although they apparently are fairly well dressed and appear to be able to afford the latest remasters.

Film at 11:00. "



;)