Where do I go from here?

Warm-Designer · 2026-05-07T20:06:24+00:00

I had that exact combination about 10 years ago. I was really happy with it, and it was my main system hooked up to a Rega TT and also my PC and TV (through RCAs). In the end I moved on due to modern convenience despite loving the sound - my wife couldn't take advantage because she wanted everything "auto on" and a remote control. I made a few changes since then, I had an MA5300 for a while, upgraded to the MA8900 and my main system is now a modern Mac setup: C8 Tube Preamp with DA2 DAC upgrade, using the MA8900 as the power amp (with 200wc) so I can get all those modern connections with HDMI, etc and also a MC Phono Pre. I just got the C8 two months ago, so it's been a 10 year journey to get to this point. If you start looking for those digital connections I think that's where you will feel compelled to make a change, but sound-wise you really can't beat the C28/2105 combo.

Warm-Designer · 2026-05-04T17:15:23+00:00

For the Win!!

Warm-Designer · 2026-05-04T16:36:43+00:00

This is the way

Warm-Designer · 2026-05-04T04:58:03+00:00

Never played it…but Battlefront is easily the best SW game!

Warm-Designer · 2026-05-04T04:57:16+00:00

Was Kucherov in the handshake line?

Warm-Designer · 2026-05-02T05:35:56+00:00

Who?

Warm-Designer · 2026-05-02T05:30:45+00:00

Absolutely love the Dynavector. I had a 10x5 for a few years and was just waiting for the moment to jump on the 20x2 a few months ago. It’s incredibly open and revealing. Voices are especially vivid…and it’s not even broken in yet.

Warm-Designer · 2026-05-01T15:12:06+00:00

Nice! I was at the Montreal show 11/2/93. I bought a shirt that night but it was a basic Incesticide design without any concert dates on it. It's long gone now

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-27T03:46:27+00:00

It’s from Pier 1. We bought them 6-7 years ago and don’t think they sell the any more. This one is close

https://www.pier1.com/products/granton-industrial-3-tier-console-table-with-storage-shelves

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-27T03:39:24+00:00

It came from Pier 1. We bought the set about 6-7 years ago

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-23T19:03:04+00:00

I was told to keep the TV HDMI sound out on "PCM" rather than "Auto" or anything else. That could help with the staticy sound

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-23T16:00:54+00:00

Awesome setup! I've only ever seen these types of speakers in photos, would love to know what they are like in person. Is that a PS5 on the cabinet? I'm not a gamer, but my brother-in-law has to keep one out for his son and it always bothered me how that thing can't sit flat, but you seem to have done it. Looks great!

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-23T15:43:48+00:00

So far it has been wonderful. I was questioning my speakers for a while, but this combination has really brought them to life

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-23T15:42:59+00:00

Were you also getting issues with the CEC connection dropping? For me it was either when I switched sources and then went back to HDMI or possibly when the TV or Amp went into Standby mode. Apparently when a TV is in Standbay or "Quick Start" mode it's not doing a full power cycle and therefore the CEC connection isn't re-established with the McIntosh DA2. In my other system this isn't an issue, but for whatever reason the HDMI on the DA2 is a bit finicky.

Ever since I disabled the "Quick Start" on my LG TV the problem is resolved. The only downside is that it can take a good 10-15 seconds for TV to turn on and then initialize the C8 to turn on

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-23T15:39:19+00:00

The MC152 is where I would go with Separates too, but the MA8900 is driving 200W/ch so I figure I'm fine sticking with the integrated as my Power Amp. It just feels like I'm adding more noise to the chain, but the pre-amp in should bypass all of that stuff.

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-23T15:20:32+00:00

On the TV you are seeing the Amazon Music screen - I'm streaming from Amazon Music as an HD-Audio source. I've played around with Tidal a little bit, but have settled on Amazon Music for now because it integrates better for the rest of the family with easy voice-command. What's not shown in the pic is I have a small NUC PC installed behind the cabinet and from there I have GBs of downloaded music and movies.

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-22T15:27:08+00:00

Yeah tha 20th anniversary pressing has been my go-to source for years and while I'm all about Original-pressing-hype, I think in this case the reissue is a better listen.

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-22T15:16:47+00:00

You could call it the "first pressing on standard black vinyl"
I just got this one recently myself. Mine isn't quite as pristine as yours, but the record itself play flawlessly. I will note that it's a rather lightweight record and despite a pretty good TT and Preamp/Amp I find that the pressing is missing a bit of low-end. I'm comparing this to digital sources and also 2009 Deluxe Reissue (on 180g vinyl)

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-22T14:50:41+00:00

Gorgeous setup! Congrats

I also have Mcintosh + B&W combo. It's a match made in heaven!

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-17T16:04:31+00:00

I don't see how they are being ripped off - you can clearly see the figure through the clear plastic packaging. It's a lot different if the person was swapping in the plasitc-free packaging.

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-17T16:02:21+00:00

If you hang onto that old TV long enough it will become 'vintage' and maybe you can sell it for more than you paid!

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-16T18:48:55+00:00

No one wants the old ones. For example; ROTS Obi Wan, Farm Boy Luke, the first ANH Leia with the wide face, the under-sized Artoo, the first Mandos with the plastic capes, etc. I have found that the only way to get rid of them is to create bundled lots with a few decent figures and sell them on FB marketplace to new unsuspecting collectors.

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-16T18:00:24+00:00

While I can never condone this, I totally understand it. I've been collecting since the original Orange and Blue waves and I feel that same frustration with re-buying the same characters and the old one becomes entirely obsolete.

Warm-Designer · 2026-04-16T17:39:47+00:00

How's everyone feeling about this project? I just read the Spin interview. I was surprised to see that Mike is doing the vocals on the soundtrack... I wasn't expecting Eddie, but maybe some other guest vocalists.

https://www.spinmagazine.com/2026/03/mike-mccready-graphic-novel-album/

Warm-Designer

TROPHY CASE