Congested sound, new speakers?


Hello out there,

I hope I can use your collective insight, wisdom, and experience to help me out. I am currently running a system comprised of a modified Pioneer DV-525 running into a Z-Systems RDP-1 digital preamp/EQ, then into a Camelot Uther V2 MkIII DAC, directly into a Bel Canto EVO 200.2, powering Thiel CS1.5 speakers, all strung together with DH Labs wire (D-110 digital, BL-1 II balanced interconnects, and Q-10 speaker wire).

My tastes in music have changed over time and I find myself listening less to modestly dynamic, all acoustic music (folk, jazz, solo classical) and more to music with electric instrumentation (fusion, jambands, progressive rock)with sustained high dynamics. While very good with the acoustic material, my system sounds a bit congested and confused with the more complex material. I suspect that it is the small Thiels, but I would like your opinion on different speaker options, considering my shift in listening material. I haven't been speaker shopping for awhile and work has kept me too busy to read much of the audio journals. What do you think? New speakers worth investigating? I am sure I could use some proper room treatment as well, but that is an area that I am not particularly familiar with. Any and all suggestions and advice would be appreciated; I just need to get a handle on some reasonable options! Thanks in advance. . .
stereojen

Showing 3 responses by stereojen

Oh, I also thought I should add that I listening in a near-field arrangement, in an equilaterial trangle setup, about 7 feet from the speakers. That is the best my current room allows, but I will be moving to a larger room, about 12x19x8 within a few months, so that is the more critical space to work with. Thanks again. . .
Jay,

Not exactly. I was raised in a household with only "proper" music and had been a jazz and classical snob until my mid 20s. Since I've opened up my perspective a little, I found all of these interesting records, some of which *gasp* were performed on electric instruments!!! Thanks everyone for your advice and insight. I now have a great many avenues to explore. I am not sure about the speaker search; there is obviously a lot more I can do and will do in the new room. I have actually been thinking about trying the Magnepan 1.6. I know I would have problems with them in my current tiny room, but hopefully my bigger room will be more accomodating. Thanks again. Keep the ideas coming, if you have them!!!
I'm listening. I thought there was a pretty good chance that the near field listening situation might be the root of the problem. I might still want to make a speaker change, add some room treatment, and experiment with tweaks, but, like several of you have suggested, I really need to get to know the room first. I should be able to give myself 10-12 feet from my listening position to the speakers, so things might improve a lot. Thanks for all of the thoughts, guys. Love to hear any more thoughts you might have.