Dynaudio focus 360

@immatthewj oh, I understand. I agree with you.

@twangy57 

A few years ago I welcomed a PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube Preamplifier to my rig and ended up with a similar situation that you have - a pairing issue. Voicing was slightly veiled on some tracks, and generally speaking, most tracks had the lead singer in the background, rather than forward - or upfront. 

Like your McInstosh, the PrimaLuna required that the amplifier's input impedance be at least 10 times higher than the preamp's output impedance. And like your McIntosh, the PrimaLuna was 10K...so 100K was where my amp needed to be.

As it was at the time, I was using an NAD C275BEE. This amp had both fixed and variable inputs. In the fixed mode, the impedence was 10K, while the variable input (full) was 100K. 

I would love to tell you that as soon as I switched to full variable input everything changed for the better, but it did not. While it certainly increased the quality of the sound, it was not where I knew it should be. Still had some issues with vocals and bass was good but a little muddy.

I believed at the time- and still do- that the issue was the dampening factor. DF measures the amplifier's ability to control a speaker's movement after a signal stops. DF is calculated as: Speaker Impedance / (Amplifier Output Impedance + Cable Resistance).

The NAD c275BEE DF vs. frequency is typical of most solid-state power amplifiers: high at low frequencies, then declining throughout the audioband. Hence, the sound was bettered as the volume was turned up. The lower the output impedance of the amplifier, the higher the DF, so this is what you would have been experiencing with the Adcom. 

Also, adding speaker cable resistance will lower the DF, so while I am not wanting to get into a cable conversation, it's important to use good quality, low-resistance cables. I don't think my AudioQuest 5 cable was causing the issue or adding to it, but it is possible that your cables may be compounding the problem for you. Don't rule out a chain reaction.

That is a lot to digest. And it is at those times when it is best to try not to fight the power, but to simply start over. I sold the PrimaLuna, upgraded my amplifier and even changed out speakers, cable, etc. I succeeded in getting the sound I craved by ditching a bad partnership that started by simply using what gear I could afford in hopes of hitting pay dirt. I was merely hoping to get lucky.

I am not so young either, so it is best to get to the point of bliss sooner, rather than later. Save time; do not waste it on poor pairings.

I think it was the Pass Labs CEO who states that building a system starts with buying the best speakers you can afford. I guess you have done that with the Dynaudio's, so work backwards from there as you seem to be doing. Keep the DAC. Get a good phono Preamp to go with the Rega (a $400 Rega MM or MC phono preamp will sound much better than your preamp in the McIntosh). Use good cables (Rega sells a $150 low cap TT cable to go between preamp and table). But the guts of your system - your amp/preamp pairing that serves the speakers the best is paramount. Good luck.

For many years now, a simple (well maybe not so simple to some) modification of mine was to replace the power cords on gear. Yes, go inside the component, remove the factory cord, and hotwire with a much heavier gauge power cord (gear that did not have an IEC power inlet). I mentioned to the OP changing out the cord of his Adcom 545. I have done this with hundreds, yes hundreds, of power amps (other gear as well), and the improvements in sq, in every case, was substantial. Generally, I used 12 gauge cable from the THD or Lowes, sold by the foot, alongside a high quality 3way plug, creating a 2ndary ground. Why it made such as difference? Non restriction of current to the power supply, which is what I was told by an engineer. This one mod was incredible back then. Now, we have ac IEC inlets, and with power amps specifically, huge improvements can be had with power cable upgrades. Anyone who says power cords do not make a difference, has either never tried one, or cannot hear it through their system. My best, MrD.

Hey Twangy one thing I will say is there are just some speakers that like to be pushed harder and played louder to sound their best. I remember reading some reviews of Dynaudio speakers back in the day that mentioned this. I don't have much experience with Dynaudio outside shows so not sure if they are still that way. A better amp will certainly help you get better sound.

@twangy57  -   Over the last couple of weeks and multiple treads on speakers, amps, streamers, etc., with all the recommendations, information, suggestions, etc., that have come them...  (whether they are Good, Bad, or Ugly - queue up a picture of Clint Eastwood here  LOL  ) ....

I'm now curious as to how do you think you should proceed?  Where is your head at?  Are there any key, bottom line questions do you still need answered?

- Jeff