Fine tuning: advice?

There are three elements about your system that you have not mentioned. One of course is the room, and you could look to treat it. The second is power cables - yes, they can make a big difference and whether they can make a bigger difference than re-wiring a dedicated link depends on how bad the existing one is, but the important difference between the two options is that you can try the power cables at no cost first to see whether they are worth it. The third issue is vibration control ie. the physical interface between components/cables and the room. The area of vibration is tricky and where the final tuning takes place (IMHO) but certainly requires attention if you have not done so already. A high-resolution system is not really possible if there is a weak link in the chain, and the chain includes; a relaxed listener, low ambient noise, the room, speaker/listener positioning, clean power, final conditioning via good power cords, the components, the interconnecting cables, clean contacts and vibration control. Until you have addressed all of these to an adequate standard then equipment upgrades and tweaks such as Black Gates will not be very cost-effective. Living in another country, I do not have direct experience with all of your equipment, but have some comments. Despite all the reviews of the DH Labs interconnect, I believe you will get a big improvement in resolution from upgrading it. I had some and would describe it as doing the least damage of any cable at its price because its errors are more ones of ommission than commission. But there are far more resolving cables around for a little more money - but they are of course a two-edged sword in that they also reveal problems with your source. I would strongly recommend you try some other cables on a loan basis. Try Fatwyre.com as few dealers are in a position to loan you a range of cables that have been run in. My other comment is regarding the 20 feet of speaker cable. IMHO speaker cable is so important, and the degradation can be very marked with lengths over 2 metres. A second-hand long pair of JPS Superconductor might fit into your budget, and allow you to place your amplifier closer to your speakers. The issue to watch with this is you may lose the benefit of star-earthing your system if it means your amp is on a different circuit from your other equipment.

"NIMBUS": That long run of Tara 500 cable is really holding the system back, I GURANTEE THAT (practically killing it!!). Find a way to use shorter lengths, and also try the Harmonic Technology Pro-11 speaker cable. Or even Kimber 8TC would be great. You might also consider selling the Bryston and getting a used Krell amplifier. A new DAC like the Bel Canto DAC-1 would be great also. If you've seen my comments elsewhere around here, you'll know that I like MIT 330 Shotgun interconnects--they've killed MEGAthousand dollar ones in my system (whether with several different speakers in different rooms, or with HD-600 headphones). A meter can be had used for less than $300. FOR AC CONDITIONING, THE CHANG LIGHTSPEED 6400 IS FANTASTIC FOR PREAMPS AND CD PLAYERS. AND I SINCERELY HOPE YOU HAVE ASC TRAPS. If you don't, start with a couple of their "Frescoes", and ad bigger ones later. ANY ONE OF THESE WOULD MAKE A HUGE IMPROVEMENT. If you're near me, perhaps we could hear each other's systems some time. My system is competitive with any in the $30k range, and I got much of it used off the net...saved NEARLY $10k!!! I'm in the Southeast...

try the enacom speaker filters! at $100.00 bucks a pair you will be amazed at the improvement in sound. call me if your interested at, (949)362-5050. brian

Thanks for your suggestions--it seems everyone agrees that 20' of speaker cable is too much. I'm trying to figure out how to reduce that. To Redkiwi: I am using Vibrapods, good aftermarket A/C cords and a shelf isolation system of my own design. To Carl: I would like to hear your system, but I live in the Northwest--sorry. By the way, I think my Bryston may be the last amp I ever buy--I really like it.

OK, whatever you say. I'd get ASC traps, though. And try the 330 interconnect for sure.