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Help an old man out

Haven’t posted in a while....have been very happy with my system for the last 11 years and didn’t feel the need to really upgrade til recently.  My setup is all my music (and tidal) on my desktop using a Logitech transporter as a DAC through to a Bel Canto pre 3 into a Bel Canto S300 with Gallo 3.1s for speakers.  My S300 is having issues with the left channel (sound level is down to about 50%) so it is accelerating my hunt for something new.  I have really been interested in the NAD M33, as it seems to have everything I need, including a little extra power for the Gallos...they need a kick in the butt to get moving.  Also considering a couple REL subs (probably 512s) to get the low I am not getting right now.  The Gallos are good and tight, but they don’t reach low enough for that nice chest thump.  Anyway, I am reading a lot about poor build quality with NAD and that is making me second guess the direction I am thinking.  Doesn’t seem like there is anything really equivalent at the 5k price point and as nice as some of the 17k and higher Gryphon stuff looks, I have my wife to answer to.  Sorry for the long post, but 5k is a lot of money and I am not a millionaire—just a dude who wants to kick back and listen to tunes at levels I really shouldn’t.  Also, if you feel the itching desire to jump on here and tell everyone how bad class d sucks, just don’t.  We have all heard it before, and we have all seen your amazing graphs of wisdom etc.  thanks for your help!
ukthunderace

Showing 5 responses by ukthunderace

ukthunderace OP
24 posts
 
Not sure what WAF is, but I don’t see 88dB as very low sensitivity...middle of the pack at best.


ukthunderace OP
24 posts
 
Everything is a little bit better - a little cleaner, a little airier, better imaging and a little better bass extension

exactly what I am looking for...all the reviews say the new Purifi Eigentakt puts class d in new territory, especially for soundstage, which is probably my most important factor when listening. 
just googled the Rel subs, I don't see 512, did you mean S/512's?


yep' those are the ones.  I like their build and their amplification...also the ability to take direct speaker signal rather than line out.  Hadn’t looked at the Vandersteens but will check them out.

Also keep you DAC separate, digital designs are still improving so there is no need to tie the two components together. I would just change out your amp and give that a try first. Optimize then think about adding a sub later on.

I have thought a lot about this as well.  Keeping the components separate means easy change out later on with improvements in technology.  There is just such a plethora of equipment out there and it is difficult to audition anything these days, esp as I am currently stationed in Germany.  Also, I am not using the SA bass amp...I have thought about it in the past, but do not want the fan noise, which is apparently very noticeable.  One of the reasons I want to get the subs is to relax the rest of the sound spectrum so I can listen to more delicate stuff at lower volume but still have weight to the sound...just don’t want a fan interfering with that.



ukthunderace OP
24 posts
 
JRW,  thanks for the post...agree with you 100%.  The S300 could drive the Gallos okay, but I wanted that headroom and control and the only way to go is up.  
How is soundstage comparatively between your M33 and your Prima Luna?  The reviews I have seen that focus more on the sound of the 33 have said the new Purifis make a huge difference in sound...big improvements over the n-cores etc. when it comes to tighter bass and even lighter highs, which my s300 def lacks.

WAF...that is awesome lol.  Mine is actually very understanding.  She is the one who told me to get the M33, but she is pretty supportive of my hobbies, even when they get expensive.  I showed her the Sonus Faber Serafinos that are on auction right now and she loves them...still waiting for her to tell me to get those!
ukthunderace OP
24 posts
 
Headphone dreams/JJS, following your posts I went back and relooked the 390...it is definitely a consideration. Looks quality!
ukthunderace OP
24 posts
 
I completely hear you on the sins of class d past...the brightness, the edge, the almost digital razor on the highs. My S300 was not bad...I say was because I turned it on tonight and the left channel is completely gone now...bummer, no stereo to listen to.
The soundstage was actually very good...very wide. I remember having a friend over to listen once and putting on Space Oddity by Davis Bowie and he asked what speakers were playing...he thought I had my surround sound system turned on. Took him a bit to believe it was just the two Gallos.

the issue I have always had with it was the sibilance in the voices. Amp? I think so...source material is very good, tweeter is very sweet, but always edgy. I have to put that down to older class d.
Like you, I am very analytical, probably overly so. I want to hear everything in its proper space and proper tone. Nothing I hate more than good tone that is stacked up on top of every other instrument, singer etc. some of these producers don’t seem to know how to use a soundboard!

Anyway...sorry for the rant. Not yet sold on the 33...might follow Russ69s advice and keep everything separate and just find some monoblocks I really like or something. Choices choices. Wish COVID-19 wasn’t a thing and I actually had a music shop open anywhere in my vicinity.
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