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Is it me? Will I ever be satisfied?

As we have become empty nesters, we put together or are putting together a nice dedicated two channel system consisting of B&W 804 D3, Levinson No. 333 ( this is an older amp 20+ years old), McIntosh C22 (just purchased) in which I have already upgraded the tubes, Linn Lp12 TT, Blue Sound for streaming.  I am using Transparent balanced cables and Transparent speaker cables - not sure of the exact model, but all Transparent cables are close to 20 years old as well.

My questions, while I think the system sounds good - even really good.  I don't think it sounds great.  I recently purchased the C22 to be used with the No. 333 which I replaced a McIntosh MA252, which i really like and use in another system, it didn't have enough power.  My room is our garage which we converted to a playroom years ago.  It is approximately 25' and 20' wide.  We sit about 12' from the speakers which are at one end of the room .. While I realize that this hobby or lifestyle can be never ending....  I am considering upgrading the cables next and last but not least, add a new Amp, McIntosh MC462 or MC312.

Wanted to get some feedback, thoughts, in site, advice what you experience, am I missing anything?  Thanks

goducks44

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,471 posts
 

Cool, congratulations! Only the beginning… a few more advil with speaker movements  and room treatments and it will get better and better. 

ghdprentice
6,471 posts
 

Getting great sound can be challenging. Given what you have said there are at least three entry points to start answering your question.

I have been at this fifty years and over the last few decades have reached great plateaus where I was really happy… before I was able to afford another upgrade cycle. I have the best system I have ever heard to my tastes (my UserID).

 

First, what kind of sound do you want? There were a number of experiences in my history that stuck out. They were incredibly musical systems where I was completely sucked into the music… is this perhaps it? You get detail, slam, imaging but it just doesn’t have an emotional connection? I recommend you visit some showrooms. You want to experience the extremes… high end all tube system, planar speaker system, all MAC. If you have a sound to shoot for, it will save a lot of time and money. I was sidetracked looking for details and slam for a long time… at the expense of musicality (rhythm and pace)… an easy trap.

You have a heterogeneous collection of equipment… all of which have loyal fans and are highly regarded, however. Levinson has a very specific sound, accurate well balanced but very sterile to my ear. MAC has a very distinctive sound, heavy midrange and bass, short on details (great for rock).. I can’t imaging these components are synergistic.

Your listing position / room. Lots to do here. 12’ apart is too much. Try an equilateral triangle about 6’ to start. Speakers away from the wall. Room treatments … behind + at reflections and behind. Spend a lot of time here.

 

Interconnects are not going to fix the problem. Once you have the sound you want, then get more into that stuff.

 

Your Bluesound is good for the money… but is a really budget piece of gear.  

 

So, if it was my system. This is what I would do.

1) Work to get the most out of your current system through room treatments and positioning (toe in).

 

2) Survey the sonic possibilities… to identify the sound you want. Listen to high end systems… to identify the sound… you can achieve a similar sound at a much smaller budget… this will tune your ear to what you want and sonic differences.

 

3) Read The Absolute Sound and Stereophile to familiarize yourself with possible components to move you in the direction you want to go. Read Robert Harley’s The Compete Guide to High End audio. Take your time. Enjoy the journey.


4) Swap out one component at a time moving in the direction you want to go. Evaluate… did it do what you wanted to do?

 

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