It sounds to me like you need time with your system. This hobby is a lot more subtle than we expect, a new system must go ‘crash, bang wallop’ for it to impress, but that isn’t what a capable system does. It took me a few months to fully appreciate what my system did, it delivers music so smoothly that it makes me sit and listen for hours. Now I understand it, I know exactly how I want to improve it; for rock and such I want more slam, so I’m looking into a subwoofer. I own a Gallo Acoustics TR3, the original, and it doesn’t quite deliver what I want hence why I’m looking at a new one. It was easy for me to hear what I want, because I was so familiar with the system. Similarly I know after that a new dac has to deliver on maximum clarity, I have a well damped room so I can afford to chase detail without worrying about bright fatigue.
It’s easy to get a new system, expect the Earth to move because we are so attuned to bass heavy Bluetooth speakers and car stereos that we completely miss what the system is doing. Give it some time, patience will massively pay off in the end. I know you’re listening for a week, but honestly it took me at least two months to truly fall in love with what my system was giving me. Your ears will hear more and more of it as time goes and that will give you what you need to make wise additions/changes. Otherwise I guarantee you’ll buy something that perhaps you haven’t auditioned at home and be right where you are now. And if you just go for ‘loud’, you may be impressed at the start but in time you may find the system exhausting to listen to and realise that isn’t necessarily what you wanted.
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