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

Ok so we took all the great feedback and advice and made a major change.  We moved the our home theater into the playroom/basement and set-up the two channel system in what was the HT.  This room is 13'x22' is with carpet, drapes etc.  What a difference it has already made getting the equipment.  The best upgrade I have made the only cost a few Advil and the whole weekend!  

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

@havocman just wondering what DACs in the 3x’s the price range the you have compared the W4S 10th Anniversary DAC to and what differences you heard?

 

Is it me? Will I ever be satisfied?

Maybe not. But even if you do get things sorted out, maybe not.

Some people are just of the mentality that it could sound just that much better if I could just...

But the reality is that no matter how good the system sounds, the source is typically flawed in some way or other, and while one track may sound exactly as you think it should, another will not and you don’t know which to judge the system from.

I go through this all the time with crossover modifications.