My System....where to start on the upgrade path


I’ve been in this hobby for only 2 years, so I have much to learn. I have questions about my overall system and didn’t know where to post them so I thought I’d give this forum a try. I read many of the forum comments on a weekly basis but I don’t post often because I haven’t felt that I had a solid enough background to share my opinion. I do have a very good ear, so I don’t mind sharing something I’ve heard if I think it sounded especially good.

I have decided that something is my system is lacking. I want the music to open up more. I want the various instruments to stand out more. I like listening to music at low levels, but I want to be able to raise the volume to real world levels and still retain that separation without the music sounding “jumbled” As you can see I don’t know all the proper audiophile terms so please just bare with me.

System:
Acoustic Zen Adagio speakers
Pathos Classic MKIII integrated with Electro-Harmonix 6922EH tubes
Cambridge 840c CD player
Thoren TD-160 HD turntable(modified by George Merrill
Ortofon AS-212S Tonearm
Dynavector 20X Cartridge
Sutherland PhD MC phono preamplifier
Ginko Cloud Audio Vibration platform(turntable)
Acoustic Zen Satori Speaker Cables
Acoustic Zen Wow interconnects
Bruce Brisson’s Giant Killer power conditioner( I can’t hear the difference with it)
Room: 23’7” x 15’4” x 9’3”
Speakers are along the short wall.
4 large plate glass windows along one of the long walls can be covered by heavy blackout Roman shades.
Glass sliding doors on the short wall opposite the speakers can be covered with heavy blackout drapes.
Heavy rugs on the Pergo covered concrete floor
Lots of upholstered furniture

Will tube rolling in the Pathos make a dramatic difference?
Amp-speaker match-up?

I’m trying to figure out where to start. I feel like I need more bass.
I know that this is painted with a broad brush, but if I can gets some good feedback, then maybe I can ask some more specific questions. Thanks Catfishbob
catfishbob

Showing 4 responses by rrog

I always find it intersting when another expert audiophile gives advice whose system is not setup properly. It all sounds good until the system photo is viewed.
Catfishbob, You said you want more bass. Maybe it's midbass you are lacking. If this is the case you may want to set your system up on the long wall. The long wall will give you more midbass energy. However, you will need room treatment on the wall behind the listening position. Heavy draperies will do for now. You should also get a much wider soundstage and a nice open sound on the long wall.

Don't do any tube rolling at this point. Tube rolling is for much later in the game. The tubes that are selected by the manufacturer are usually the best sounding anyway. At least you know they are biased properly.

If you don't hear any difference with your power conditioner, get rid of it. You most likely don't need one where you live and your power conditioner is only complicating your system. The simple systems always sound the best. I have tried numerous power conditioners without any improvement in sound quality.

Room acoustics has become very popular. Too popular I think. All rooms have their own character, but they are not all bad. I think room treatment should be used when needed, but it isn't a cure all and room treatment is easily over done.

Here are some ideas that won't cost anything. Try these before you do anything else and only do one thing at a time as it is easy to get lost.

You have assembled an interesting system for only being at it for a couple of years.