2. misc-audio
  3. 193876-174083

Need advice from the gurus.

This is my favorite HIFI hang out and I'm at a bit of a crossroads and really could use some advice.  I'm a bit scattered and I could use some help figuring out what direction to go in.  Here's my current equipment:

==Electronics==
Gato Audio AMP-150 AE (integrated amp)
Topping E70 Velvet DAC
iFi Zen Stream (I use Tidal)
Cherry Maraschino monos (not using at the moment, I don't have a preamp)

==Speakers==
Magnepan LRS+
Kef R3
Monitor Audio GS20 (vintage speakers from my father)
Omega Super 3 High Output Wide Baffle XRS towers

Lately I've been running the LRS+ with the Gato integrated and Topping Velvet / iFi stream combo.  I like it but I don't know if I'm missing out.  What would you do if you had my equipment and wanted to simplify?  On my hifi setup I listen to mostly mellow stuff, lots of female vocals, classic rock, ambient stuff.  I really like female vocals and midrange with a lot of texture if that makes any sense.  What would you do different if anything?  Thanks!
 

tubeguy76

Showing 1 response by jji666

jji666
583 posts
 

I like it but I don't know if I'm missing out. 

Ah, the essence of audiophilia nervosa. 

So ChatGPT falls for the typical audiophile BS about DAC's.

Keep in mind that ChapGPT just reads its training content and then organizes and spits it back, more or less.  In effect it attempts to predict what the answer should be based on its training content.  So if there is snake oil BS in the training material, there will be BS in the AI response. 

That said I don't think R2R DACs are snake oil. 

My $02 on the OP's question:  get a reasonably large REL sub...they add lots of great texture when dialed in correctly. No matter the direction the OP goes from there, that sub will be a handy component.  I'd start with that before diving right into the upgrade rabbit hole. 

 

More to discover