The Apt 1 isn't helping...it was an ok preamp in '79, but hell, a Rappaport, ARC SP3xx, Theta, & the little DB were better back 41 years ago..(we sold each of them + a few others I can't recall)...go with nwres' post above & take it and other peripherals out of the chain if possible, before arbritarily spending $$ on another speaker chase.
Not Thrilled with Vandersteen 2CE Sigs - where is the first place to work on?
Trying to build up the system this year, bought some Vandy 2CE Sigs. Have the anchors, following instructions for placement, built bass traps and a couple of acoustic panels in my medium-sized but odd-shaped basement listening area - still not thrilled. Using laptop with Tidal and Dragonfly Red - and some stuff sounds GREAT (Steely Dan, SRV, Beck, Dire Straits, Wilco) - but disappointed in a lot of other stuff. Some objective opinions on where my issues might lie? Expectations too high? Hearing the truth of production variations? Running an NAD C272 at 150WPC and an original 1979 APT Holman Pre Amp. Not MAC, Bryston, etc - but was expecting more. Thoughts? Rebuild/recap the APT? Amp upgrade? Where might the low-hanging fruit be?