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Please Critique my Setup and Recommend Upgrade(s)

As a lifelong musician and former recording / pro audio engineer, this is my first foray into the world of HiFi and I could really use some advice and direction.  Last week I bought the following setup for a dedicated listening room that is essentially a 13x13 square room on three sides with the area behind me extending back another 25 or so feet.  There is a partial backwall about four feet wide but it is mostly open air behind me.  Ceilings are 9' and I have GIK bass traps in all corners, early reflection points on the side walls, and panels overhead between speakers and listening position.  Speakers are about 2 1/2 feet from back wall, 6 ft. apart, slightly toed in on cheap stands weighted down by cinder blocks.

1. 2017 VPI Scout Prime turntable with Ortofon Bronze
2. 2017 Rega Brio Integrated 50wpc Amp and Phono Stage
3. ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 Speakers

So far this setup certainly sounds good, but it isn't blowing me away either.  At lower volumes the soundstage feels a little small and two-dimensional.  At louder volumes the sound seems to fill the room more, thereby enhancing the soundstage and making the music feel more natural as opposed to coming from directly in front of me.  The stereo imaging is okay, but I expected a little more stereo separation.  Also, perhaps the speakers are still breaking in, but the ELACs don't seem to do the best job of presenting the music in a cohesive manner.  It sounds like the frequency bands are a little disjointed.    

Should I stick with the ELACs but consider a higher end integrated amp that can feed them a little more power like a Parasound Halo?  Or should I nix the ELACs and invest in some more efficient and higher end loudspeakers,e.g. Devore, ATC, ProAc, etc...?  Would I still get an audible improvement with these nicer and more efficient speakers if I stick with the Rega Brio, or do these high end speakers warrant a truly high end amp?  I ask because I likely can't upgrade both speakers and amp at the same time.    

I also considered the KEF LS50, but it seems like they are similar to the ELACs in that they are rather inefficient and need a powerful amp.  

   
529proaudio

Showing 2 responses by jasonsim

jasonsim
113 posts
 
Ok...the VPI Scout Prime with an Ortofon Bronze (I am assuming 2M series since the Rega is only MM loading) is your strongest component.  I am wondering though, if you are limiting it by using the integrated phonostage of the Rega Brio.  I'm not a big fan of integrated anything, but especially not for the phonostage.  I'd maybe consider borrowing a proper separate phono pre-amp from your dealer.  A good all-rounder is the Sutherland Insight. Music Direct sells them and gives you a generous 60-day return period should you not be happy with it.  

Speakers are so subjective; not only is their sound a consideration, but their style also should influence your decision.  What looks good to me might not you and might not fit the rest of your decor.  I'm a fan of Martin Logan electrostatic paneled speakers.  They are not the most efficient and will get better the more power you throw at them.  They are very fast and accurate and provide a nice sound stage, but they have compromises.  Biggest one being there is a very narrow sweet spot for the listener.  The only cone speakers I would consider ditching the Logans for are Tidal or Aerial Acoustics (that I have heard).  But those are super expensive!!!  Looking at the speaker selection offered at say, Music Direct, I think Sonus Faber has one of the better reputations.  I've not heard them, but know the company is well respected.  Focal also, but the ones sold at MD are their lowest end (I think).  I'd look at Stereophile online and see what speakers they recommend in your price range.

Here is a link:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2017-edition-loudspeakers#XA72TpL7A6pv5so2...

Kind regards,
Jason
jasonsim
113 posts
 
The Tektons look interesting and say they are efficient, though they also say they can handle 400 watts at 4 ohms.  They offer a 60 day trial, which is generous.  Shipping 200 lbs of speakers back...ouch!

Not sure you can expect $400 bookshelf ELACs to fill such a big room.  You will be better served by a full range floor standing set. Forget sub and invest the extra into your main left/right channels.  

If you have a dealer in your area, there is no harm in asking them for advice.  They should know what speakers have good synergy with certain amps; maybe even your Brio.  Though, I am thinking to get the sound you are after in that large space, you will need something more than what the Brio can deliver.  At least you have started with a pretty solid analogue front end!
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