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Rate my system and chose the next upgrade

Good evening,

I'm looking to get my system to the "next" level.  Before you ask, what is "lacking", I can not pinpoint anything.  Over all, seems to sound "pretty good" to me.  I've been back to vinyl, buying nicer copies and cleaning well with a musichall machine.  Most of my time is spent utilizing a quick CD or SACD and Hi-Rez digital with Audirvana but really enjoy the vinyl experience.  I would utilize more vinyl but usually it's more time consuming.

Why am I upgrading?  I feel I may be missing out on improvement of sound somehow, therefore "upgrading" must be the correct answer right?  Here's my system.  What would you start with to upgrade?  My typical upgrade budgets are about $3k at a time.  I'll list the approximate retail value (new)

Yamaha A-s2000 integrated- $3000?
Yamaha A-s2100 SACD/CD- $3000?
Teac UD-501 DAC with DSD capability - $850
Clear Audio Performance DC Turntable- $3500 with clarify tonearm
Clear Audio Balance Phono stage- $1000
Sound Smith Cart- can't remember which but a $1200 unit
Martin Logan motion 40XT's- $2000/pair
Martin Logan small sub woofer-$500?

Go!



dhpeck

Showing 15 responses by dhpeck

dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
DvdKitch, do you think Focus HD placement would suffice about 10 feet apart?  they would sit on each side of the fireplace- away from the wall of course
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
can you post pics on the sight.  I'd love to include a picture of how it's set up.
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
are you referring to setting the turntable on an "anti vibration" type platform?  I was waiting for someone to chime in on the speakers.  It was my gut feeling my sources might shine a bit more with better speakers.  Again, nothing screams negative on the system, but I can't help but to feel I'd like to hear more.  Acoustic treatments make a lot of sense, I'm not sure that's going to work in my living room.

I know everyone has a different opinion, but I've heard to spend twice on speakers compared to the amp.
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
Thanks for the response Erik,
well, I'm a complete novice here.  It's not an ideal set up.  The system is in my living room where ceilings are 11 feet high, room is approx 25ftx25ft, however it's open concept into kitchen area and just to the side of my system is a tile foyer about 25ft x 15ft to the front door, lots of windows in front and also in living room, although the speakers aren't facing the windows.  The sub is set up only a few inches from one of my speakers.  Sub placement is limited to near speakers since my basement has finished ceilings and would make wiring impossible
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
Thanks Erik, I'll check it out.


dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
you know I checked out the room correction sight, and i can't see any of that being practical for my living room that I share with my wife!  I've thought about moving my system down to my rec room that is approx 15ftx25ft, but the speakers would be on each side of a 65inch tv and facing a patio door and windows 25ft back.  what to do!
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
Thanks Roberjerman.  I usually listen to SACD/CD's balanced to amp (not through DAC).  Only use the DAC for Hi Rez music.
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
My local audio store carries the Legacy brand, I believe made in America, I'm going to give the classic HD's and the Focus SE's a listen since my speaker price range would be about $5000.

any thoughts on an integrated amp that is $5000 or less?
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
thanks dweller and jmols i'll check them out 

dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
I don't the the Yamaha will accommodate DSD but I will double check.  I was thinking about a DAC upgrade along the lines of SLP or Wyred4Sound.
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
Gents, I just disconnected the Teac 501 and am using the Yammy CD-s2100 for my digital.  If I notice anything at all, The Yammy may be doing a better job as a DAC than the Teac.  I wonder what price point would improve the Yammy DAC in a stand alone.
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
I'll watch for that DVD.  I'm going to audition Legacy Classic HD-$5000, Klipsch Forte 3's, (I know, I know Klipsch)- $3600.  There is another dealer that carries Paradigm F85's and F95's for another try.  Don't know what the Paradigm cost though
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
so goes the challenge of being satisfied and content.  Human nature is a formidable opponent.
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
I listened to the Legacy Classic HD's and that is what I'm going with.  I like the adjustments on Treble and Bass, nice cabinets, highly efficient with a nice bottom end.  I'm not sure I'll even be using my sub. 

On another note, my system sounds totally different now that i've moved it downstairs to the rec room.  Lower ceilings, smaller space, with patio windows 14ft from speakers.  I almost preferred the sound in my living room that is open concept with high ceilings.  Go figure.

I think these speakers will be my keepers.  Next, upgrading power cords.  It's nice to have everyone chime in with their thoughts. 
dhpeck's avatar
dhpeck OP
59 posts
 
Pick up the Legacy Classic HD's tomorrow.  I'll let anyone who's interested know what I think
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