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Room setting: new amp or new speakers?

hello gys,

My Hi-Fi journey is rolling on, and over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to dive into some amazing gear—like tube amps and high-efficiency speakers. It’s been super fun, but now I’ve hit a bit of a dilemma.

Here’s my current setup:

  • Amp: Yamaha AX-396, pretty old, low value

  • Speakers: Sonus Faber Venere 1.5 bookshelf speakers, definitely ’better’ than the amp

  • Streamer: Bluesound Node N130

I’m planning a big overhaul of my system, but I can’t decide what to upgrade first

A little more info:

  • Room size: 55m² (so, pretty spacious).

  • Current speaker placement: Sitting on a bookshelf, positioned to the side of the sofa (definitely not ideal) - see pic

  • Ideal setup: Properly placed speakers facing the sofa for proper sound.

My thoughts:

  • If I upgrade the amp first, I might squeeze more out of my current speakers - which are not as bad —but will their awkward placement limit the improvement?

  • Upgrading the speakers with floorstanding will come with new position + higher quality (2x the ROI?) AFAIK they account for big big part of the final sound. then will do the amp.

I’d love to hear what you think! Have you been in a similar spot? Which upgrade made the biggest difference for you?

Let me know your thoughts! thank you so much

albymana
devinplombier
158 posts
 

@albymana 

Since you're new to this, you might be best served by an incremental, cost-contained approach that lets you try new stuff yet feel free to dump it if it doesn't work out.

First, your speakers need to be freed from their bookshelf gulag. Set them on decent stands like Monoprice, which will leave change from your $100 bill. Listen to that and see what that does for your room. Change one thing at a time, then listen at length

Next comes a decent amp. Your little Yamaha is okay but not ideal. Get more power than you think you need and high current output which will help your current speakers and might well be required to properly drive your next pair.

Third comes a good sub. All bookshelf speakers need a good sub.

Then the rest will come in its own time. Enjoy! 

 

audio_guy_uofw
47 posts
 

+1 devinplomnier and ddgtt 

You should get your speakers out into the room on stands and spend some time finding a good location which optimizes bass performance and imaging. This will make a huge difference, and start you on the right path. Then if you like the sound but find them lacking in bass, consider a sub or 2. 

Depending on your listening levels, you may then find the need for more power.

 

Good luck, and enjoy!

ericba's avatar
ericba
40 posts
 

There are two schools of thinking. Speakers first or Source first. From 30 years experience with different systems there is not only one way to do it. I tried both approaches but I got best results starting with speakers. Matching it to the sound I like and the room I have. 
 

I started upgrading my current system 4 years ago with new speakers after moving in a new home. I just completed the system upgrade this month with a new cartridge. This is the last piece of the puzzle after I upgraded the preamp, amp, turntable and cables in that order. My system in now well balanced. I can now start over again…just kidding!

HiFi Huff on YouTube says that you should invest as much as 50% of your system on speakers. 
good luck and keep us posted on your choices.

macg19
939 posts
 

Both. I'd start with the speakers you really want, positioned well (obviously) and maybe a used amp you can live with for a while - something bare bones, used, no onboard streamer/DAC. I think you might be disappointed pairing nice speakers with your current amp. 

There is nothing wrong with your N130 as a streamer/DAC for now. Later add an LHY power supply and then an external DAC for a big jump in sound quality. You dont need to spend a fortune to get a nice quality digital source.

 

 

albymana OP
4 posts
 

Thank you so much guys for all the helpful input. Will keep you posted on my choices!

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