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  3. 192161-18996

System assessment...

Just retired...I have the time and interest to consider system upgrades. Although I have some very nice gear, I'm not sure about the synergy of the system as a whole. My system has been assembled over many years, gradualy making upgrades and improvements. Sadly, all changes have been done through thorough research, and educated risk taking.. I don't have access to a brick and mortar shop, a 5 hour drive to Chicago or Twin Cities... 

I'm looking for opinions regarding my system. Do I have components that don't necessarily complement each other based upon others experience and opinions. I'm open to stepping back and rethinking the entire system if necessary. Below is a list of my components and speakers. 

Aestthetix, Mimas , integrated w/DAC 

Jay;s Audio M2 transport

VPI Prime w/ Shyla cart

Manley Chinook, Upscale Audio Special, phono

KEF ref. 1 (not Meta)

(2) REL SHO S/3 subs

Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables

My other cables are a hodgepodge  collection of  budget and midrange quality.

Any observations?

Thanks.

 

larseand

Showing 3 responses by mdalton

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
523 posts
 

If you want to add warmth, I’d go with an all-tube integrated in place of your hybrid.  Issue of course is your speakers are pretty inefficient -85 db, 8 ohm (but dips to 3.2) so you’d need a tube amp with guts.  That would also require a new DAC, but I’d guess that’s your system’s weakness anyway (emphasis on “guess”), and there are alot of nice sounding DACs that don’t cost a ton. Octave Audio and Audio Hungary are two tube integrated brands that come to mind for me. 

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
523 posts
 

No regrets.  If you want to keep the amp, you can always add an upgraded external dac.  And if you’re like me, you may prefer vinyl as your primary source for serious listening anyway.  

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
523 posts
 

lol! Yes, a good pet can definitely add warmth to your system.  And re DSP, I also am not a huge fan of adding (more) digital processing to one’s system if one can avoid it.  Another obvious way to add warmth to your system is thru your speaker choice.  I believe your KEF’s are known to be very detailed speakers.  A different approach would be something like a nice pair of Harbeths - they always make me smile.

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