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

@lovehifi22 

DSP is part of Roon when you buy the license and during free trial.
 

It’s a total game changer.  I have stored DSP corrections for 5 different rooms at home and a similar number of headphones.  
 

 Definitely worth the time to learn how to use to get exactly the sound you want.   The specific equipment used becomes much less relevant.

 

Roon runs on most common home computer devices, including Windows, Mac, smartphones, tablets and most any hifi streamer worth its salt these days.   
 

Roon core is the server component.  You can run it on specialized hardware designed specifically for it or most any decent home PC or Mac.  I run my Roon server on a small desktop PC that I also use to work remotely, etc and that works quite well.   
 

Hope that helps   Check it out!  Free trial period available still I am pretty sure  so nothing to lose  

 

 

 

I don’t care what anyone on A’gon says,you can not get natural warmth from speakers with metal drivers!
Dump the beer cans & get speakers with natural materials...

@larseand I get all of my equipment from Quintessence Audio in Morton Grove (Chicago).  I like them a lot and give them my highest recommendation.  If you give them a call I’m sure they would be happy to help and if on the phone you decide what equipment you’d like to audition and make an appointment, they’ll have everything setup before you arrive.  If you are not quite sure what you'd like to audition, visit the shop and explore.  Cheers.

@larseand it depends what your objective is. 
You can improve the sound of your system or add a streamer and gain access to  pretty much unlimited music library. Or do both. Depends on your budget. 
 

You have an amazing CD transport and a weak link with an integrated amp inbuilt DAC. You will have to buy a high end streamer to match the sound quality of that transport. 
Or get an outboard DAC and bump the performance of your CD playback up a few notches. 
 

If you like the speakers there’s no reason to switch them out. 

"I don’t care what anyone on A’gon says,you can not get natural warmth from speakers with metal drivers!
Dump the beer cans & get speakers with natural materials.."

And here I am thinking that metals are natural materials.

I learn so much here...