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Unbelievable 3-D imaging sound

Unbelievable
I finally got my speakers position and sitting area position correctly for my system.
My system consist of
Macintosh 601 Mono-Block amps
Macintosh C47 pre-amp
bluesound node streamer, I’m using the DAC in my McIntosh C47
Martin Logan Renaissance 15A electrostatics
Tributaries reference cables all around, including power cables for the amps

Well, all I can say is I cannot believe the sound. I cannot pull away from listening to song after song.  Rap songs are absolutely clear and powerful.
Vocals are as if someone is singing in your room. especially the song, the Joke by Brandy Carlisle. I kid you not.
 The Sound  of Silence, by Two Cellos is astonishing. Plus, I never listened before, to that type of music. But is now in my play list. Go figure that out

Mainly, the setup produces clear 3D music. You can pin point where each instruments/song is intended to coming from in the original recording. Some time as many as 5 locations    Some really awesome imaging. Seriously, it’s like having audiophile level headphones on all the time

Maybe I should not be, but I’m surprised a System sounds this good. Its well worth the retail value put on it

Of course I can add this or change that to possibly get a better sound, but I am ok

However,  I did order and will receive a McIntosh C53 PreAmp  In a week to replace the C47. Mainly because of the equalizer’s and the ability to upgrade the DAC as the future dictates. The cost for the upgrade should be minimal compared to trying to purchase a new DAC all the time

Needed to post this because I am just so blown away with the sound
preslisa64
62 responses Add your response
bigkidz
3,428 posts
 
Wait until your system can reproduce 4D!


docknow
325 posts
 
I've had Martin-Logan CLSs and CLXs for over 30 years.  I like them more like 3 feet minimum, to preferably 6 feet or more from the back wall.  I also like them perfectly upright.  A laser tape measure and a digital level can be very helpful at getting them equal, quickly.  You have a nice big room, give them a chance to "breath", if your arrangement will allow it.
preslisa64 OP
37 posts
 
Speakers are:
10 inches from the wall
3 feet from side wall on left speaker 
6 feet from side wall on right speaker
 ( before the room spans a out to 32 feet)
Speakers are 9 feet apart. Center to center
I sit 12 feet away listening distance
slight toe in of speakers (ML recommendation)

Hard wood floors with large rugs. 

My room is about 32 x 50. Ceilings are 14 to 25 feet

Very large area. But the system can handle the large room even if I’m listening 50 feet away, for sure
preslisa64 OP
37 posts
 
Thanks,
Of course I can do better. We can always do better. Even if you have a $500,000 system. It’s all about relativity, But there are limits, for me anyway. Limits are not always measured in dollars also. Cables, ($1000) streamer ($400)  Yes, I’m sure can be  improved. Hell, even I know they are not up to par with the rest of my system. 
 But for me, I’m happy, right now. In a couple of years, who knows, I may ask
for advice on upgrading those items. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,357 posts
 
You can do much better then those not even close to upper mid Hifi  cables ,and blue sound streamer is on the basics of 
potential ,the dac , average at best , if you think it’s good fine 
but can be so much better still.
asctim
518 posts
 
Seems like you've found sonic heaven! Roughly how are you set up?
How far apart are the speakers? How far are you sitting from them? How far from the front wall? How big is the room? 
Just curious to know any details you'll share. 
preslisa64 OP
37 posts
 
Ok, will do
thanks
docknow
325 posts
 
@preslisa64:  I have found that running PBK is huge.  Hearing bass runs up and down the neck with the notes at relatively equal volumes really adds to the realism.  Do it ASAP, and let us know what you think.
preslisa64 OP
37 posts
 
Yes I do
I did not mention this, but I’ve had this system for over a year and it has always sounded fantastic
But now, with the slight changes. I’m blown away.  Holy ???? I still can’t believe the sound 

I have a PBK (perfect bass kit) from Martin  Logan,  that allows for bass management/ adjustments  in a non perfect room. I haven’t even set that up yet. So, there may be more improvements to come

Now, With the purchase of the Macintosh C53  in a couple of weeks, with the eight band equalizer, I’ll be able to tweak, or do nothing, to individual parts of music to my liking. I cannot wait for that.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,821 posts
 
Don't you love it when a plan comes together?
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Yeah, its amazing the mileage from this one thing:
I finally got my speakers position and sitting area position correctly for my system.
You may find that even very slight changes in speaker location have a surprising effect on imaging. Having one speaker even a tiny fraction of an inch off can lose a bit of image focus. Tiny changes in the amount they are toed in or out can change not only image focus but stage width and depth. 

The sound quality we can get these days really is amazing. 
elliottbnewcombjr
5,881 posts
 
Congrats. Lifetime extended enjoyment is your reward.

Now you will hear perfection, learn about fabulous engineers and studios, ...

Excellent imaging is why I won't live without remote balance control, to make slight balance adjustments to occasional individual tracks that can make surprisingly large improvements to imaging. Engineering could have been perfect, but certain LP pressings, from different generations of 'originals', 'stampers' can produce imbalances. 

you will also become aware of occasional weirdness (like the worlds biggest piano, highs from right speaker, progressing left to lows from left channel) Drums left speaker, cymbals right side. I have learned to go sit somewhere else to enjoy these kinds of things.

and, if live, you never know if the engineers have palsy or the singer is walking around on stage.

finally, as center is phantom, a phono cartridge with wide separation, combined with tight center balance i.e. .5db will give a more solid center, and the other individual instruments 'open up' across the width. To the extend that sounds emanate off to the outside of speakers occasionally.

Eventually, give yourself the treat of Reel to Reel with it's totally separate l/r channels. And a lot of those engineers knew what the heck they were doing.
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