What do you think of my upgrades?
What I'm wanting to accomplish:
(1) Replace bookshelf speakers that are visually too small (but must have bookshelves)
(2) Improve audio quality especially of digital sources
Description of listening environment:
Large room (17'W x 18'L x 9'H) that is also open to kitchen/dining area. Speakers will sit on 22' D x 20" H cabinets with 10' of separation, flanking a fireplace with TV above mantle (it really is cool). Main seating area is 13' from speakers. Not ideal for the audiophile, but there's nothing I will change about it.
What I listen to:
Mostly streaming classical and 60's from my CD music collection ripped ALAC; never really loud, 60 dB(A) usually and 75 max (as measured by sound meter app on iPhone). Also really enjoy watching Youtube videos with sound playing through the 2-channel system.
Current equipment:
Harbeth P3ESR’s (visually too small); vintage 1990s Rotel RB-980BX amplifier (believe rated at 120wpc) and Rotel RTC-940AX tuner preamplifier; Sonos Connect for streaming digital sources and internet radio from MacBook Pro.
Changes I'm considering:
(1) Replacing Rotel separates with an integrated amp with built-in DAC. Hoping the new DAC will improve the sound of my digital sources. Considering Cambridge CXA-81, Parasound HINT, Peachtree Nova 150, NAD C388, and Hegel H160. All pre-owned except CXA-81.
(2) Replacing Harbeths with one of the following: Spendor 3/1 or 2/3, ProAc Response D2, Harbeth C7, Focal Electra 1008 Be. The Spendor's and ProAc's are front-ported; the Focal's rear and the Harbeth's not. Visually, I love the Focal's but am concerned by its rear-port placement so close to the wall.
I won't be auditioning these in my room, but rather making changes strictly on what I've read and learned from folks like you. Your feedback will be much appreciated. Thanks!
