I want to thank everyone for their thoughts. Over the past three months, I have been in a near-frenzy in upgrading elements of my audio system. Based in part on the advice others have graciously extended to me, I think that the best course of action for now is for me to listen over the next few months to the records and CDs I own (as well as to music I can stream) both for personal enjoyment and in order to obtain a longer-term objective of which, if any, material deficiencies my audio system still manifests. The purchase of any new speakers, thus, are going to be deferred until 2025.
Where Do I Go from Here?
As I neared my 75th birthday, I decided that it was time for my “end game” audio system. Thus, for the past 2-1/2 years, I have slowly and carefully upgraded my sources, my amplification, and my cabling – with very pleasing results. At this time, I have:
Digital – Bricasti M19 SACD transport and M21 DAC; Shunyata Sigma V2 Ethernet and DH Labs Air Matrix Cryo analog interconnect cables.
Analog – Technics SL-1200G turntable w/Ortofon headshell; Hana SL cartridge; Cardas Clear Cygnus phono cable; PS Audio Stellar phono amplifier; Wireworld Eclipse 8 interconnect cables.
Amplification – Theta Digital Casablanca V preamplifier; McIntosh MC611 mono amplifiers (L, C, & R); Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables and Eclipse 8 analog interconnects.
Currently, I own Revel Ultima Studio (L & R) and Voice (center) loudspeakers as well as two SVS SB-16 subwoofers. I purchased all three Revel speakers in 2004, and they have served me well for the past 20 years. Except when listening to multi-channel SACD for watching Blu-ray concerts, I only use my main left and right speakers. My media room has four walls and a door; its size is around 6,000 cubic feet.
What I have been wrestling with is whether, given my other equipment (which I have no intent on replacing), I should buy new speakers and, if so, which should I consider. Recently, for example, I listened to a pair of Rockport’s Avior IIs, albeit using source components and amplifiers different than mine. They seemed perhaps better in some regards, but not so much so as to make a compelling case to purchase them as an upgrade. Another friend, who just acquired his PS Audio FR30 speakers, is urging me to consider buying a pair of the FR30s.
There certainly are numerous speaker lines out there. Consequently, I decided to post my “dilemma” here and invite others to provide their suggestions (ideally with their reasoning). My absolute top budget is $50K. However, this purchase would be funded by my retirement savings, and I certainly would prefer spending less. Also, maybe the better course is to keep my Revels and be happy and content with what I already have.
Many thanks for your reading this entire posting.
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For starters, I'd check out the Vandersteen Quatros https://www.vandersteen.com/products/quatro-wood-ct but if you're really bent on spending toward your $50K budget, check out the Vandersteen KENTO Carbon speakers (https://www.vandersteen.com/products/kento-carbon). I'm not in your budget league but really enjoy my Vandersteen Treo CTs. |
Nicely curated system, jmeyers, grats! Of similar age, I relate to audio restlessness, especially linked with great passion for our hobby. For me, it does NOT indicate we are not fully enjoying our systems, rather, it's again time to move closer towards our goals. I find this quite normal in a fully engaging hobby, and exciting! As for finding your system's "deficiencies"...my creative wife Mary's mantra, "Perfection is God's." I find, there is always something we can do to move forward. Here's another vote for the BACCH crosstalk cancellation. I've been using the u-BACCH Plug-In version for nearly a year and it simply "freshens" everything. Can a purist quibble? Always. Early on, studio recordings of great familiarity can sound "different." Over months, I've come to enjoy the newness and find it endlessly fun. Extremely well produced music with minimal production and miking benefit most, in my experience. Think 2L, ECM, Red House Records, DG, Proprius, RR, and of course, SOME of the old RCA Living Stereos quickly come to mind. The Mercurys can be exceptional!: A Fine Art: The Mercury Living Presence Recordings | Stereophile.com In The Absolute Sound's recent July/August review of the Dutch & Dutch 8c loudspeakers by Reviewer Andrew Quint, he says, "...To my ears, at least when it comes to 'extent of resolution,' in most rooms for most listeners, you're getting 80% of what c-BACCH is capable of delivering." Quint owns the c-BACCH. I've not heard the c-BACCH, however, the 80% just might be my preference. Center-fill remains natural, holography, depth, width and height, intimacy become grand. Most important, for me, tonality improves. Onwards! More Peace Pin (bold print for aging eyes)
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OP...Great idea to keep your current system and enjoy what you have until 2025. From my view, since you like your current speakers and seem to be happy with your other gear I would consider; New turntable/arm/cartridge. If you listen to pop vinyl that has limited dynamic range, a new analog front end may not do much for your enjoyment. If your vinyl listening library involves classical, well recorded world music, jazz or other records with larger dynamic range, a new TT/Arm/Cartridge might really give your listening sessions a pleasure boost. It might also be easier to home demo 3-4 new analog front ends instead of large, heavy speakers. |
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