2. misc-audio
  3. 192889-199203

Where do I go from here?

I'm 58 and just recently decided that a nice, dedicated two-channel listening room will be my thing - I don't golf, or ski, or spend crazy money on a sports car, so I think my wife is good with this!

My room is less than ideal - 3/4 below grade room, 17'x24' with a 6'10" ceiling height, and a few weird corners, poles, and beams to deal with.  I have a nice, new love seat, tables, and lamps, with a couple of 8x10 rugs - its pretty cozy and comfortable, but the walls need something (discussed below).

My equipment today - Vintage 1980 Klipsch Heresys, with a pair of REL T/7x subs, McIntosh MC312 amp, McIntosh C47 pre, and an Eversolo A6 (with a 4TB SSD).  I have decent cabling and go balanced from the A6 to the C47, using the A6 DAC.  My rack is VTI BL404 from stands and mounts.com. 15A wall power into a Panamax M4315-PRO for all components including subs.

The audio quality I have right now is the best I have ever had in my life, and I am loving it!  But I know I can improve it over time in ways that will be quite noticeable and appreciated.  So, I welcome advice on where to go from here and what to do first...

The room: I have not used room correction software yet.  I am liking the idea of vertical slat acoustic paneling on one, two, or all four walls.  It looks really nice and seems a versatile first layer on the walls before getting serious about bass traps and other such things.

Speakers: I've had 600 series B&Ws in the past and my ears love their sound signature.  I really have my eye on the 702 S3s that are out there.  I wonder if I need the subs with those, or maybe the 703s with the subs?  Any issues with my Mac equipment?

Streamer/DAC: I'm thinking the upgrade path here is in the $3-5K range?  Or, if I do end up with the 702s am I shooting too low?

Turntable: I know there is blue sky on expenditure here, but I really want an automatic turntable, and the Dual CS 529 looks pretty good to me.  Comes with the Ortofon 2M red cartridge.  Is that good enough for now?

Like I said, I welcome advice on priorities, and if you think I'm missing something let me know.  Thanks all!

mattsca

Showing 1 response by knotscott

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,076 posts
 

Speakers typically have the most influence on what you hear, as they're the interface for the room.  The room is there to stay, but acoustical treatment can have a significant impact, so is a good place to spend some research time, and experiment.  

Speakers are extremely personal (and room dependent), so I won't advise on specifics, but get something you love the sound of and that works well in your room, then use an amp or amps that are up to the task of driving them.  A good dealer will let you try them in your room, and some online places have good return policies.  Used is often a good way to get the most for your money if the right deal comes along, but home trials are more difficult with used, however there's typically less financial loss if you resell.  A good kit is another way to get superior performance per dollar spent, but resale is typically more difficult, as is in-home trial...great way to learn a lot. 

Another option is to update the crossovers in your Heresies.  Crite and others offer upgrades.  

 

 

More to discover