The next step to a better system


Hi everyone

I have been putting together a system for the last few years and need some of your wise and varied knowledge to help me take the next step.

My current system is

Harman Kardon HK990 intergrated

Revel F52 speakers

SVS PB12 NSD Sub

VPI Aries Scout with an Ortofon 2m Bronze mm cart

Herron VTPH 1mm phono preamp

Onkyo CDP DXC390

Belden BJC LC-1 interconnects

12 gauge, 87 strand, oxygen free copper speaker cables

Every step I've taken so far has lead me to a better audio listening place. 

I would also like to figure out the best way to introduce a good digital music source into my system. Currently I just hook up my smart phone through an Aux on the HK990 and listen to Pandora and Spotify. 

And of course I would like to improve on the analogue side of my system.

So any guidance would be helpful.

Thank for your time and knowledge

meambler
Congrats on the Oppo! 

I don't stream that often, use Pandora with our living room system. I would like to try Spotify which allows listening to entire albums. I believe it costs~$10/mo however. 
Congrats on the 105D. I suggest AC power conditioning and isolation to reveal the great sound available from what you have. Experiment. 
Thanks guys,

Are there any great sources to refer to for room treatments?

Ptss… I was looking into the AC power conditioning end of things. In your opinion at what price is someone just throwing money away concerning power conditioning products?

I was looking at the Furman brand.




Best and least expensive is GIK Acoustics. Great advice.

After that ASC is very good and very expensive.



You could experiment going up the various line of conditioners (via dealer loaners) and determine where your needs are met, i.e. no further refinement in sound quality. For value you want to buy a conditioner that does what you require and not more;however, I believe many companies enhance the conditioning/isolation capabilities as they build units designed to handle more devices or more power,so that makes choosing a bit of a challenge. I don't think buying the top of line Furman would be a waste of money;in fact it will be a permanent investment that you can build upon with power cords in the future (of course you can do the same with lesser units).By experimenting I have found isolation via balanced power units(in my case Equitech) to be so beneficial for my Spectral/MIT system that I have 2 isolating units, one for analog another for digital. I realize I'm a 'bit' obsessive about sound quality but I dislike listening to orchestral music without clarity and find the improved dynamics and nuance very enjoyable with solo instruments such as flute,guitar,woodwinds,harp and horns. Obviously I have found isolation and pristine power to be the foundation of a great listening experience. Cheers.