Another +1 for Tekton Designs Double Impacts. Do some research, read some reviews, and get a pair in for a month or two. I'm pretty sure they will take things in the right direction. http://www.tektondesign.com/test.html
Please Critique my Setup and Recommend Upgrade(s)
As a lifelong musician and former recording / pro audio engineer, this is my first foray into the world of HiFi and I could really use some advice and direction. Last week I bought the following setup for a dedicated listening room that is essentially a 13x13 square room on three sides with the area behind me extending back another 25 or so feet. There is a partial backwall about four feet wide but it is mostly open air behind me. Ceilings are 9' and I have GIK bass traps in all corners, early reflection points on the side walls, and panels overhead between speakers and listening position. Speakers are about 2 1/2 feet from back wall, 6 ft. apart, slightly toed in on cheap stands weighted down by cinder blocks.
1. 2017 VPI Scout Prime turntable with Ortofon Bronze
2. 2017 Rega Brio Integrated 50wpc Amp and Phono Stage
3. ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 Speakers
So far this setup certainly sounds good, but it isn't blowing me away either. At lower volumes the soundstage feels a little small and two-dimensional. At louder volumes the sound seems to fill the room more, thereby enhancing the soundstage and making the music feel more natural as opposed to coming from directly in front of me. The stereo imaging is okay, but I expected a little more stereo separation. Also, perhaps the speakers are still breaking in, but the ELACs don't seem to do the best job of presenting the music in a cohesive manner. It sounds like the frequency bands are a little disjointed.
Should I stick with the ELACs but consider a higher end integrated amp that can feed them a little more power like a Parasound Halo? Or should I nix the ELACs and invest in some more efficient and higher end loudspeakers,e.g. Devore, ATC, ProAc, etc...? Would I still get an audible improvement with these nicer and more efficient speakers if I stick with the Rega Brio, or do these high end speakers warrant a truly high end amp? I ask because I likely can't upgrade both speakers and amp at the same time.
I also considered the KEF LS50, but it seems like they are similar to the ELACs in that they are rather inefficient and need a powerful amp.
1. 2017 VPI Scout Prime turntable with Ortofon Bronze
2. 2017 Rega Brio Integrated 50wpc Amp and Phono Stage
3. ELAC Uni-Fi UB5 Speakers
So far this setup certainly sounds good, but it isn't blowing me away either. At lower volumes the soundstage feels a little small and two-dimensional. At louder volumes the sound seems to fill the room more, thereby enhancing the soundstage and making the music feel more natural as opposed to coming from directly in front of me. The stereo imaging is okay, but I expected a little more stereo separation. Also, perhaps the speakers are still breaking in, but the ELACs don't seem to do the best job of presenting the music in a cohesive manner. It sounds like the frequency bands are a little disjointed.
Should I stick with the ELACs but consider a higher end integrated amp that can feed them a little more power like a Parasound Halo? Or should I nix the ELACs and invest in some more efficient and higher end loudspeakers,e.g. Devore, ATC, ProAc, etc...? Would I still get an audible improvement with these nicer and more efficient speakers if I stick with the Rega Brio, or do these high end speakers warrant a truly high end amp? I ask because I likely can't upgrade both speakers and amp at the same time.
I also considered the KEF LS50, but it seems like they are similar to the ELACs in that they are rather inefficient and need a powerful amp.
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- 73 posts total
Where are you sitting? What I am getting at is they are most likely too close try 8 feet apart, should improve your soundstage. Your speakers need a better amp to push them perhaps a very nice tube amp. I know they can get expensive, but there are some that are very nice in the $2500-$5000 range. Bottome line better amp. good luck and always buy quality!!! |
People will recommend what they have heard. You. Red to expose yourself to as many speakers as possible. Look at those that are over your budget. Chances are you can find them used for less. Personally I think the Vandersteen ones and twos are a great sound and there are lots out there used. I have B & Ws which lacked bass added a used Vandersteen self powered woofer the 2WQ, which freed the amp from handling the bass Entire system sounded so much better. You might be able to keep the amp and the Elacs with a self powered subwoofer. Also consider your cables |
We've upgraded many Debuts and Uni-Fis to ELAC's beautiful BS 403 bookshelf. It's $1000 in gloss black/white, and sounds considerably better than either one of the less expensive lines. If you can audition that particular one, that's what I'd recommend. I'd also remove all the treatment from the room. Get a baseline performance level that you're satisfied with just by playing with positioning of the speakers, then add the panels/traps if/when needed. cheers, alex |
Ok...the VPI Scout Prime with an Ortofon Bronze (I am assuming 2M series since the Rega is only MM loading) is your strongest component. I am wondering though, if you are limiting it by using the integrated phonostage of the Rega Brio. I'm not a big fan of integrated anything, but especially not for the phonostage. I'd maybe consider borrowing a proper separate phono pre-amp from your dealer. A good all-rounder is the Sutherland Insight. Music Direct sells them and gives you a generous 60-day return period should you not be happy with it. Speakers are so subjective; not only is their sound a consideration, but their style also should influence your decision. What looks good to me might not you and might not fit the rest of your decor. I'm a fan of Martin Logan electrostatic paneled speakers. They are not the most efficient and will get better the more power you throw at them. They are very fast and accurate and provide a nice sound stage, but they have compromises. Biggest one being there is a very narrow sweet spot for the listener. The only cone speakers I would consider ditching the Logans for are Tidal or Aerial Acoustics (that I have heard). But those are super expensive!!! Looking at the speaker selection offered at say, Music Direct, I think Sonus Faber has one of the better reputations. I've not heard them, but know the company is well respected. Focal also, but the ones sold at MD are their lowest end (I think). I'd look at Stereophile online and see what speakers they recommend in your price range. Here is a link: http://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2017-edition-loudspeakers#XA72TpL7A6pv5so2... Kind regards, Jason |
- 73 posts total