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Seeking advice on how to improve my system

After many years of just enjoying music, I have gotten the bug to improve the system after I upgraded my CDP to the Sony XA 5400ES. The rest of the system is a Conrad Johnson Premier 14 preamp, Mark Levinson ML 331 100 W/ch amp., Thiel 3.6 speakers, Kimber Kable Siver Streak from CDP to preamp, Kimber PBJ from preamp to amp (10 foot run), and Kimber 8TC speaker cables. Room is 14 ft by 19 ft with 9.5 ft ceilings, hardwood floor with a 12 by 9 wool area rug. A fabric upholstered sofa on one wall helps absorb the side wall reflections. Speakers are on the short wall, 3 ft from the side and 2.5 feet from the back wall.

What are the weak points in the system that I should attend to? If I should change an item or add an item what should it be? I am not ready for a complete system replacement right now. Looking for advice from those with more experience in systems to get the best possible sound.
st01
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
Ivan you sound like a crazy nut who is trying to play head games with audiophiles lol.

Since you said you have a bug to upgrade I would say to try out some new wires. You could buy some used and you won't lose much if you dont like them you can just resale. Go for something in contrast to what you have now and see what you think.

If you wanted to do something big I personally would go for a top notch preamplifier. In my experience great preamps have rocked my world over any other upgrade. If you sprung for something like the CJ ART or ARC ref 3 I bet it would put a big smile on your face.
arni
313 posts
 
In relation to the quality of your system, 10 foot run of Kimber PBJ and the 8TC speaker cables seem like the weak point to me. I would definitively explore and play with alternatives. Check out threads on Anti-cables, Morrow Audio Cables.. to name a few. Some have a 60 day return policy (Morrow) so there isn't much to loose if it doesn't match with your system. I also second previous recommendations regarding AC power.
rcrerar
215 posts
 
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned acoustical treatment. Whether you want to admit it or not the room in which you listen is the most vital component of your playback system and ignoring the effects it can have on the qulity of music played back in your space is tantamount to pure denial. Acoustical issues within your room should be addressed first, then everything else after. If you fail to address acoustical issues that may exist in yous listening environment then no amount of tweaking the other components is going to alleviate the sound quality isssues you may have. A good and reasonably inexpensive place to start would be Jim Smiths books or DVD, and then possibly moving on to the plethora of more tecnacal manuals that exist on the subject of room acoustics and how to tune them properly.
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
I agree with Rcrerar.
The sound you hear from your system is not just components. It's a combination of your system and your room. It will be the biggest upgrade for the money.
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,826 posts
 
with your components, there is nothing to do! Enjoy it. Maybe moving the speakers will change the sound, which should satify the urge to do something.
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