I would sell the Emotiva amp and preamp and buy a higher quality (better brand) amp and preamp. The Legacy speakers will thank you.
If someone handed you this system, what would you change?
I was reading the latest post from a member here describing the rabbit hole he went down to find the perfect system. Lots of money spent upgrading lots of different gear. Made me wan to pose this question, and I ask it with this in mind. I am very happy with what I have, but if someone with extensive knowledge were to be handed this setup, what would this person do to swap out/add equipment that would really make a noticable difference. What, in your opinion would you want me to consider. (I will not take as an insult to anything you may say and I do have some pre-conceived ideas as to where this may go, but I really want your opinion)
My system from source to speakers:
Node 2i music streamer with Deezer as prefered music service
Mini DSP DAC with Dirac Live calibrated for my 17 X 25 room
Emotiva XSP1 Pre Amp (with home theater bypass function allowing a yamaha receiver to take over on movie night). Then through balanced connection to:
Emotiva XPA gen 3 Power amp at 400 WPC bi-amped into mids and highs of speakers, and also from pre-amp directly to speakers that have 700 WPC to base drivers of speakers
Speaker wires from power amp to speakers are from Big Ear audio in Tempe Arizona. Owner builds his own cables; paid $800
Speakers: Legacy Audio Focus XD (again, bi amped from power amp and internal power built in to the speakers.
So, that's it. I went with as good as I could when I put this all together at about the same time 3 years ago. I am still really enjoying it BUT..... I feel a hole burning in my pocket for the next upgrade if needed. What do ya think
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I agree with @stereo5 . Ditch the Emotiva and get a good two channel preamp and amp. I’m also not a fan of DSP except for subs. Not familiar with Deezer, but if it’s compressed audio, go with Qobuz or Tidal.
Those are my thoughts. |
I had a system I enjoyed very much, but, on a whim, I bought a Herron Line Stage. lt, all by itself, improved the sound of my system far beyond anything else I ever replaced. I'm in the process of acquiring a Herron phono stage, I'm in hope it will do the same for my analog front end. That's what made a difference for me. Best to you, Mike, enjoy, Dan |
If I were in your shoes, I'd (a) look for some threads for Legacy speaker owners to see what other amps they've tried to see what else you might audition, and (b) look at other DACs (some argue that the Bifrost 2/64 competes handily with their more expensive Yggy model). |
Two thoughts from my point of view 1. Recognize the feeling of desire to spend money - it can be something you continue to save. 2. My transition from a good system to listen to music to to a system I made time to listen to started with a new pre-amp. I can honestly say I don't understand why it made so much of an impact - but it increased my music enjoyment. Enjoy the process! |
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