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Searching for a little more warmth

Hello all, 

I know this might be a little open ended but I wanted to ask the crowd here for some thoughts and opinions on a matter I have been contemplating for some time now.  

To begin.  My current system is comprised of:

  • Shindo Cortese 300b amp
  • Aurieges pre 
  • Bluesound Node
  • Zu soul vi speakers
  • Thorens TT

I am looking for a little more warmth and richness from my system.  The low end is there (to some degree), however it often feels as if the sound is having a difficult time filling the room.  I'm not looking for a super boomy low end, just a little more presence from the speakers that is able to fill the room without turning to "11".  The room is decent size, about 16' x 30' with high sloping ceiling.  (Speakers are placed on the 16' wall about 11' apart and close to corners)    

I've gone back and forth on what I believe might be the best path forward and after countless motions back and forth, I figured I'd put this out there to the crowd to see what the group thinks.  

My gut tells me that swapping out my speakers might be the best option.  Currently they are Zu soul vi but I have been considering Devore O/93 or 0/96 or audio note but am open to suggestions.  

Option two might be to leave the speakers and add a small subwoofer.  

Or lastly, consider the source, where most my music is played through bluesound Node, that adding or replacing that Node with a Gold Note DS-10 or (used) aurender might add some dynamics and texture.  

Or... perhaps I need to swap out the system for something with a little more oomph..

Many variables and possible contributing factors, I know.  I figured it'd be fun to see what the group picks out as the weakest link here or suggests as the best path toward a goal.

 

 

 

 

croissantfoxwine
croissantfoxwine OP
3 posts
 

Thank you all for the responses here.  This has been helpful and completely in line with my thoughts.  Love @ghdprentice comment about the transistor radio!  

Due to the layout of the room, the speakers are more or less where they must be (slightly farther apart than most would advise and closer to the corners).  It's not a completely ideal scenario from a listening standpoint, however, I do know that it is possible to achieve what I am out to given the layout of the room.  

It sounds like removing the Node as a 1st order of business is where I'll start.  This has been on my mind for some time now and I can find something the replace the node and add a small subwoofer without too much trouble.  

The speakers IMO must go too but I may see what I can find on the used market.  I'm intrigued by the Devore's and Audio Note's but I know there are other great options out there too.  I'm open to suggestions should anyone have them.  I think something with a larger box would be ideal (Cornwalls are too big!) and I love the Avantgarde but would need to find those second hand.  

I appreciate all the comments. 

Thank you all

 

grislybutter
2,293 posts
 

if you are open to use, that increases your price range https://speakerchoices.com/?pricemin=7000&pricemax=11000

 

jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,589 posts
 

OP I own ZUs also and love their sound enough to make decisions that bring out the best in them.As others have mentioned a dac known for it's warm characteristics, a couple of subs (SVS with equalizer is a good option),and experimenting with room treatment will get you where you want to be.I bought longer speaker cables to move the ZUs further apart but that didn't work at all.After 8 1/2 ft the images began sounding vague and thin to me.

soix
8,726 posts
 

Don’t get just one sub — two are significantly better.  You can get something like a pair of the SVS SB1000 Pros for like $1100 with a generous trial period including shipping both ways so no risk.  Innuos Pulse Mini is a good streamer and even better if you add an external linear power supply, and the Denafrips Pontus II DAC is well worth consideration given what you’re looking for.  Hope this helps.

curtisvill
43 posts
 

I think Audio Note speakers would make an incredible difference in your system if they are to be placed in the corners of your room. That is the setup I run using the AN-E/LX HE SIG and the sound is amazing, I use a pair of Synthesis mono blocks to power them. My local sells Audio Note speakers and I have listened to them using a 300b amps and the sound is full and warm. I do not use subs with my system. Feel free to message me if you have any questions about Audio Note speakers. 
 

john

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