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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
mesch
3,412 posts
 
Sorry,i was confused with the 851C.  I also believe using the 851D as DAC with your Onkyo would be an improvement. Use a quality 1.5 meter coax cable. 

In as much as I believe the 850D represents good value at your quoted price, if you are not interested in having preamp function, there are many DAC options available for ~$800.

My limited attempt at describing DSD. DSD is direct stream digital with bits delivered 1 at a time at very fast rates, as apposed to PCM which is Pulse Code Modulation where bits (1s vs. 0s) are served in bytes (8, 16, 24 32) at different sample rates (44.1, 48, and multiples thereof). PCM serves redbook CD and internet streaming, DSD serves SACD and other forms of hi-rez file formats. There are several other on this forum who could provide a better explanation.
erik_squires
15,877 posts
 
I know Oppo has Tidal and Pandora clients on their blu ray players, controllable via the Oppio Media Control app. An inexpensive upgrade might be the Parasound Z DAC v. 2, really an easy to love DAC for the price.  Another option might be the Fiio X7 player + K5 desktop hub. No remote though. 
bsmith
68 posts
 
if your turntable is on the same floor has your speakers ,,,, fix that now ! (wall mount)
meambler OP
102 posts
 
I recently added an Oppo 105D and I really like the sound it is producing.

I wanted to use Tidal but at $20 a month for now I'll stick with Pandora, iTunes, Youtube. 

Are there other free or lower cost options for high quality streaming?




gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
IMO the most value for improvement comes from taming your room via  room treatment. All the wood and furniture, etc will not tame the rooms sound wave interactions. Its a lesson I learned from years of experience. After many, many upgrades to new and "better" equipment and accessories the single least expensive and highest value came from proper room treatments. Room treatment will make the largest overall improvement and is the least expensive. I tried many expensive ways to improve my experience that did in fact make subtle improvements but none were as pronounced as when I treated the room. I suggest to get your rooms acoustics under control and then decide if you still need to spend big money on subtle improvements.
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