2. amps-preamps
  3. 163474-87708

Remarkably better sound possible with just 1 system component change?

I could have posted this discussion to a few other categories but chose this one because discussions related to 2 of the 4 components in question belong here.

So it's been ~2.5 yrs since I purchased my current system. I did a lot of research at the time here on audiogon, but no auditioning, and put together a system that sounds very, very good to me.

While I have no complaints, the itch to upgrade has surfaced recently.

I am curious as to whether you guys think it will be possible for me to replace just 1 of my primary 4 components and obtain significantly better sound as a result. The more discernible and obvious the sound improvement, the better obviously. I am not looking for a marginal upgrade - I want dramatically better sound. And I am not looking to replace more than 1 component at this time. I am hoping to get a few ideas/candidates and then may decide to audition some of the recommendations before making a decision. Hopefully some of the upgrade paths are such no-brainers that I may even be able to take a leap of faith without auditioning. Note also that acoustic room treatments are not viable in my current listening location.
 
My current 4 part system:

1. Lumin D2 - 100% of my listening is streaming via Tidal
2. Mcintosh C2600 preamp
3. Mcintosh MC452 amp
4. Focal Kanta 2 speakers

Cables are Cardas Golden presence RCAs from the Lumin to C2600, Cardas Clear Cygnus XLRs from the C2600 to the MC452, and Kimber 8TC speaker cables to the Kantas.

Soundstaging, dynamics, imaging and overall clarity are all great. I have to say I love the Be tweeters. And the bass is punchy, tight, fast and certainly sufficient for my needs. Vocals and overall sound are warm, liquid smooth and analog-like, just the way I like it. (Forgive me if I've botched some of the characterizations - I'm no expert at this). The only thing I can think of that could use some improvement is the sound quality at lower volume levels, although that is not terribly important to me since most of my listening is in the 90+ Db range. Would be nice, though.

So while I do love the overall sound, surely dramatically better sound can be obtained via a 1 component swap? Budget is ~10k. Or will I need to spend more, or upgrade more than 1 component to achieve the desired result?

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.

chandybe

Showing 5 responses by oldhvymec

Ag insider logo xs@2x
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Lots of toys... I like all the gear... You got to give it up OP, some wall treatment, floor and ceiling at least over your head and behind you..

The STUFF between the speakers, as low as you can go, and amps as close as you can get to your speakers.. under 3 meters if at all possible.. 1m is better, ay..

A beautiful Wizard of Oz Curtain, THICK acoustically TUNED fabric.

I saw Danny Ritchie set up one time, a long time ago at a CES show.. I was working there on Cat generators.

He used these heavy curtains and mobil panels. The BEST acoustics by far every time... Curtains and panels, made his already "great DIY" speakers even better.. Afew hours to set up..

Blow the doors off most audiophiler ideas about treatment, AND results.. You can put the curtains on some type of James bond looking apparatus.. Close in theme, anyways..

They can open and close for critical listing, and YOU can instantly hear the difference...I saw something very close in Aspin.. A little different gear and an actual stage. Again beautiful easy to clean curtains..

Clamshell canopy, for clear warm, moonlit nights.. What’s money? LOL

I think selected treatment would blend right in and NET great results.. I say a gain of 20% in BETTER SQ.. treatment alone.. Tweaks. who knows.. another 10% or more.

Look out if the Titan of Tinker shows up.. He’ll have a field day...No treatment.. LOL I don’t think so.. :-)

Happy Happy..

With Great respect and regard.. Nice looking stuff...
Ag insider logo xs@2x
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
+ mahgister

I use the term "snake oil" very carefully.. It may work VERY well in one place by doing something completely unintended, BUT resulting in a great change somewhere else..

Cable risers

One is a vibration issue, one is a cleaning issue, ones is a routing (noise) issue. BUT all are a result of adding one single part and applying it a particular way. They work well for more than one thing.. I can't hear a sonic difference, UNLESS I ADD noise through the cable.. Again routing, and vibration, If I'm really volume UP..

Regards
Ag insider logo xs@2x
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
hobo1452

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

That is very true.. I’ve remembered STUFF, that made a heck of a difference, too. Using a heavier gauge cable for PC and put a single or double coil in the run.. Changes the way an amps sounds, it’s not subtle either.. Just longer with coils.. MORE of everything, especially bass, and clarity in all ranges..Bottom to top.
If you want better and can hear better, that is in play too.  Has to sound better to the OP.. Gotta try though, just leaves too much on the table.. That gear should be GREAT... I know I could get happy..

Even with cushions from the second hand store, bean bags, and fish net for high frequency ceiling reflections.. LOL.. Awful 60s but better than what you got.. Narrow the field, push the speakers further from the walls. There is a TON there if you just TINKER..

Regards
Ag insider logo xs@2x
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

speakermaster45 posts01-21-2021 8:06pm

Speakers first upgrade then the amplifier then the preamplifier changing the speakers will make the biggest difference and if you go with a used or vintage pair 10k will get you way more sound than you currently have.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I like your answer, change ALL the equipment.. WOW.. Surely you jest.. No, and don’t call me Shirley.. LOL

Speakermaster... You need to get to 101 in sound reproduction.. the rule of 1/3s. Equipment, acoustics, and grid. There is a tweak portion that overlaps all three.

BUT you can’t leave a full 1/3 of what makes sound OUT of the equation and wonder what is missing.. ADD what it needs not what you want.. makes NO sense..

Add all new equipment. Man oh man.. LOOSE the crap on the walls and fix it right.. Good lord.. Heck treat the walls and hang your STUFF back over the top of it..

Not treat the room? It’s not an option if you want better sound.. You can change the sound, but it will never get better, just change... If that works for you.. Change the record... lot less expensive too..

Regards..


Ag insider logo xs@2x
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Ok I got it.. Fixing the one bad hearing aid? :-)

That would fix a lot of problems..

Regards
More to discover