The vicissitudes of listening to classical music


Hello,

I'm a novice. I recently purchased a decco int. amp and usb/dac and era d5's. I am using a Mac mini. I've been using this set-up for two weeks. The sound is starting to become more dynamic. This is on the desktop, nearfield listening to cd's, internet radio and rips.

My problem is that when I listen to symphonic music everything is garbled during heavy orchestration. Solo piano, guitar, string quartets sound good except strings in the high register can be grating. Also, I find myself listening to a softer passage at a nice volume and when the brass and strings and percussion kick in I must always turn down. Opera is a problem as well.

I wish the mids were warmer, too.

Since there are area contraints on the desktop I thought a hifi integrated amp might suit my needs. More power to even out the louder passages and tame the high end. The decco is 50wpc. I would like to pay maye $1500- for the amp. I would buy another usb/dac.

I think the speakers are fine. I don't want anything bigger on the desk, anyway.

I'm in a small room approx. 12'x14'. I purchased the d5's hoping the bass at lower listening levels would work. The room is somewhat open on one side. I usually listen at moderate volume levels.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

jj
128x128jackiejr

Showing 3 responses by jackiejr

I'm listening to flac files but mostly cd's and streaming audio at 128k on the average. Maybe just a power amp like the ps audio a-100 would help and use the decco as a preamp.

jj
I was listening to a rinky-dink system just 4 weeks ago. I never thought internet radio streaming was going to satisfy my need for quality audio but the array of classical stations is appealing.

I appreciate the feedback. I know it's impossible to get hi-end on the desktop. I just want something with some weight and clarity that will bring me into the music.

I want to rip some audio. Not a lot. I'll use aiff. I want to listen to cd's and have that great soundstage and enough power so I can listen to a symphony and not adjust the volume for different passages. Good, clean power and desktop speakers.

Grazie,

jj
Thanks for the advice. I'm exploring the possibilities mentioned. Also, the dialogue acted as a sprignboard. Too bad I can't swim.

Belle Cose,

jj