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What next?

I've been trying to figure out what should be my next investment and not really coming up with a clear way forward.

I'm actually really happy with the way it sounds, but I subscribe to the theory that there's usually some incremental improvement to be had somewhere.

The only weaknesses I can think of are that a) the low bass could use a little tightening up, b) the soundstage could be slightly deeper and wider.

I heard a friend's DAC in my system that, while I preferred everything else about mine, had tighter, faster low end. Soundstage is really just a guess, I could have room limitations.

In terms of investing, I'm thinking next up will be under $1k. Down the road I may consider moving up the Aerial linen speakers or trying a set of Eidolons, and moving to Ayre separates.

I don't feel a burning need to spend the money, but, system assembly in its own right is a hobby (beyond just enjoying the sound) and activity keeps it invigorating.
joncourage

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Lewinski is correct. Typical speakers must be a minimum of 30 inches off the backwall to image properly and get decent bass. Dipole speakers more like 6 feet. Sidewall HF reflections should be reduced with furniture or Sonex etc.. Use a mirror or mirror and a laser pointer to find the right spot for these. The optimum listening position should not be in the center of the room, but rather a bit off-center away from the speakers.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Speakers, speaker placement, room treatments, and finally EQ is the first course.

The second course should be eliminating issues with your source, first Jitter if it is a digital source, and second the compression/noise/distortion of your active preamp. Best to just get rid of the active Pre.

Either replace the active pre with a good transformer passive linestage Like Music First, or use computer audio and a DAC that can give you a really good volume control with no noise or distortion.

Computer audio will allow you to use software EQ that is totally transparent, unlike hardware EQ boxes, even those that are DSP-based.

Good EQ can elevate your system dramatically as well as squelching the room resonant modes.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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