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Where is the weakest link in my system?

Could any of you good folks offer your opinions and guidance on where my weakest link is located? 

Creek Evolution 100a integrated amplifier
PSB Imagine T2 loudspeakers
Creek Destiny DAC board
Creek Sequel MM phono board
Roksan Radius 5mk2 turntable
Ortofon 2M Black cartridge
Bluesound Node 2 digital streamer (via Tidal)
Music Hall WCS-2 record cleaner (Mobile Fidelity cleaner and rinse agent)

Four things to note:

1.  It's unlikely that I can upgrade speaker cable, as it must be run in the wall and already exists.  I installed a good quality 14 gauge cable--but nothing fancy.  

2. My digital toslink cable connecting the Bluesound to the Creek internal DAC is a basic street make/model. 

3. The Roksan has original tonearm wiring and din to RCA external cable. 

4. I enjoy my system but sometimes I feel that it could offer more imaging and high end detail.  I previously had Totem Arro loudspeakers and do miss the huge, seamless holographic picture they cast.  The PSBs have great bass extension and I can't fault them....or should I? 

Would I be best to consider pushing tons of power to the PSBs?  Should I try something like a Prima Luna tube integrated to warm things up?  

I really have no idea.  I will say, however, that each piece above (right down to the Ortofon) has great qualities.  

Constructive opinions and help are super welcomed!











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Showing 3 responses by jbhiller

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses. 

Everyone got me thinking...

Believe it or not, I totally forgot how I ordered extra bung port plugs upon purchase of the PSB Imagine T2s.  I had them all out for the last 4 months.  I re-read the Stereophile glowing review of them and they recommended using at least 2 plugs to get the midrange and top end into focus.  Well, wouldn't you have it.....that worked!  

I think that I was so confused with all of the new sound upon making so many upgrades that I gave up on experimenting with the plugs.  

Arguably, I'm now having the problem of finding a happy medium--getting the low and high end at an equilibrium.  The imaging and high end sound way better with plugs in, yet the bass is a little less present.  I'll keep experimenting.  

I can't do to much room tuning/treatment because my system is present in our living room and my wife fancies herself an interior designer. :)

I'm going to enjoy the music and think about changing in a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP amplifier or McIntosh at year's end.  But the Creek is really doing little wrong.  We shall see!


jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
Day 2 post tweaking turntable (VTA, azimuth and tracking force) and tuning speakers with bung ports.  

The midrange and highs have lifted and are crisp, with imaging coming well into focus.  I think the low end was swallowing up my overall sound so much that I felt I was missing something. 

Now, I will say that I still hunger to drop in some serious power and see what these PSBs can really do.  I think the Creek sounds brilliant, but the PSBs give me the sense that they are hungry for even more.  
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 
Jafant,

I'm using generic cabling.  
 
For the loudspeakers, I'm using good quality in-wall 14gauge wire from monoprice.  The digital coaxial cable is some $20 model.  My turntable has the original Roksan tonearm wire--it's DIN to RCA and not thin junk but nothing high end. 
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