Hello jiii 12. You have good gear. I think you may have a problem that can be solved by changing/upgrading cables. Here's a cheap and easy experiment: Get some ordinary 14 gauge zip cord (lamp cord) from a local hardware store. Get enough for two speaker cables. You are going to replace you speaker cables with the zip cord. Don't worry about banana plugs or spades. Just strip 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch of wire from both ends, twist the strands together, and stick 'em in the holes in the amp/speaker terminals. Tighten down on them. If you hear a difference, cables will solve your problem. All you are listening for is a difference. The lamp cord should sound worse. If it sounds better, you have solved the problem. If it sounds worse, you know your system is sensitive to cables (it should be). Now you enter the exciting search to find the RIGHT cable. See if dealers will loan you test cables to try out. You can purchase used cables on line. Don't spend more than you need to. Used cables are probably 'broken in,' but maybe not. Don't make any final decisions until the cables have been played at least 50 hours or so. Start with speaker cables, then move on to interconnects if you still seek improved sound. USB cables are very important. Is that how you streaming music reaches you? Does the problem occur only when streaming? How do LPs sound? If LPs soound better, change the USB cable, if present. Got the idea? Happy Listening!
WILL IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
My system consists of the following
Integrated Amp. - Hegel H160
Speakers – Fritz Carbon 7
Dac – Denafrips Venus II
Server- Innous Zenith MK3
Turntable – Rega RP8
Cartridge- Hana ML
Phono Pre – Icon Audio PS1 MKII
Power Conditioner – Puritan PSM156
I stream most of my music, listen to everything from 60’s rock to blues and Jazz. My system as it currently exists sounds pretty good. My wife thinks it sound great. My main complaint with the existing system is it is still a little bright and I do experience some listener fatigue.
I am considering another upgrade. I have always had solid state integrated amplifiers. I am considering tube integrated amplifiers. My budget is 7 to 10K. If you have gone from SS to Tube, what did you buy? What was the most striking difference out of the box and 300 hours in? Did you keep the speakers you had?
I am not completely sure that a tube amp. is what my system needs. I thought speakers could also make a difference. So, I am considering adding Joseph Audio Pulsar 2 Graphene to my current system. If anyone would like to give me their impression of them I would greatly appreciate it. I have read that they pair well with Hegel Amps.
I have had the Carbon7’s since 2013. I like them a lot. I had also purchased Fritz’s Carrera 7Be. I sold them because I did not like beryllium tweeters, I thought I would, but I did not. BTW Fritz is a class act.