Thoughts on a system upgrade.
I have been following and enjoying the posts on Audiogon for about six months now and am posting for the first time looking for advise and ideas on what to do next with my system. I would consider myself a budget Audiophile although some of you may have a different opinion of my self assigned classification.
I am looking for ideas on improving the weak link(s) in my system possibly with replacing one component and am looking to invest approximately another $2500. I also understand that I could use many smaller improvement tweaks and welcome all comments.
My system is in a 14’ x 14’ room with a 12’ ceiling. My speakers are about 12’ apart and my primary listening position is centered at the 12’ point of the triangle from the speakers and consists of the following.
PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell Preamplifier/DAC
Music Hall MMF-5 Turntable with Hana EL MC Low Output Cartridge
Clearaudio Smart Phonostage V2
Bluesound Node 2i
Nakamichi MB-10 CD Player
The Power Cables on the electronics above are a combination of Shunyata Yenom 3 and V14, and Audioquest NRG-Y2. Interconnect Cables are a combination of Pangea Premier and Premier SE.
The electronics are housed on the wall to the right of the speaker wall on the top half of a very heavy two piece wall unit. I have no options to move them anywhere else.
The electrical outlets are on a dedicated line to the breaker box with standard household wiring.
PS Audio Stellar S300 Power Amp positioned to the center of Vandersteen Treo speakers and connected with Bluejeans-Belden 12 AWG speaker cables. The Amp is connected to the Preamplifier with 22’ Bluejeans-Belden XLR Balanced Interconnects. The Amp is positioned on the bottom shelf of an end table with a Butcher Block Acoustics platform. I don’t have an option for a dedicated Amp Stand.
The Amp is connected to the wall outlet and a Furman 215A Conditioner with Audioquest NRG-4 Power Cables.
I listen to Classic Rock, Progressive Rock, and Americana for the most part and occasionally Jazz and Classical. Vinyl when in a serious listening mood and CD’s and Streaming for exploring and convenience.
I have been considering upgrading my TT to a Clearaudio Concept w/Satisfy Tonearm and a Hana Shibata MC Cartridge. I’m not actually sure if the TT is the weak link in my system so welcome comments.
I’ve read many times on this forum that your ears are the best test of what sounds good and mine are quite happy but I have the bug to keep improving and as a friend of mine says it’s a slippery slope.
With that said I welcome comments and I hope I have given enough detail as I will not be available real time to answer any question. Thanks to everyone.
@tgilb As @slaw said: ’I strongly disagree with Millercarbon. You’re (square room) is the main problem. Look into investing in acoustical options. This investment will never let you down.’ I agree too. I normally wouldn’t suggest room treatments first but your room is similar to mine (13 x12 x 8) but with a higher ceiling. Yes, almost box shaped! So I would also go with possible room treatments. At the least have a good listen for any issues with bass or excessive reflections/cancellations. Perhaps you could look at a few simple room treatments. Maybe a wall hanging or bookshelf on your left hand wall etc? Or heavier curtains/ drapes etc? Maybe try the speakers a little closer together perhaps. [unless the Treos are designed to be put in the corners]. Speaker placement is going to be crucial in your room I suspect so I’d recommend carefully marking the existing positions before any experimenting though, just in case moving makes things get worse. Your system already seems well balanced, so you might want to look at improved feedback/ resonance isolation for your Music Hall MMF-5. Or maybe another turntable with good isolation properties. Both the Technics SL1200G or even the GR should be a step up. As ever turntable siting is important. Sometimes more important than the deck itself. |
I would have to agree that money spent on acoustic treatments would be the most effective use of your funds--especially given you are fundamentally happy with your gear. Many of the manufacturers of acoustic treatments make products that are quite attractive. The choice of fabrics is tremendous. You mentioned a need for perhaps upgraded IC's. I just made a pair of Helix IC's and they are great--a fun project as well https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling |
You have nice stuff. Before spending more money, have you spent any time playing with speaker placement? What aspect of the sound are you looking to improve? What is your target sound and in what ways are you not hitting the bullseye at present? Have you heard another system that sounds more like what you are looking for? |
