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Remarkably better sound possible with just 1 system component change?

I could have posted this discussion to a few other categories but chose this one because discussions related to 2 of the 4 components in question belong here.

So it's been ~2.5 yrs since I purchased my current system. I did a lot of research at the time here on audiogon, but no auditioning, and put together a system that sounds very, very good to me.

While I have no complaints, the itch to upgrade has surfaced recently.

I am curious as to whether you guys think it will be possible for me to replace just 1 of my primary 4 components and obtain significantly better sound as a result. The more discernible and obvious the sound improvement, the better obviously. I am not looking for a marginal upgrade - I want dramatically better sound. And I am not looking to replace more than 1 component at this time. I am hoping to get a few ideas/candidates and then may decide to audition some of the recommendations before making a decision. Hopefully some of the upgrade paths are such no-brainers that I may even be able to take a leap of faith without auditioning. Note also that acoustic room treatments are not viable in my current listening location.
 
My current 4 part system:

1. Lumin D2 - 100% of my listening is streaming via Tidal
2. Mcintosh C2600 preamp
3. Mcintosh MC452 amp
4. Focal Kanta 2 speakers

Cables are Cardas Golden presence RCAs from the Lumin to C2600, Cardas Clear Cygnus XLRs from the C2600 to the MC452, and Kimber 8TC speaker cables to the Kantas.

Soundstaging, dynamics, imaging and overall clarity are all great. I have to say I love the Be tweeters. And the bass is punchy, tight, fast and certainly sufficient for my needs. Vocals and overall sound are warm, liquid smooth and analog-like, just the way I like it. (Forgive me if I've botched some of the characterizations - I'm no expert at this). The only thing I can think of that could use some improvement is the sound quality at lower volume levels, although that is not terribly important to me since most of my listening is in the 90+ Db range. Would be nice, though.

So while I do love the overall sound, surely dramatically better sound can be obtained via a 1 component swap? Budget is ~10k. Or will I need to spend more, or upgrade more than 1 component to achieve the desired result?

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.

chandybe
dbtom2
382 posts
 
Really nice mancave and gear.

If you're looking for better SQ at lower volumes, perhaps it is time to look at a headphone rig. At your budget you could find plenty that meets your needs.

Or... ...a second set of speakers (active? powered?) placed in the near field closer to your seated postion. Just spitballing that idea.

If I had your setup, and was searching for something better, I'd consider a different blend of cannabis. Something mellower yet sharpens the senses. 

Best wishes in your quest. 
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,135 posts
 
Who knows whether your room is an acoustic disaster or not?  You can't really tell from a photo.  My question is why do you even think a dramatic improvement is even possible?  It's not like you have some entry level components. 
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
12,520 posts
 
If your speakers are already satisfying dont change them...

Upgrade cost lot of money because when people think about it it is most of the times because they dont know what to do out of desesperation with what they already own....

Learn how to embed your system acoustically in the right manner...But dont buy any costly solutions...It is more fun and you will learn way more creating your own devices....

Try my last experiment... Cost: nothing... Reward: a totally new system....

"Helmholtz-Fibonacci silent organ" A room tuner i devised myself with bricks and plumber pipes in one hour...If you have crafty hands you can make them esthetically beautiful.....

They work with a group of three bricks of three pipes which have a lenght approximating the golden ratio, then changing the way sound waves react to the normal pressure of the room...Helmholtz is the father of room correction and the golden ratio optimize the working of the resonators on all frequencies....You must choose the lenght of 2 sets near one another and the last set must be with more distance in lenght....i located 2 laterally to the speakers at some short distance and the bigger set behin my listening position, you could put it behind your Tv... 😉

Experiment with your room it is fun.....

I sell creativity, not products or market conditioning, or some electronic blathering about new upgrading product.....

Audio is mostly acoustical embeddings not electronic design first, after that it is electrical and mechanical embeddings...It is easy to buy a good electronic design now at low price, audio engineering is mature for the last 60 years....what is less easy is to found the right way to embed these good products....

Anyone with money can buy a good amplifier but how to embed it for his optimal working is not delivered with the instruction manual, sorry.....

Dont upgrade, except if you are in the obligation to do it, embed them well before any move....

My best ...
koestner
622 posts
 
What about a BSG  QOL ?  It makes a big difference in the sound. especially older recordings.  They're not around anymore, but TMR has one for sale.
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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Lots of toys... I like all the gear... You got to give it up OP, some wall treatment, floor and ceiling at least over your head and behind you..

The STUFF between the speakers, as low as you can go, and amps as close as you can get to your speakers.. under 3 meters if at all possible.. 1m is better, ay..

A beautiful Wizard of Oz Curtain, THICK acoustically TUNED fabric.

I saw Danny Ritchie set up one time, a long time ago at a CES show.. I was working there on Cat generators.

He used these heavy curtains and mobil panels. The BEST acoustics by far every time... Curtains and panels, made his already "great DIY" speakers even better.. Afew hours to set up..

Blow the doors off most audiophiler ideas about treatment, AND results.. You can put the curtains on some type of James bond looking apparatus.. Close in theme, anyways..

They can open and close for critical listing, and YOU can instantly hear the difference...I saw something very close in Aspin.. A little different gear and an actual stage. Again beautiful easy to clean curtains..

Clamshell canopy, for clear warm, moonlit nights.. What’s money? LOL

I think selected treatment would blend right in and NET great results.. I say a gain of 20% in BETTER SQ.. treatment alone.. Tweaks. who knows.. another 10% or more.

Look out if the Titan of Tinker shows up.. He’ll have a field day...No treatment.. LOL I don’t think so.. :-)

Happy Happy..

With Great respect and regard.. Nice looking stuff...
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