Spending a month's salary


I don't have much experience as an audiophile. Based on my research, the bulk of spend should be on fine speakers. I have $20k to invest in either a superior AMP, DAC or pair of speakers. What to do?

My room is on the smaller side, listening position is about 7-8ft from the speakers. I suppose bookshelf speakers are appropriate. Right side speaker is very close to side wall <1ft. Left side is open to 6-8ft. Back wall is about 10 ft from listening position. Speakers sit about 3ft from front wall.

My current setup:

Revel 106 speakers

Parasound P6 pre and A21+ amp

Node 130 streamer w/ upgraded Teddy PS

AQ cable loom.

I prefer bookshelfs given my room. Separates are ideal, though I would like to consider an all in one like a Boulder 866.

Which component is most important. I'm not looking to have an unbalanced system. Eg. $15k speakers and a $500 DAC.

Appreciate any insight.

 

 

tee_dee

@bigkidz

So, your recommendation is to buy an airline ticket and figure out what sound op is looking for before arriving at your establishment?

BTW.. I suspect that your description of your listening options is accurate.

Speakers will make the biggest change in the sound of your system short of room treatments, but those aren't as exciting as a new pair of speakers.

@kota1       I'm all for room tuning if you are not lucky enough to have a dedicated room.  But why do you have a target curve that deviates almost 20dB from flat?  Are you a bass lover?  Just interested.

Don’t underestimate the Parasound gear. Especially the P6. Acoustical room treatments are my/your best audio friend. A better DAC would perhaps help balance out your current system.