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Searching for a little more warmth

Hello all, 

I know this might be a little open ended but I wanted to ask the crowd here for some thoughts and opinions on a matter I have been contemplating for some time now.  

To begin.  My current system is comprised of:

  • Shindo Cortese 300b amp
  • Aurieges pre 
  • Bluesound Node
  • Zu soul vi speakers
  • Thorens TT

I am looking for a little more warmth and richness from my system.  The low end is there (to some degree), however it often feels as if the sound is having a difficult time filling the room.  I'm not looking for a super boomy low end, just a little more presence from the speakers that is able to fill the room without turning to "11".  The room is decent size, about 16' x 30' with high sloping ceiling.  (Speakers are placed on the 16' wall about 11' apart and close to corners)    

I've gone back and forth on what I believe might be the best path forward and after countless motions back and forth, I figured I'd put this out there to the crowd to see what the group thinks.  

My gut tells me that swapping out my speakers might be the best option.  Currently they are Zu soul vi but I have been considering Devore O/93 or 0/96 or audio note but am open to suggestions.  

Option two might be to leave the speakers and add a small subwoofer.  

Or lastly, consider the source, where most my music is played through bluesound Node, that adding or replacing that Node with a Gold Note DS-10 or (used) aurender might add some dynamics and texture.  

Or... perhaps I need to swap out the system for something with a little more oomph..

Many variables and possible contributing factors, I know.  I figured it'd be fun to see what the group picks out as the weakest link here or suggests as the best path toward a goal.

 

 

 

 

croissantfoxwine
jc4659
524 posts
 

+1 @blisshifi 

I'm not sure if the OP is not getting sufficient low end or the speakers overall are too bright. If there is any way the OP can play with re-positioning the speakers it may be worth his time.  For one, eleven feet apart seems a bit wide.  Has the OP ever tried using the "Sumiko" speaker set up procedure to better dial in the low end? If this isn't an option then many of the suggestions above are valid. Personally I would avoid adding a sub if you aren't first happy with the overall balance of sound from your speakers.

bjesien
1,240 posts
 

I'd radically change the speaker position, forget all the normal advice and see how it sounds. I've had Zu's and they are fast and lively which is fun, but can be a little on the anemic side with lots of music. 

The subs for sure would help fill things in and will only help in most areas. Yes on room treatment too! Dac too!

I've owned the O/93 and wasn't fond of them.  To my ears the woofer wasn't great with the upper mids, leading to fatigue and some ear ringing even at lower volumes.

You're on a good path with great gear, just be patient and try some large blankets and throws around the room. Don't get technical now just pile in some pillows, etc. and see if anything changes.

erik_squires
15,750 posts
 

How reflective is your room?  If very, adding absorbers can help. You may have too much mid-treble hash.

ronrags's avatar
ronrags
278 posts
 

I would add a pair of REL subs which I recently incorporated into my system. Not only did they add a better bass foundation, they also made the sound fuller. It was not hard integrating the subs by following the instructions. I would contact John Rutan at Audio Connection for his advice concerning which model REL would work best in your size room. 

croissantfoxwine OP
3 posts
 

Thank you all for the responses here.  This has been helpful and completely in line with my thoughts.  Love @ghdprentice comment about the transistor radio!  

Due to the layout of the room, the speakers are more or less where they must be (slightly farther apart than most would advise and closer to the corners).  It's not a completely ideal scenario from a listening standpoint, however, I do know that it is possible to achieve what I am out to given the layout of the room.  

It sounds like removing the Node as a 1st order of business is where I'll start.  This has been on my mind for some time now and I can find something the replace the node and add a small subwoofer without too much trouble.  

The speakers IMO must go too but I may see what I can find on the used market.  I'm intrigued by the Devore's and Audio Note's but I know there are other great options out there too.  I'm open to suggestions should anyone have them.  I think something with a larger box would be ideal (Cornwalls are too big!) and I love the Avantgarde but would need to find those second hand.  

I appreciate all the comments. 

Thank you all

 

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