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Need advice from the gurus.

This is my favorite HIFI hang out and I'm at a bit of a crossroads and really could use some advice.  I'm a bit scattered and I could use some help figuring out what direction to go in.  Here's my current equipment:

==Electronics==
Gato Audio AMP-150 AE (integrated amp)
Topping E70 Velvet DAC
iFi Zen Stream (I use Tidal)
Cherry Maraschino monos (not using at the moment, I don't have a preamp)

==Speakers==
Magnepan LRS+
Kef R3
Monitor Audio GS20 (vintage speakers from my father)
Omega Super 3 High Output Wide Baffle XRS towers

Lately I've been running the LRS+ with the Gato integrated and Topping Velvet / iFi stream combo.  I like it but I don't know if I'm missing out.  What would you do if you had my equipment and wanted to simplify?  On my hifi setup I listen to mostly mellow stuff, lots of female vocals, classic rock, ambient stuff.  I really like female vocals and midrange with a lot of texture if that makes any sense.  What would you do different if anything?  Thanks!
 

tubeguy76
tubeguy76 OP
233 posts
 

@gano 

to me it screams that you have don't have speakers that stand out, just 3 pairs in similar range. 

I would sell two pairs and upgrade.

 

True, none of these blow me away.  They sound good in their own ways but I may need to stretch the budget a bit to get where I want to be.

 

jeffbij
272 posts
 

@cleeds  

If I was off-base, then apologies and I stand corrected.... 

My understanding has always been that in a fully balanced system, the 2 channels are completely separated from the input through to the output while something that just converts single ended signal (in and out) through an op-amp to XLR connections is different.  Also in a non-fully balanced setup, the L and R channels share a common ground.  So, wouldn't the differences in the impedience be caused by the op-amps used.

Honestly, have I misunderstood something?  

- Jeff

tubeguy76 OP
233 posts
 

@jeffbij 
This is per 6moons regarding the AMP-150, I assume the "AE" version is identical.

"The input PCB sits near the back plate and sports NEC relays and an analog BB PGA2320 resistor-ladder IC. As a single-ended circuit, the XLR i/o ports are convenience items de/symmetrized by a TL07a chip."

jl35
4,450 posts
 

The AE version is sonically identical … again, from Gato

jeffbij
272 posts
 

So, balanced connections but not a fully balanced circuit.  

That's ok.  Still worth getting hold of a pair of decent balanced cables and seeing how it sounds with using the Gato as a preamp with the monoblocks. 

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