1. Home
  2. misc-audio
  3. 196329-173637

Realism in instruments how to achieve it?

Hi all,

Based on the recommendations of this forum I added a BAT VK3i Preamp to my system a few months ago and it lifted my whole system, before that I was going from SMSL RAW MDA1 DAC directly to Apollon Purifi Amp, now the BAT is in between and it gave me that warmth and analog sound I was looking for. Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Nat King Cole all sound real and "In the Room" feeling. On the analog side which I don't use as often I added a Lector tube phono preamp and it made a massive impact more than on the digital side. The thing I noticed on the digital side is that voices mainly sound so real more than instruments which have body and textures but not yet reaches that realism I feel from hearing voices mainly and when I play a record instruments are just more live and real. Guitars specifically sound much better with the BAT preamp in the signal but other instruments like in classical symphonies are not quite there yet.

Is it the speakers that gives that realism to instruments?

I cycle between Totem Arro and Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home speakers. Also, have a JBL 530 in storage but needs a speaker stand.

Two upgrade path I thought of: Push pull power tube amp or a single ended amp. The issue that my setup is in a modest bedroom and heat is a concern. Another thing I thought to add is a R2R DAC with a tube buffer like the upcoming Fiio Warmer Dac.

Another upgrade I considered is going for British bookshelf speakers like Spendor, Harbeth, Graham Audio.

What do you think is that realism in instruments can be achieved more with speakers or with a tube amp in the chain? should I just be pleased with what I have and ignore upgrades for now?

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

sheri2022
sheri2022 OP
14 posts
 

Thanks all for the great inputs! Another tweak I made today is plugging the port in the back of Totem Arro with socks. I have them close to the wall and unfortunately can't bring them to the front a bit. Went through the SVS settings again, phase didn't change but bass is now better integrated in the system and Mid Bass sound more clear and even Lower Mid benefited from that tweak. Before, I kept volume at -25 db over that and I can feel bass boom now I can crank it up to -20 db without feeling it's overwhelming, funny how small changes have big impact on the sound in general.

mihorn
908 posts
 

This post may be helpful for audio realism. Alex/Wavetouch audio

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2854686

sheri2022 OP
14 posts
 

Another great tweak I tried today which I wish I did or even tried it before. I pulled the Totem away from the wall about 3 ft and closer to me. Although I can't keep them this way long term I'm shocked at how this made the most difference! first soundstage and imaging is nothing like I heard before I knew I'll never get great soundstage in this small room but pulling them far from the wall made soundstage deeper and imaging almost pin point I think this was reflections work what blended everything? Second I was pretty sure I'll sense brightness but getting them closer to my ears guess what! Rolling Stones are mellow sounding with nothing close to glare! I think the only way to sustain this is just pulling them out for listening sessions and returning them back when done. Glad Totem are so lightweight as I can't do that with Sonus Faber.

sheri2022 OP
14 posts
 

Update: Just wanted to let thank everyone responded, I was able to achieve what I was looking for in OP, I started the journey of replacing my speakers and after considering open baffle designs I got the Magnepan LRS + and I received my R2R DAC with tube buffer (Fiio Warmer DAC) and certainly I found what I was looking for, a non fatigue natural music with no harshness or glare and with a level of realism I couldn't find in any speakers I owned and it didn't cost me a fortune I'm glad I finally reached my end game for now and time to enjoy the music! 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,925 posts
 

What about your room? Have you treated it with acoustic panels? Bass traps, first reflection points? Room is one of the most important components. Look into it. 

More to discover