Evaluation of my 2ch system


Greetings all,

   As the title states, I am looking for honest, not denigrating,  feedback on my system and if any feel improvements can be made within the msrp budget of said system.

     I have a dedicated room that is 23x15x10.5, no big windows and those that it has are covered with thick curtains.  I do have some acoustic treatments, acoustic panels and it is carpeted.

SOURCE :  Eversolo T8/Z10 combo, Marantz SA8005, Thorens TD 160 with SME 3009.

PRE:  McIntosh C8

POWER: Parasound A21+

SPEAKERS:  Tannoy System 15DMT II, Tannoy XT8F, AND 1973 Vertical Cornwalls that have been updated with new xovers, woofers and tweeters.

INTERCONNECTS:  all power cords and interconnects (XLR) are Emotiva and speaker cables are some older Nordost 2 or 4 wire flats.

I love the sound of dual concentrics, I had all forms of klipsch, and I enjoyed them all until I heard the Tannoys and realized I found horns fatiguing, or at least that’s what I think it’s the cause.  

   Anywho any input is appreciated.  I will now break out the popcorn.

 

Cheers

mowntnbkr

@mowntnbkr - welcome to the forum : ) - I’d say, room acoustics attended to already, just two in order of importance - 1.you need a grounding solution for your system. If you have a garden outside, this will entail sticking in a solid copper rod into a cylinder of marconite, and wiring everything to that rod by way of a grounding router. But even if you’re living in an apartment, grounding everything to a common ground with just lamp cord for cabling will give you the biggest delta of improvement you’d ever imagine. There are many proprietary solutions out there, but I’ve found Russ Andrews of the UK gives the best value for the dollar.

2.try replacing the hardwired ethernet cable between your router and server, with a TPlink wr902a pocket travel router that’s connected to your server/streamer with as short an Ethernet cable as possible. The WiFi air gap stops common mode noise from travelling the ethernet copper and polluting the signal chain downstream in almost all systems but a few odd ones which have very little noise pollution upstream. You’ll need a power bank to work the 902 for best effect.

These two changes will cost a fraction of what audiophiles typically spend on their systems.

in friendship - kevin

You have a wonderful system. The only thing I'd add is, maybe, a subwoofer. That will add some "weight" to the sound and possibly is what you're missing. Otherwise, just enjoy the music!

I haven't heard any of your gear.  Some quick Googling, it appears to be nice stuff.  But, not having heard it, I can't comment.

One thing that I did question are your interconnects.  Emotiva doesn't seem like the best brand for them, but I'm guessing.  There are lots of posts on interconnects.  

I agree with the other people that mentioned subwoofers.  It's a pretty safe bet that a pair of good subs would improve your listening experience.  I'm running a pair of REL subs with full range speakers.  The subs are set really low, but you can sure tell when they are turned off. 

Start with one subwoofer and when doable add another. In my experience no other equipment change will make a more positive effect. Or... just enjoy the really nice setup you seemed to have diligently assembled already. Who would have guessed the dealer would suggest all new electronics? The interconnects suggestion is a good one and I would add power cords also. Whatever music you enjoy, expand it and search for the unknow. You will never look back.

I agree with @sls883   If possible you can get some nice DH Labs cables, even on USAM for a reasonable cost. They perform well and are a value, even at MSRP. I too cannot comment on any of your electronics, I never heard any of that stuff. I bet the Tannoy's are nice. Best of luck.