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Which way should I go?

I have a system of top-notch components that sound absolutely terrible together. The midrange shouts at you and the high frequencies can become harsh on all but the smallest scale music. My speakers are B&W Matrix 802 series II. The Amp is a Threshold s/350e 150 wpc with a Krell KBL preamp. Source components include the Theta Digital Data II universal transport and their pro Gen II D/A converter. I have tried a conrad johnson hybrid pre-amp, which didn't make the night and day difference I am looking for given the cost needed to make the change. Should I be looking to change speakers, or should I be looking at electronics? I have heard that Levinson matches well with my speakers, but of course the cost is prohibitive. I would like to try and get away with changing only one thing if that is at all possible.
ne_micro
shawnharvey
30 posts
 
Have you tried a de-jitter box? Nothing sounds wrong with your equipment. Also, what cables are you using? What about room acoustics? Bare floors? You might be the unwitting victim of jitter -- try getting something like a Meridian 518 and see if that does anything for you. Email me for more if you'd like. Shawn Harvey [email protected]
mikhail
42 posts
 
1)Try Cardas cables(Cross for interconnects and speaker). 2)Forgive me but the only good piece you have is loudspeakers.Theta components are known for spitting sounds not delivering music,most Krells suck as well. I would try building new system back from speakers.Can't suggest anything without knowing your price points and music you like.
dkarmeli
334 posts
 
Sorry I have to agree with Mikhail's opinion, except I don't think MOST Krells suck, ALL KRELLS SUCK! The Threshold is not that musical either. Thresholds were not bad around 15 years ago, but they have not kept up with the times. Keep your speakers and start all over again. You ought to try auditoning a couple of more musical electronics from companies like Rotel, Nad, Musical Fidelity or Arcam. They all have great musical systems starting at around $400 for and integrated amp and $400 for a CD player. At this level you would already have a system that you will enjoy listening to. With $1500 you can have a system that will start you on your way to real high end pleasure. rgds, david k.
ne_micro OP
3 posts
 
Thank you both for your input, it appears as though my worst fears are true and that I will need to make substantial changes to my system to make it listenable. I have read on other sites that Rowland electronics with B&W are superb, but there is that cost issue again. I also heard good things about B&W with McCormack, Audio Research solid-state, and even Adcom. I would like to hear from anyone with experience with any of these combinations. Also, the Theta transport was touted as the best transport in stereophile for many years, even if a change in D/A is warranted. I listen to primarily small scale acoustic music, vocals, some classical and jazz, and the occasional loud rock in a room about 3,000 sq. ft. I've tried room-tunes, all manner of cables, and found that none of it made any difference. Thanks, and keep the constructive criticism coming.
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