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Confused as to where to go next...looking for warmth

I hope this is the right place for this posting.  I don't ever post, but do tons of reading and "window shopping."  I have gotten myself into a little bit of analysis paralysis.  I hope that you guys can help clear up the muddy waters for me!

When listening to music, I am using a Bluesound Node 2i, an upgrade over the Apple TV that I was using.  I was using Tidal for both, and now testing a Roon core installed on an Apple computer.
My processor/receiver is an Arcam FMJ AVR 400, but I use it with an external Liberty Audio B2B-100 power amp (200wpc@4ohms), driving an older pair of Totem Forest speakers.  I also have a Totem Model 1 signature center for watching tv.  

I want to improve the 2 channel sound of the system.  My impression is that the Forests and Liberty are very revealing and clean sounding.  I don't have the audiophile vocabulary, but I will try.  I think the system is lacking something, it sounds dark, maybe on the clinical side.  I want the music to better come alive and add some warmth, without sacrificing detail and punch.  Hopefully that makes sense.

The Schiit Freya+ has my attention and I have been looking at DACs.  The Freya may add the warmth that I am looking for, and I can run it in home theater bypass for watching movies/TV.  My DAC research has confounded me, however...

The option I would probably go with, if I didn't decider to tech out to you guys, is to get the Freya+ and Gungnir DAC.  That seems like a matched system, eliminates the HT processor from 2 channel listening, and I would think would be a massive improvement.

The DAC confusion started when I started looking at all of the different options out there.  Topping D90, Tubadour, MHDT Orchid, etc.  So much that I started to doubt the Freya even...

I hope that provides enough detail for what I am trying to accomplish.  My budget can be described as towards the best bang for the buck..trying not to spend more than $2000 +/-, hopefully less than that.  Open to used.  Thanks in advance for your input! 

Andy
Dallas, TX 


andy727
soix
9,456 posts
 
Yeah, that AVR needs to be extricated from the loop for good 2-channel performance.  I’m familiar with your Totems and have had the Liberty amp in my system (excellent amp BTW) so pretty sure I know what you’re talking about. The technical term is oomph — a little more heft, weight, and fullness to the sound. Am I on the right track here?

If so, first you want to always listen to your amp in high-bias mode for serious listening if you aren’t already. Next, in your price range the Freya+ is probably a good choice mated to the Orchid DAC, both of which you can tube roll to further dial in the sound to your tastes if you prefer. Both the Schiit and Orchid offer trial periods, which is obviously huge, but I think it’s a good bet these will deliver a big dose of exactly what you’re looking for. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
decooney
1,964 posts
 
Can you borrow or demo a really good 2-channel solid state -or- tube stereo preamplifier locally?  

Using the Arcam as a preamp-processor feeding your Liberty Audio B2B-100 mosfet power amplifier is the THE limiting factor to your 2ch audio sound. Even using bypass or direct mode on the Arcam, it's not the same as a really good dedicated stereo preamplifier.   

fyi, I used Totem Signatures for many years in both configurations.  Take those same Totems and put them with a great preamp in front of your LA B2B or pair them up with a great tube preamplifier and your LA amp, it can be a whole different ball game. 
motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
I also suspect that the Arcam is letting the side down. However, there's an easy way to test by using the Bluesound (setting it to variable not fixed volume) straight into the Liberty. If the dark, sterile sound goes away, then sticking with the Node or getting a better DAC will provide a good upgrade.
chayro
2,983 posts
 
If you have access to a local dealer, I would try to work with them on achieving what you are looking for.  There is a big difference between buying a good component of the internet and putting together a system that you really like.  My advice is to listen to system that sound good, regardless of price and then let the dealer help you to achieve that sound in your head, but within your budget.  It's good to solicit advice here as you are doing, but nobody knows the sound in your head.  Anyway, that's my 2 cents.  
jmphotography's avatar
jmphotography
161 posts
 
a lot of great suggestions above on components. I will second the Qobuz over Tidal recommendation. I did a 30 day trial of both and was loving the Tidal selections and the whole MQA thing, but my system sounded bright. When I did more A/B comparisons I found that Tidal seemed to have some extra processing and it resulted in a brighter more forward sounding recordings. I kept Qobuz and I am very happy with it. 
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