2. misc-audio
  3. 1422544283

Help me get the best sound under $5K in upgrades

I need help. My system: mac mini, McIntosh Pre 15, McIntosh MC2255, Joseph Audio RM22si / REL Strata iii.

I just switched to the McIntosh from an Audio Refinement Complete, but am willing to change anything other than the front end or going tubes. I don't want the maintenance of tubes, and want to keep the convenience of digital.

I mostly listen to acoustic/folk/jazz/vocals.

I'm considering planars and demo-ing a set of Maggie 1.7's next week.

I just want the best sound possible, and don't want to throw money away on things that I can't hear.

Is the McIntosh mostly just cool lights and nostalgia? Can I get better sound for my $? Can I do better than Planars with my sub and a really nice pair of monitors?
lisaandjon
iramirez
68 posts
 
I did not see anything regarding a DAC. How do you get your music from the Mac Mini to the preamp?
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
Tried Parasound Halo this weekend. I think this is a winner for me. I'm getting A21 & P5, replacing the Macs. For me, they have more detail without fatigue.
daniel_b
8 posts
 
I recently added Dirac room correction software to my setup (mac mini -> audiophillo -> Bryston BDA-1 -> Plinius 9100 -> Wilson Duette) and for the first time in a long time, I'm very happy with the sound of my system. The sound is much more focused, instruments are better separated, and my room modes are tamed. For me, it's proven a massive upgrade. The only risk I took was spending $75 on an omnidirectional mic to do the measurements, then I downloaded the two week trial version of Dirac. It took a bit of playing around to generate the best filter, but I'm delighted with the results. I ended up buying the software, which costs around $500. I recommend giving this a try. My system is in my main living room, and room treatment is not really practical.
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