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Help with upgrade bug...

First time posting.   I've had this fairly satisfying system for some time now and am looking at upgrading to a higher end set of speakers.  Looking for a wider, deeper stage and possibly more involving presentation.  Listen to a lot of female vocals and acoustic music -- using XRCD and SACD, primarily.   

Oppo BDP 105
Benchmark DAC3 HGC (headphone or occasional Ipod/Mac duties)
Plinius 9200 integrated
Totem Acoustic Forest
Kimber Hero/8TC and Shunyata power cords
Monster HTS3600

Room is about 15x11 feet.   8 ft ceiling.   Current speakers are along the shorter wall, about 2 feet out, 6 feet apart.   

Budget probably around $5k, give or take (used or new).   I've been somewhat partial to standmounts but would not be totally opposed to another set of floor standers.   The low end extension of my Forests are for the most part, enough for my ears with the music I listen to.   If I do get standmounts, I wouldn't be totally opposed to adding a sub later on (although integrating them would be a different discussion altogether).  

I've looked considerably at the Dynaudio Confidence C1 (Platinum), Contour 20 or Special 40 (given I've heard good things about Plinius and Dynaudio synergy).   I've also considered the Joseph Audio Pulsars.   Unfortunately, demo possibilities are limited.  

Thanks! 

128x128benj273
erik_squires
16,008 posts
 
Spend $2k on room acoustics first.
benj273's avatar
benj273 OP
23 posts
 
05-29-2020 3:58am$5k gives lots of options new, almost limitless used. Without listening it's tough to identify what's best for you.

On the other hand merely improving on the Totem Forests should not be too challenging, especially when it comes to scale.

In your place I'd look at designs which offer improved bandwidth, low cabinet noise (ie silent/disappearing), and a good measured response is no obvious weaknesses which might bug with time. There's also cosmetics to consider, as many designs are just plain ugly.

Why not have a look at used models from the solid Harbeth range, the advanced driver tech from ATC, or the impeccably measured speakers from Revel - and no doubt many more in addition to the highly fancied Pulsars?

Remember also that better sound might open up recordings in a way that you won't like. All of a sudden you'll hear recording effects, mixing desk/level sloppiness, instruments appearing from lower down in the mix etc etc. Favourite recordings will sound different, and your tastes might start to change taking you away from what you loved previously.


Great insight.  Yes, I've realized thru the years that upgrading components do change my appreciation of previous recordings.  I haven't thought about Harbeth or ATC much but I think there may be a dealer (at least for ATC) I can visit.   Any particular models you think would work? 

benj273's avatar
benj273 OP
23 posts
 
7:48am? For the OP what is driving the current 6’ apart placement???

Did you mean they should be further or closer together?  The width of the room is about 11 feet but it is my den/office, so mandatory bookshelves on either side and behind my listening position.    Furthermore, the room is rectangular but does have an alcove where the entry/door is -- the R channel Forest actually rear faces that alcove.    Overall, given these limitations, I've found this 6 ft distance, with no toe-in, the best as far as imaging/staging.  

benj273's avatar
benj273 OP
23 posts
 

jl352,592 posts05-29-2020 7:53amget rid of the Monster first...

Yes, I've thought about that too.   As far as future upgrades, it may happen.  

benj273's avatar
benj273 OP
23 posts
 
8:19amResist the urge to give extra credence to advice based on posting activity and cumulative word count.

You have excellent speakers and amplifier. 

Improving your source will offer you the most significant improvement.

Here’s what I would suggest you research: Modwright modification for Oppo 105.
http://modwright.com/modifications/oppo-bdp83-and-bdp83se-mod.php

Dan Wright does exceptional modifications for source components, and he has been doing it for nearly twenty years. He’s a pro. His mods make real world improvements.

I am a repeat customer of Dan’s. There’s no one better in the business, and your system would absolutely benefit by modifying your Oppo 105.


  Interesting you mentioned this.  I've heard about this upgrade but didn't think much about it before.   Based on your experience, do you think the sonic improvements would translate to a much better staging/imaging/depth overall?  

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