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I Feel Overwhelmed....Please Help

Hello, all.

I have recently decided to begin upgrading to stereo components around the entry level audiophile range, and move away from home theater stuff. I need help, as I had no idea until I began recently researching modern amps, preamps, integrateds, etc, just how huge the selection there is available.

Currently, I have the following:

Harman Kardon AVR 235 A/V receiver
Front L&R channels:
50 Watts per channel
@ <0.07% THD, 20Hz–20kHz into 8 ohms

Harman Kardon FL 8385 CD Changer

Klipsch KG 5.5 Floorstanding Speakers
frequency response 34Hz-20kHz±3dB
power handling 100 watts maximum continuous (500 watts peak)
sensitivity 98dB @ 1watt/1meter
nominal impedance 8 ohms
tweeter K-85-K 1" (2.54cm) Polymer dome compression driver
high frequency horn 90°x60° Tractrix® Horn
woofer Two K-1023-K 10" (25.4cm) Injected Carbon Graphite cones
Bass reflex via front-mounted port

Grado Labs SR325 Headphones

I use the receiver strictly for stereo music playback with my HK CD changer, or I play .flac or .mp3 files via input to the receiver from my computer sound cards optical digital output.

I want to keep my Klipsch speakers for now, along with my Grado cans, which I love. OTOH, I have not been particularly happy with the two HK components. Although the sound is not totally bad, it is a tad too bright, and it is fatiguing to listen over long periods of time. My room acoustics are not ideal either, with hardwood floors and drywall throughout. The listening rooms dimensions are 14'x13', with speaker placement along and near the corners of the 13' wall. At present, I cannot afford any of the acoustic treatments I see on the various internet sites.

From what I have seen so far, I think I would favor the warm, rich, clear sound of tube components. My Klipsch speakers are highly efficient at 8 ohms, so I should not need higher power, but I don't want to lose bass response either. I have not had much experience listening to higher end audio, but I really loved the sound of a friends McIntosh receiver (late 70's vintage), and another friends 60's vintage tubed HH Scott receiver, both systems paired with matching speaker pairs of the same brands respectively. Those experiences are why I believe I should really consider tube amps.

Would someone please be so kind as to suggest components that would allow me to play CD, CD-R, and digital music files based upon what I stated above? I suppose I could do without the ability to directly play back the digital files, but a CD player is a must have. Oh yeah, my budget is up to $3000, but I want to get as much as I can for the best possible price under that ceiling. Thanks.
chap_cat
chap_cat OP
28 posts
 
Well, I was not surprised that the bass response did not knock my socks off, as I did a lot of research before my purchase. This aspect of tube amps was known to me in advance. As I said in my earlier post, I absolutely love the mids and highs, and only feel I would like a "little" more bass. In fact, depending on the recording, it is often just fine.

I agree with the advice to give the amp plenty of time to run in before doing anything additionally. There is always the subwoofer option later on. If need be, I will find a good used quality SW through Audiogon.

Someone mentioned the planar speakers that I heard in San Antonio. They were actually powered by a SS amp, and sounded more incredibly lifelike than any speaker I had heard to date, but they lacked deep bass. In fact, the shop owner had just received a new JL Audio SW to pair up with them, but he did not have it connected yet. I would have loved to have heard that system with that SW.
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mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Chap_cat, I think I have told you that allready (hear or privetly) to take speaker upgrade into your concideration while choosing new gear.

Your system is going to be as good as your weakest link.

I know your limitations $$$ and like I said......no need to rush and smart choices - goes a long way.

I guess your journey is far from finished.......maybe it is only the begining.

Anyways, enjoy your new gear and report back your new experiances and feelings about your new system.

Regards

Mariusz
chap_cat OP
28 posts
 
Actually, the more I listen to the new system, the more I realize that the bass response is just more accurate than what I have ever been used to in the past. There is just no boominess at all. I believe I may be mistaking accuracy and good tight bass response to the sound somehow lacking it. The more I listen, the more I am appreciating this system.
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