2. misc-audio
  3. 193876-174083

Need advice from the gurus.

This is my favorite HIFI hang out and I'm at a bit of a crossroads and really could use some advice.  I'm a bit scattered and I could use some help figuring out what direction to go in.  Here's my current equipment:

==Electronics==
Gato Audio AMP-150 AE (integrated amp)
Topping E70 Velvet DAC
iFi Zen Stream (I use Tidal)
Cherry Maraschino monos (not using at the moment, I don't have a preamp)

==Speakers==
Magnepan LRS+
Kef R3
Monitor Audio GS20 (vintage speakers from my father)
Omega Super 3 High Output Wide Baffle XRS towers

Lately I've been running the LRS+ with the Gato integrated and Topping Velvet / iFi stream combo.  I like it but I don't know if I'm missing out.  What would you do if you had my equipment and wanted to simplify?  On my hifi setup I listen to mostly mellow stuff, lots of female vocals, classic rock, ambient stuff.  I really like female vocals and midrange with a lot of texture if that makes any sense.  What would you do different if anything?  Thanks!
 

tubeguy76
mwh777
111 posts
 

Try running your questions through ChatGPT. I'm using the paid version ($20/mo.) You will get lots of input there. Providing your sound preferences is very helpful.

tubeguy76 OP
199 posts
 

@mwh777 Interesting tactic... I'll give it a go.

tubeguy76 OP
199 posts
 

So ChatGPT recommended the following:

Final Thoughts: What Would I Do?

  1. Stick with the Magnepan LRS+ if you love vocals and soundstage. Maybe keep the Omegas for a different flavor.

  2. Consider trying a more powerful amp for the LRS+ at some point, but your Gato is doing well.

  3. If you want more midrange texture, consider swapping the Topping DAC for an R2R DAC.

  4. Sell or store the speakers you don’t use (Kef R3, GS20?) and the Cherry amps unless you plan to get a preamp.

Quite remarkable.  It didn't pick up on the Cherry amps being 800 watts at 2 ohms but that's ok. I may find a decent balanced pre-amp to use with the Cherry amps and a R2R DAC and see what that gets me.  I do like the Gato and will be keeping it regardless. 

jl35
4,237 posts
 

The LRS+ can also be very sensitive to placement and room issues, more than most speakers...I also found Mike Powell's silver jumpers and fuse replacement to improve sound on the LRS+...

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,459 posts
 

So ChatGPT falls for the typical audiophile BS about DAC's. More "midrange texture"from a ladder-type DAC. So how do you measure "midrange texture"? Enquiring minds want to know!

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