OMG. What now?

I had alot of excitement when I took my preamp out of the audio chain and went from digital streamer to dac to amp. That was is an all solid state system. Then I bought a tube integrated amp in a second audio system and fell in luv with the tube sound. So I went back to my solid state system with DAC to amp and inserted a tube preamp. Again I luved the tube sound. Lastly I add dual servo subs to my Vandersteen speakers and again more audio nirvana....

There are two schools of thought for things like....ss vs tubes, digital vs analog, subs vs no-subs and so on. I don’t get caught up in those debates. I just try something and see if I like it.

@psyop2

agree with your approach, try alternatives is the way to make step changes. And certainly if you are questioning your system. I tried a first rate (to me) tube based CD player (ARC Ref CD9 SE upgraded) and it was a significant uplift in resolution soundstage and the DAC was excellent In it’s own right, so when I tried feeding my streamer through coaxial it significantly uplifted that too.

You can’t predict synergy, of course you can gather others experience as you are doing here, then jump in and give it a try until you no longer need to. It seems you’re not there yet. Enjoy your journey.

John

I’m exactly where you are.  Also DAC direct to power amp. Tried some excellent preamps and all added coloration .  Sometimes I imagine there is still a preamp out there for me. Nevertheless nothing about the sound/ music from my room/system  irritates or bothers me. In fact I’m very happy.  After visiting friend/s with super systems I sometimes believe theirs is better.  But after listening to mine which sounds great even listening for a few hours on end I’m happy and feel the friend’s system might have the initial wow factor but I do tire after about 40 minutes.       So I’ve given up worrying and enjoying the music.Took me years and much anxiety and tweaking to get my room acoustics and component choices right , listening daily and nightly.  Now I’m learning to relax, forget about improving what I have and listening to and enjoying the music.      The other problem I had was looking for well recorded audiophile music .  No more .  My system plays anything and sounds nice, so I’m listening to music I enjoy, not selecting only  audiophile stuff .  Relax take it easy and enjoy.  Sure you should read about new stuff and listen to other kit but just for info. Don’t scratch if it does not itch 

Apologies for not having included system details.

The system I’m using now is Auralic Altair G1, NAD 2200PE, and Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekend Mk IIs.

Was previously using the 2200PE with NAD 1600 preamp/tuner, Cambridge Audio CXN, and B&W Matrix 3 Series 2s. My favorite thing about that system was the 2200PE I’d also used before with a variety of CD players and Klipsch Heresy IIs long since gone. It’s a shame - I sold them to get the B&Ws but have never liked their bright metal dome tweeter highs.