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Starting Over and I need your help

The more I read…….the more I become confused!…..Do I simply need to start over with more carefully selected components?

I currently own a Musical Paradise MP 301 III, Bluesound Node 2i, Omega 7 speakers, and a Rotel RCD 06 SE CD player. To me, this system sounds underwhelming, especially when streaming. I use Apple Music as a source but I am open to switching to another. I only play CDs and stream and do not see myself incorporating vinyl into the mix. Musical tastes are jazz and acoustic. The room size is smallish home office. By the way, I also own a Parasound Zamp that I currently don’t use because I do not have a preamp……should I sell or keep that?

I am willing to sell it all, if needed, to get better sound.  If you were me, what would you change or keep? My total budget would be under $3000 and by buying some used I bet you guys can help me figure out what I should pursue within Audiogon to purchase.

Many thanks in advance for your expertise and opinions!

Andy

Raleigh NC

 

 

 

wavendon
paradisecom
307 posts
 

I'd try some tube rolling first.  That can change the sound of a tube amp enough to make you happy.  I have a similar power-level tube amp for my home office and with my 90dB speakers, it sounds great and I have enough power for the room, IMO.  

The speakers might be rolled-off in the upper registers due to no tweeter.  I'd look at just trying different speakers to see if  that reveals anything that you might be missing. The rest of the gear might be fine.  

I'd try a few different used bookshelf speakers and see what you discover.

goheelz's avatar
goheelz
297 posts
 

Try adding a subwoofer. Upgrade the speakers.  If you are stuck with digital, make sure you have a DAC that will improve on the Bluesound DAC and whatever is fed from your CD player’s built in DAC.  

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,883 posts
 

I would sell the Musical Paradise MP 301 III and the Parasound Zamp and buy a Schiit Ragnarok 2 integrated amp $999. 😎

Mike

benanders's avatar
benanders
234 posts
 

mrdecibel

3,025 posts

 

Before you change anything, maybe your expectations are just very high. Is your room set up properly? Maybe try near field listening. I have heard six figure systems that sound as you describe. Keep in mind, we are listening to recordings. If you ever have heard an ensemble of musicians playing at a park, auditorium, or some other place, without the use of amplification (non amplified)? I certainly have, and these "sounds" of the instruments cannot be duplicated by a hifi system. Many people who think this can be accomplished, some having BIG MONEY systems and awesome rooms, cannot get this (I am sure some might come close). I   adopted the reality when I was in my teens (I am 70) that recordings, all recordings, have limitations. Many have less, many have more, but limitations exist. If you read some of my posts here, you will understand what I listen to with a hifi rig. So, what is your system not doing for you? My best, MrD.
 

 

Defining one’s expectations and understanding how to make them a physical reality, or why one cannot, is indeed a crucial first step that’s often not practiced in hifi (e.g. with manicured recordings).

Very sage advice @mrdecibel .

cdc
1,781 posts
 

I also own a Parasound Zamp that I currently don’t use because I do not have a preamp

You do not need a pre-amp. Just use the volume pots on the back of the Zamp. At least it's a free way to compare to your Musical Paradise MP 301 III.

 

this system sounds underwhelming, especially when streaming.

Can you be more specific about the sound? And ideas why streaming sounds worse than CD?

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