System assessment...


Just retired...I have the time and interest to consider system upgrades. Although I have some very nice gear, I'm not sure about the synergy of the system as a whole. My system has been assembled over many years, gradualy making upgrades and improvements. Sadly, all changes have been done through thorough research, and educated risk taking.. I don't have access to a brick and mortar shop, a 5 hour drive to Chicago or Twin Cities... 

I'm looking for opinions regarding my system. Do I have components that don't necessarily complement each other based upon others experience and opinions. I'm open to stepping back and rethinking the entire system if necessary. Below is a list of my components and speakers. 

Aestthetix, Mimas , integrated w/DAC 

Jay;s Audio M2 transport

VPI Prime w/ Shyla cart

Manley Chinook, Upscale Audio Special, phono

KEF ref. 1 (not Meta)

(2) REL SHO S/3 subs

Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables

My other cables are a hodgepodge  collection of  budget and midrange quality.

Any observations?

Thanks.

 

larseand

Nobody on the board can tell you how your system sounds in your room and if it works for you.  All the suggestion to change components may or may not accomplish what you are looking for, which to be honest, is somewhat vague.  Why do you want to switch you DAC?  Do you want to add streaming?  I think if you better defined what you want to do, you'll get better answers.

lol! Yes, a good pet can definitely add warmth to your system.  And re DSP, I also am not a huge fan of adding (more) digital processing to one’s system if one can avoid it.  Another obvious way to add warmth to your system is thru your speaker choice.  I believe your KEF’s are known to be very detailed speakers.  A different approach would be something like a nice pair of Harbeths - they always make me smile.

dsp is very frustrating to work with initially. The interfaces are horrifying to deal with. But if you think about what happens along curve if there are low spots or high spots that may tend to distort the overall signal, correcting these areas could add a lot of Sonic improvement. My home theater system when I do DSP really helps to energize what I'm listening to.  

 

 

I would try acoustic room treatments first.  Even if you end up upgrading equipment, this will be helpful.  It's probably the most inexpensive route as well.  I found by adding absorption and diffraction in my rooms the sometimes shrill sounds I was hearing was improved. Rugs are easy.  First reflection points and ceiling absorption helped me.  Congrats on retirement!