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what would you change if anything, in this set up?

here is my set up- Wondering if this all seems paired correctly to you guys and if there is any particular area I should consider to improve the set up. I am happy with the sound in general but sometimes I feel like it's lacking gain on the digital side of things (no issues with gain on vinyl AT ALL) and in general I feel it can lack the WOW factor I'd hoped for. I listen to a range of old and new rock: (Beatles/Stones/Radiohead/Tom Waits/Amy Winehouse

Integrated amp: Ayre AX-7E
Source 1: Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM 5.1 w/ Ortofon 2M blue cartridge
Source 2: MacBook Pro via USB to DAC
DAC: BelCanto 1.5 (connected via unbalanced RCA to int. amp)
Phone stage: Sutherland PH3D
Speakers: Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grand Symphony SE (connected w/ 'Transparent' speaker cable)

Room:
About 15x15
Wall opposite speakers is mirrored.
Wall to right of speakers is glass floor to ceiling.
Area Rug

Any general advice on speaker placement is also welcome. I have them approx. 6' apart, on either side of a fireplace. Slight toe-in. Speakers are about 10' away from my listening position.

Ok-that's it-
Thanks in advance for any input.
capitalv
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
I do love Ayre...the products, the customer support, the philosophy... the weakest link is the Macbook. I have one and suggest that it degrades performance appreciably if you are using it to store music files. The MacMini, however is world class...quiet, able, etc.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,218 posts
 
Move your speakers further out into the room. Even an additional foot can reap large sonic rewards. You should also experiment with sitting closer to the speakers.

Definitely go all balanced.

In this review from Soundstage the writer notes that Vienna Acoustic demoed your speaker with the Ayre integrated, but he thinks they responded quite well to higher powered amps.

Definitely do something about the the wall of windows...curtains, blinds, etc.

Upgraded audio software could help.

Do the above before changing you D/A or computer. Whatever you do, the last think you need is a subwoofer. Your speakers put out more than enough low frequencies for the music you mention and your square room will make deeper/louder bass more of a problem than a solution.

Please post what you do and your impressions.
everest_audio
285 posts
 
The MAC's USB as a source is the weak link on your digital. Also, the USB input on the Bel Canto DAC is an older implementation on an otherwise excellent DAC. The SPDIF inputs on this DAC are definitely superior to the USB input. If you use a good USB to SPDIF converter such as Bel Canto's new asynchronous uLink and then output SPDIF to the DAC, it will be a huge improvement. Also, make sure you use a good USB cable as well. Customers of ours with MacMini's have noticed big improvements using a USB to SPDIF converter such as the Bel Canto uLink or the April Music Stello U3 versus the USB implementation built into their DACs.

Also, as mentioned, use the balanced XLR outputs to your Ayre as well.

This will take your digital playback to a whole new level.

Disclosure. We are Bel Canto and April Music dealers. Other high quality USB to SPDIF converters should provide great results as well.
capitalv OP
9 posts
 
Srtingreen- Thanks. Wondering why the MacMini is superior to the macbook pro? Would an iMac also be superior to the MBP?
capitalv OP
9 posts
 
Thanks! Just checked out the uLink online. Liking the idea of upgrading to balanced and adding this piece. Seems to be a good first step before thinking subwoofer and/or new DAC. I appreciate everyones smart input. I will re-post once I implement and experiment with all of your ideas. Thanks everyone.
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