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What's wrong with this system?

Hello,
I have had my current and first real system for about a year. The problem is that a lot of music (especially classical) sounds blah and uninvolving, and I don't think I'm hearing nearly enough details as I should. Here are the components:

-Cambridge Audio D300SE CD player
-NAD C320BEE integrated amp
-Monitor Audio Silver S6 speakers
-Audioquest Diamondback interconnects between the CD player and the amp
-Van Den Hul 'The Clearwater' speaker cable (two 8' runs)

I should mention that my listening area is about 15' x 15' with an 8' ceiling. I would like to 'fix' the system soon, and could spend about $1500 (but wouldn't complain if I didn't have to spend that much, of course!). On a side note, I have been told that tubes would not work with my speakers because the combination would be too warm. Is this true?

Thank you very much for any suggestions you can give me-
Scott
sw1994
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Some good advice already. As far as the system goes, I'd agree with Warren: start with the source. I don't think you need to drop the entire $1500 there. As he suggests, you will find that upgrading a single component may lead to revealing faults elsewhere. I would think you can find some source bliss in the $1k range that would still be a significant improvement on your Cambridgge and put aside the balance for the next upgrade. Also, as has been suggested, FIRST look at the room as the source of your problems. A room can make or break even the best of systems, no doubt about it!

Marco
dlwask
270 posts
 
Keep the equipment the same for now, and read up and learn about room acoustics, proper system set up techniques and acoustical treatments (which don't always have to be ugly wall panels). Experiment with placement of speakers to try and understand their interaction with the room. Your system is not bad, it probably is just interacting poorly with your room.
rives
953 posts
 
I'll second the room acoustics. Here is a resource page on our website. It has lots of books and web articles that can help you. It even has a free room simulator. Your 15 x 15 dimensions are difficult, and you will likely want to experiment with an assymetrical placement that can at least reduce the modal problems at the listening position to some degree--or over time you may decide to correct for the modal issues with a paramtric eq such as the Rives PARC.

Acoustics Resource Page
ramstl
342 posts
 
I third the room issue. Before making any equipment changes you need to do something about ypour 15X15X8 room.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
"Danger, Will Robinson!" is right!

In 1995 when I could first afford it, I went out and bought an NAD CD player and receiver with NHT satellites and sub.

Although I'd never heard a really good system, I thought the same thing as you, "a lot of music...sounds blah and uninvolving". Not even close to what I'd imagined.

Room acoustics and speaker placement might help you, but be wary that you may just be beginning your descent down that steep, slippery and expensive path to what we call audiophile-upgrade-hell!
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