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HELP SUGGESTIONS FOR A BETTER SOUND

This is my first discussion post. Thank you for any suggestions you may have.

I own a pair of Phil Jones Platinum Solos and am considering urgrading to a different speaker. The problem is they still sound so damn good after 13 years. I'm powering them with a Bryston 4B and just upgraded my preamp from a Conrad Johnson PV10 to an Audio Research LS17. They're really singing now. Gorgeous controlled bass. I've been talking with Phil Jones about his AAD Silver Reference 5 (3500.00) but wonder what difference or improvement in sound I should expect. I don't know whether I need to upgrade my speakers or not. I think I am wanting a larger soundstage, but don't want to sacrifice the detail I get with these Solos. Any suggestions? Currently using Nordost Gold Flatline speaker cable (don't shoot me ), so do you think that maybe I should upgrade my cable first? Any suggestions on a cable here either? Last,I have purchased a pair of Synergistic Research Designer Reference 2 x-series xlr w/mpc (active) interconnects to replace my 13 year old SR Mark V (non active)interconnects from Audiogon that will arrive on Wednesday. Hoping this will improve the sound too. I guess I'm wondering if I should be tweaking instead of upgrading my system.

Jim
photobug4u
bvdiman
491 posts
 
I had the exact same ic you are getting. Imo, they are impressive sounding albeit slightly colored. Images are nicely illuminated but at most times seem larger than life with noticable boost to their midrange and in particular--bass. Unless you fancy or specifically looking for these characteristics in tuning your system, I would pick another--one that's more neutrally balanced. Good luck!
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
Room treatments.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
I seriously doubt that changing interconnects or speaker cables will make much of an improvement
I seriously doubt that changing cabling would NOT make a significant difference!
Hi Jim: THE way to build a rig is to first settle on speakers that you enjoy, which you have now, and then optimize around them. The way in which you descrbe your sonic signature you are almost there right now. Yes absolutely do experiment with tweaks and cabling by all means. Shelving, footers, rack, roomtuning, interconnects, speaker cables, AC cords, AC line conditioning, dedicated AC circuit. There is SO much that you can do with what you already have. Cabling will absolutely improve your stage & image, and the Synergistics are a very good approach in my experience. I have a LOT of Synergistics in my rig.
I have to wonder about the Nordost though. I fooled around with those but they were thin and detailed in my rig. Still you never know: synergy is key to all things audio and the only way to find out what works well for your rig, your room, and your preferred sonic signature is to experiment. The cable that works great for my rig may be terrible for you, & vice versa, you just never know.
However if you want to experiment with speaker cabling I highly recommend trying MIT. Not their cheapest and not their best, just go with what's good-yet-affordable for you. I love the MH750 Magnum series although it's now dated.
Bear in mind that some cabling takes quite a long time to settle in, so don't think your first impressions are necessarily valid and give them some time before you change to something else yet again. 30 days is a good starting point in that regard. Have fun!
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