All, thank you for the comments.
@stereo5 That question cuts deep! I do like the C2500, 85% of the time. On most of the music I listen to, it is a pretty full sound, so to speak. I often wondered if I was missing out on some lower end energy and details in other ranges.
I do have a REL sub, which is blended quite well into the overall presentation/soundstage, but I often think I’m missing some 200hz and below or it’s getting sucked out of the source material. I’ve sent the room response curves off to GIK, which they provided room analysis on a different room and recommendations for treatment. I used the same panels, in the same locations. GIK didn’t identify anything that could be treated, as the room responded ideally to the current panel setup.
I’ve made adjustments to the DEQX, with a little bit of success. In all, actually, there’s nothing wrong with the C2500 and I have nothing but positives to share regarding it. If anything, it’s me tricking myself into believing I’m missing something. That, and like many in this industry as a hobbyist, we like to fiddle, tinker and experience our music in new ways.
From a listening perspective, I’ve always gravitated towards less colorization, give it to me as it was recorded. I prefer to hear all the details.
@unsound
I did pull the C2500 out of the chain, along with my Direct Stream Jr. The DEQX DAC, not bad at all, but it’s a little too digital sounding, to my ears. I also believe I failed to mention I use the DSJ as my DAC. I also got out of the vinyl game about a year ago, so I have no requirement for a phono stage.