2. amps-preamps
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Suggestions for my system

Hi all - Looking for some suggestions on my system.  So right now I listen near field (just about 6 feet from the speakers) in a small room, around 13x11 feet.  I have a Rega Elicit-R amp with a Rega Saturn-R cd player, and a Rega Planar 8 and Aria for my analog front end.  Harbeth C7ES3's for speakers.  I primarily listen to classic Jazz and orchestral music through my setup.  My main goals in hifi are an expansive soundstage in width and depth, and holography.  My system right now is great, Rega has all the PRAT and is energetic to listen to however I feel like it's not the last word in lifelike representation.  I'm curious to try tube amps or different monitors as home demos to see if I can gain anything and was looking for some opinions on what I should seek out.  The loudest I listen is around 90db with peaks sometimes at 95 but no more.  Also, would like to stay integrated and not separates.  Thanks very much


My setup:
Rega Elicit-R
Rega Saturn-R
Rega Planar 8 with Hana SL
Rega Aria
Shunyata Denali, Alpha power cords
Teo interconnects
mikecorwin
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Listening now to the Bernstein/Mahler remaster and it sounds magnificent. Accurate tonal qualities, wide dynamic range, and an amazing amount of depth to the stage.

If you like the Naim sound from your amp, consider changing to a tube preamp. You should do an audition since you're looking for particular characteristics most importantly soundstaging.

lak's avatar
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lak
4,642 posts
 
I know this is not the answer you are looking for however out of curiosity I was wondering if you are using one or more dedicated 20 amp circuits and higher quality duplex outlets as in audiophile quality?
I assume the answer is yes but I wanted to know for sure.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
mikecorwin, What you are is unhappy with your speakers. Everything else is just fine although you might try getting a good tube phono amp like a used ARC PH-3 SE. In a room like that you should put a 4 X 4 square pattern of foam acoustic tiles  on the front wall centered on the speakers.
Get a pair of LS3 5As on stands and a JL Audio F112 sub to start. You might add a second down the line. 
mikecorwin OP
25 posts
 
@lak I have a dedicated 20 amp circuit feeding my audio system with a hospital grade outlet which then goes to my Shunyata Denali.  @mijostyn I had P3's on loan here and had KEF LS50's as well which while they were both awesome speakers I still feel the C7's add more body and flesh out instruments and voices better.  I heard the Grahams take on the LS3's and wasn't really taken with them, felt the P3's were more exciting.  
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
The LS3 5A is a very neutral loudspeaker and it is shy in the bass which is why I always recommend a subwoofer with them. Other speakers with more bass or hotter treble in a store situation will seem better at first. Set up correctly with a subwoofer the LS3 5A will give you everything you asked for. The only way to get more detail and a better image is to go to planar magnetic s and finally ESLs. Unfortunately your room is to small for that. 
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