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Seeking help finding the weak link(s) in my system and offering suggestions please.

Hi! I recently paid a visit to a local audio salon and listened to a system that was so good I was "moved". However, I could never afford the price of entry to realize this kind of sound reproduction. I have spent the last couple of years assembling a system I could afford, focusing on components I felt were the best bang for the buck. I'm not trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, however with your help I am hoping to find where I may have a weak link or two. My budget makes this a challenge as I have only about 1K to invest. Thank you to all those in advance for your suggestions, my system is listed below. One more item, about 90% of my listening is Qobuz streaming.

System:
Dedicated/Isolated 20Amp AC source with PS Audio outlet.
Furman AC power conditioning.
Nordost Magus Power cords for source equipment and Kimber PK10 for Amp.
Ethernet cables all CAT7.
Kimber Silver Streak both balanced and SE throughout.
Speaker cables are Blue-Jeans 10AWG White - two 15' pair.
USB cable from PC to streamer is Audio Adviser Pangea SE 2 meter.
Canare/Have digital 1.5M coax from transport to Streamer.
Krell Vanguard Integrated Amp.
Cambridge Audio AZURE 851N Streamer/DAC.
Sonus Faber Electa monitors.
Sunfire HRS series subwoofer.
Sony SCD2000ES Transport/SACD player.
Luxman T117 Tuner (Best sounding component)?

Again, I appreciate your kind assistance, I am really looking forward to responses!

GRM

grm
grm OP
149 posts
 
Dear Almarg9, thank you for taking the time to research my components - most appreciated! Interesting observation and one that is completely true. Yes, most of my listening is through the Cambridge via Balanced connection to the Krell, where a to achieve a near Live sound volume, the Krell is at approximately 25% output level, (based on the volume setting), where the Luxman Tuner being single ended, the output volume setting needs to be set higher for similar output. The Krell has a "Trim" setting where you can somehow adjust each input, both Balanced and SE, to produce the same output regardless of input, I have never used this feature but will look into adjusting the Balanced signal to match. I will also try the SE outputs of the Cambridge and note the difference. SNAPSC, The Sony is connected directly via Digital Coax to my Cambridge Streamer/Dac and makes for a great transport as it holds 5 disks. The only exception is when I listen to the rare SACD, then I use it's line level outputs. What DAC's might you suggest that you know will outperform the Cambridge?

I thank you both for your kind assistance!
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,496 posts
 
If it were I, I would pass on the Synergistic snake oil and stick to more mainstream equipment.  
grm OP
149 posts
 
I'm very interested in learning more about DSP Room Correction. Does anyone have experience with this and where do you start?

Thanks!
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Two components I see that are reducing the overall resolution:

Krell Vanguard Integrated.  This is an excellent integrated, but the newer Krell amplifiers are very smooth and really smooth over the high frequencies.

Blue-Jeans 10AWG White.  This is basically the Beldon 5T00UP cable.  It's low grade copper.  I have actually had this in my system and it sounded very low res and did not have the high frequency resolution and transparency.  Kind of like lo-fidelity product.  A basic 12 awg stranded Monster cable did SIGNIFICANTLY better.

These two combined with the Sonus Faber, which are absolutely excellent sounding, but do not have as much high frequency extension and resolution as other speakers, means that the system is not going to be as transparent as you would like it to be.
grm OP
149 posts
 
Thanks auxinput1 for the candid feedback. I need (for my budget) to make the Krell and Sonus Faber's to work. I really like the Krell's ability to maintain a vise-grip lock on my speakers and go to near live volume levels without breaking a sweat - very powerful. The Sonus Fabers are not only beautiful pieces of craftsmanship but I also feel they match well with the Krell. Lastly, I agree the Blue-Jeans cables may be a limiting factor, on paper and as measured, they seem good, but measurements do not necessarily equate to good sound. The problem I am having is for my set-up I require two 15' runs of cable, and the top shelf hooch for cables of this length are stratospheric in terms of cost unless someone knows of a sub 1K cable that would fit the bill. 

Thank you! 
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