2. amps-preamps
  3. 161642-153344

Is it my amp or my speakers?

I've been dissatisfied with my system of late--wanting a little more brightness and color--and can't decide if it's the amp or the speakers, or both. Here's the set-up:
  • Krell KAV-300i integrated
  • Cyrus CD-T
  • Schiit Gungnir DAC
  • Tekton Lore speakers
The Krell was a hand-me-down (!); everything else was purchased new. The amp had some overpriced work done to it a few years back and I'm wondering if the workmanship is starting to show, or possibly its age (~25 years, I'm guessing). Or, are the amp and speakers mismatched?I can afford to invest about $3K in the system, but am unsure where best to put it.Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated.
danto
danto OP
7 posts
 
Thanks all for the v. insightful analysis. Got what I had hoped for from the community. Majority verdict: the speakers. I like the Tekton business model, but the array of speakers is way overwhelming (there were many fewer options when I purchased mine, 8-1/2 years ago). Back to the endless task that is research! Thanks to @smrex13 for the very good suggestion of "Places like Crutchfield and Music Direct have trial periods that will allow you to hear the speakers at home with your system. "
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
New speaker time

Add Audio Advisor to that list; some independent B&W shops also allow for at home auditions (e.g. Audio Connection NJ).
erik_squires
16,118 posts
 
These speakers will sound best when you are on the woofer axis.  If you are far above it you'll lose quite a bit of treble.

Assuming your seat/speaker are aligned if you still have issues,sit 2’ from the speakers. If they still sound colorless, it’s the speaker, otherwise it’s the room. :)
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Its not that hard. Your budget is $3k. The choice is clear. https://www.tektondesign.com/double-impact.html
danto OP
7 posts
 
@millercarbon the reviews on those are great, but, man, 118#! and 54" high! there is the wife factor to consider...
More to discover