2. misc-audio
  3. 160716-102314

$1500 to spend...

Current system:
Marantz SA-KI Ruby CD/DAC
Rega Brio-R
Wharfedale Diamond 10.7

Hi all, I’m looking to upgrade my system with $1500 burning a hole in my pocket and wondering what others think. After a lot of research I’ve come to 2 options:

1) Purchase new speakers: Wharfedale EVO 4.3

or

2) Purchase used integrated: Rega Elicit-R or Yamaha A-S2100

I love the sound of my system and my speakers but I’ve recently moved to new home with a smaller listening room and my Diamonds sound slightly boomy/thudy in the bass. The new room is 12’D and ~10’W. A wall on the left and an open space to the living room on the left. Which option do you think better solves for my issue and also provides a significant upgrade for the money?

Cheers and TIA
leemaze
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Once one identifies the sonic experience one is looking(hearing) for it is the combination of speaker and amplifier that will provide it.
leemaze OP
332 posts
 
Just to update here - I picked up Herbies gliders for my speakers and they changed the game.  Unbelievable how much they cleaned up my bloaty bass problem.  Also picked up a second-hand Rogue Sphinx and currently on the Tube merry-go-round.  Not sure if I like it better than the Brio-R.... We'll see.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Well, The gliders removed the drawback of the speakers, you liked the sound with the Brio, and now have a different amplifier to compare and with the option of tube rolling and provision of more power. Let us know the result, thanks.  
nordicnorm
313 posts
 
IMHO, your biggest bang for the buck upgrade would be room treatments.
leemaze OP
332 posts
 
Hi y’all just a quick update, my system has gone through some fun changes over the last 5 months:
In order - >

Herbie’s Gliders - significant soundstage and imaging improvement - kept constant for the last 5 months.

Rogue Sphinx v2 -> tried 4 sets of tubes, didn’t love anything - some fun moments but overall too much glare/grain with my speakers. And I couldn’t deal with the finicky nature of the tubes. Switched it out for a:

Yamaha A-S2100 -> *very* pretty, *very* detailed, a 3d soundstage approaching some of the tubes I tried. BUT lacking a bit of rhythm, a bit of engagement. So smooth and lush though. Was enjoying it but then came across a good deal on a:

Rega Elicit-R -> !!wow!! punchy, fun, engaging, exciting - brought the goosebump moments back. *slightest* grain and not as much detail compared with the Yamaha, so I tried a:

Synergistic Audio Orange Fuse in the Elicit-R, still breaking it in, but seems to have smoothed everything out. Going to swap in the old fuse for comparison this weekend.

Then I just added 2x Schumann Resonance Generators. - really increased the three-dimensionality and enveloping feel of the music. Very cool tweak.

So anyway - *really* loving the Elicit-R - just really satisfying to listen - really draws me into the music. Cheers all!!




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