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Seeking advice on how to improve my system

After many years of just enjoying music, I have gotten the bug to improve the system after I upgraded my CDP to the Sony XA 5400ES. The rest of the system is a Conrad Johnson Premier 14 preamp, Mark Levinson ML 331 100 W/ch amp., Thiel 3.6 speakers, Kimber Kable Siver Streak from CDP to preamp, Kimber PBJ from preamp to amp (10 foot run), and Kimber 8TC speaker cables. Room is 14 ft by 19 ft with 9.5 ft ceilings, hardwood floor with a 12 by 9 wool area rug. A fabric upholstered sofa on one wall helps absorb the side wall reflections. Speakers are on the short wall, 3 ft from the side and 2.5 feet from the back wall.

What are the weak points in the system that I should attend to? If I should change an item or add an item what should it be? I am not ready for a complete system replacement right now. Looking for advice from those with more experience in systems to get the best possible sound.
st01
ts0711
91 posts
 
Replace all the Kimber with Crimson Music Link. It will knock you over. If the Sony is your only source you could also consider getting rid of the CJ and replacing it with a good passive. The CJ is a good preamp, and I owned the same model for years, but it's very dark and overly tubie.
ts0711
91 posts
 
Sorry I didnt read about the treble energy. A cheap fix considering the wood floors would be Herbie's Big Fat Dots under the speakers and then a nice throw rug (not so cheap).
cathode
72 posts
 
Power regenerators *MAY* dramatically improve your sources and pre, depending on how bad your AC quality is. None will be able to handle the Levinson amp. You could definitely consider an AC filter for it though (try before you buy!).

Dedicated AC lines are great, but you have to be willing to rip up your walls.

The Thiels are excellent speakers, but I bet you could improve them with a few crossover modifications. Not changing topologies, just part for part component swaps. Made a very big difference in my speakers. Of course, this assumes you (or a technician) can access the crossovers.

Acoustical treatment can yield very satisfying price/performance benefits, possibly the best. Many commercial options out there and they are very easy to DIY.
missioncoonery
1,223 posts
 
IMO, if we are just looking at the components and not at setup or treatment I would dump that Sony 5400 followed by the Theils
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