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Frustrated with the sound of my system

Here is my system:
Rotel RCD-965BX CD Player as transport
MSB Link 2 DAC
Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 Signature preamp
Classe 10 amplifier
North Creek Audio Borealis speakers (Custom built kit speaker...something close to a Proac Response 2.5 design)
M&K V-75 sub
Kimber and Cardas interconnects
Kimber 4TC/8TC bi-wire speaker cables.

Here is my frustration:
The sound, regardless of music, sounds stringent, hard, really lacks air, and is anything but relaxed. It is fatigueing. I can listen to my Grado 60 headphones on an iPod and the sound is frustratingly more relaxed and has what I would call air.

I don't think that my system is that outstanding, but it really seems like I should be more pleased with what I am hearing.

I would be interested in your thoughts on where the most likely opportunity is. I really like the individual components of the system (OK the Rotel/MSB set up is old and just OK), but all together they seem to be underwhelming. I am thinking it is either in improving the digital front end (new player or DAC) or moving to a planar speaker to get the sound I desire. I have thought about new player like an OPPO 93 or 95, perhaps a tube based player or DAC, or else looking at something like a used pair of Maggie 12's or 1.6's. I have always enjoyed the Maggie sound.

In either case I am thinking that $2k is the absolute max I would want to spend on any solution. Thanks in advance. If there are other questions I would be glad to supply details.
stuartbmw3
plato
1,543 posts
 
Sounds like you may have poor room acoustics. Any system will sound bad in a room with poor acoustics. You could either put the system in a better room or try to work with the room you have by installing sound absorbing panels at the primary reflection points. If you still can't get no satisfaction then perhaps electronic equalization would be worth a try. Even Magnepans will sound bad in a bad room.

Best of luck to you.

Frank
kiwi2
19 posts
 
Tell us a bit about your room and how you have gone about placing the speakers in it. Have you measured the speaker's response in the room in any way?
manitunc
795 posts
 
Switch to vinyl and your troubles will go away. Your description is exactly how I hear CDs. I would also be suspect of your kit speaker and would try to borrow something else just to see if that is an issue.
chayro
2,932 posts
 
You need to hook up with someone who knows a lot about audio to help walk you through this. A person who knows your sonic goals and can help you reach them. I know this may sound vague or simplistic, but until you find this person, you will wander through the forest of hifi perhaps never being satified. This person could be a dealer or a local audiophile with a system you like who has been through the maze and finally got to the other side. Check out local audio groups and try to get some good advice. Be warned - it's not easy and it's often more expensive than you initially thought. Best of luck.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 
Stuartbmw3,
You can get superb sound from quality digital components without question. Digital or analogue systems run the spectrum from poor to sublime.
I`ve heard more than my share of bright,analytical and amusical analogue setups(believe me).

If possible audition different digital components(the front end) I`m confident you will find some that will 'substantially' improve your sound, just be patient and methodical.
Regards,
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