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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
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
Another suggestion. Move your listening seat forward in increments of 3-4 inches until the sound locks in. I think you are sitting too far away. Sit as close as you can until you lose the coherence of the drivers, then back up just a little. The closer you can sit, the more you remove the room from the equation. Ideally, I think you should be about 1 ft. closer to the speakers.

Shakey
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
Although I have a transport, digital transmission interface, and DAC; I hardly ever use them, I'm strictly computer. Let us know if a computer based system will suit you.
spaz
105 posts
 
In most real world conditions obtaining a world class room is out".Every great sounding system I heard over the past 25 years had this going for them "a decent room"I know in my room over the last 8 years I've tried 4 different amps,5 different speakers,5 preamps,6 cd players,all kinds of wire,all with similar outcomes.yea some sound much better then the other and so on,but it's still ain't right.One of the biggest changes is when I put in treatments.3 days ago I did an experiment .I took out almost all my treatments and tried to listen.My session lasted about 1 hour before I couldn't take it.So I put the treatments back in and it sounded much better.Is it still right, NO..My room stinks..But with treatments and a good room everything else is a lot easier.If anyone disagrees with this you haven't heard a OK system in a great room..
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
That's a beautiful room and system Spaz. I have a hard time beliving it "stinks".....

Shakey
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,504 posts
 
Ok Spaz I will bite. I have heard a great system in an untreated room. I have heard a great system in a room treated with very little. I have heard very expensive systems in treated rooms that I hated. I threw out 80% of my room treatments and my system was great. Go figure?

It depends on the room..........that you happen to be in and the furniture you have and the speaker placement you have and that is the truth of the matter. I least I think so.
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