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Is it me? Will I ever be satisfied?

As we have become empty nesters, we put together or are putting together a nice dedicated two channel system consisting of B&W 804 D3, Levinson No. 333 ( this is an older amp 20+ years old), McIntosh C22 (just purchased) in which I have already upgraded the tubes, Linn Lp12 TT, Blue Sound for streaming.  I am using Transparent balanced cables and Transparent speaker cables - not sure of the exact model, but all Transparent cables are close to 20 years old as well.

My questions, while I think the system sounds good - even really good.  I don't think it sounds great.  I recently purchased the C22 to be used with the No. 333 which I replaced a McIntosh MA252, which i really like and use in another system, it didn't have enough power.  My room is our garage which we converted to a playroom years ago.  It is approximately 25' and 20' wide.  We sit about 12' from the speakers which are at one end of the room .. While I realize that this hobby or lifestyle can be never ending....  I am considering upgrading the cables next and last but not least, add a new Amp, McIntosh MC462 or MC312.

Wanted to get some feedback, thoughts, in site, advice what you experience, am I missing anything?  Thanks

goducks44
stuartk
3,510 posts
 

 Hopefully, more experienced forum members will respond but perhaps I can start the ball rolling.

First of all, do you have an idea of how the room might be affecting the sound?Having a dedicated space is a real advantage. It would be a shame to waste this resource by neglecting to optimize it. Why make things harder for yourself than necessary? 

 Buying gear before evaluating and if necessary, treating the room, would not in my opinion, constitute a wise approach.

Secondly, there is the issue of knowing what you are aiming for, sound-wise. If you cannot define this, you cannot know what to keep and what to possibly replace. And it will be very difficult for anyone here to help.

If it seems I am merely stating the obvious, I apologize for not being more helpful

 If you have, in fact, clarified the two issues I've raised, it's not evident to me based upon your initial post. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

avanti1960
1,602 posts
 

It can be a rabbit hole for sure but if your system does not sound great I would hold off on buying anything else until you research and experiment as to why specifically it doesn't.  

electronics, tubes, speakers and cartridges take many hours to reach full potential.  

older electronics may need to be checked for their major components to be in spec- especially power section capacitors.  

a live room can cause fatigue as can improperly positioned speakers.  

how is your phono cartridge and phono preamp ?  this is an area that usually has a lot of potential for growth including adjustments and proper cables.   

make sure your system is fully mature, in spec and optimized in your room and then make some evaluations.  

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,033 posts
 

What is it that you are not happy with? You should make a list of what it is that you think needs improvement. Is the room carpeted, drywall, ceiling tiles, what furniture, etc...

Additionally, how far apart are the speakers? You say you are 12 feet away.....you should be equa distant from the speakers as they are apart.....equilateral triangle. Are speakers toed in at all? Makes a big difference....are they on stands or floor standing? What kind of music? Do they sound good or great with just some genres? Are you using any kind of power conditioning?  So many questions that need to be answered before you throw money at it.

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