Consider deep panels in colors to match your wall paint next to the speaker on the right.
Personally I'd go with a Furman for power conditioning, a little in room acoustics, and the rest on the streamer.
Upgrade decision, power conditioner or music server
I am an old audiophile starting my journey in the 70s. I have been a member since 2010 but this is my first post and ask. However, I have enjoyed your back and fourth for years in the weekly review email and I learned from the experience. I recently changed some of my account parameters and for some reason my account says member from '23. I am currently building my end-game system within my economic means for retirement., Most of the system was purchased pre-owned.
The room and shelving look worst than they are. A photo is in the virtual systems tab. The living room is 20'x12'X8' and vents to the left to a 12'X14'X8' L-shaped dining room and to the right to hall and stair case to the second floor. I listen on the width about 7' from the speakers. Frequency response if fairly flat and standing wave reinforcements or cancellations are not evident due to venting. The WAF set-up is mitigated by diligent vibration control tools. Besides my room and WAF shelving in a wall unit, which cannot change, I see the weakest links in my system as my power conditioners and music server. The budget is $3K plus anything for trade in which will only be about $400 or less for conditioning or $900 for the server. I can only do one or the other.
I am looking for assistance in determining the greatest benefit/investment ratio. For conditioning upgrades I am looking at a preowned Shunyata Denali or Audience AR T3. For a server upgrade, I am looking at the Aurender N10. My system is listed below and described on the virtual systems tab. If you see another weak link that you feel better to upgrade than conditioning or the server, let me know. I look forward to any assistance from the community in making this decision.
Vivid Audio Giya G3 Series 1 Speakers, Krell KSA 300s Amplifier, Krell KRC HR Preamplifier, with KPE Phono Board, VPI TNT 3.0 Turntable upgraded with current platter/bearing, JM Memorial 12.5 Tone Arm, Benz Micro Ruby Cartridge with SoundSmity Boron Cantilever and Tip, Audiolab 8000T Tuner, Wired 4 Sound 10th Anniversary DAC, Aurender N100H Server, Shunyata Hydra 6 Conditioner (Pre and Power Amp), Audience AR2 Conditioner (Digital), WyWires Platinum Power Cords, Interconnects, and USB Cable, Audio Art Statement Bi-Wire Speaker Cable.
Look forward to your comments. Yes, you can have your fun grilling me on the WAF setup. I know it is bad. Perhaps when my wife retires and if we decide to move out of NY with its insane taxes, real estate cost, and general COL, I will get to have a room designed for my system. Look forward to your assistance.
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@jsalerno277 In case you’re not aware, the Aurender N10 is pretty much discontinued at this point. There are a few sources online that discuss how the newer Aurender N200 is sonically better than the N10, despite its retail price being $2K less than the N10. Should you want to discuss in detail, feel free to PM me as I’m an authorized Aurender dealer and I’ll be happy to help. |
OP, My hat is off to you. I am an old guy also and there is no way I would be changing albums on that beautiful turntable in a place that low and recessed. I would be seeing the chiropractor after each record change.
As to your question. Each choice will likely give you a sonic improvement. However I think you will get the largest by moving up the Aurender line. The N10 is a great sounding streamer… each step up makes a significant difference. I think there could be a lot of discussion on whether the N200 or N10. I own a N100 and W20SE and heard the N10. I would go with the Denali. Likely to give you a sonic improvement as well.
Personally I would devote a significant budget for gifts to the wife to get her to give you the wall for your system. Could be the best $10K you ever spent. Fortunately my partner is into home theater. So I was able to buy her some really expensive component, and then she really could not complain when I wanted to buy something. Flexibility can normally be purchased. |
GDHPRENTICE Changing albums is a challenge. My wife only hears noise. At least my son understands and comments on clarity approaching reality. System setup is non negotiable no matter what expense is invested on her , unless in retirement we move out of the NYC suburbs to a more retirement friendly state and I get a dedicated room. N200 new would be over budget than preowned N10. It is published to out perform the N10. I really enjoyed your response. |
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