I would first try some tube rolling in the integrated. You can completely change the sound of an amplifier by experimenting with different tube combinations.
Yes, another audiophile at a crossroads story and request for advice
I find as I’m rapidly approaching retirement that 2 competing thoughts about enjoying music after i retire. First, Im really looking forward to having the time to relax and listen to music any day of the week (not just the weekend now). Second, I don’t expect to be continue any significant investment in equipment upgrades post bringing home a paycheck.
My current system consists of a 30+ year old Linn LP12 with Linn cartridge and Vincent PHO-701 tube phono pre-amp. I only listen to analog when i want to enjoy an album i bought in the 60’s - 80’s.
90+% of my listening is streaming Tidal using Roon via Roon Nucleus, Lumin D2 as a streamer only, feeding a RME ADI-2-FS DAC.
i still enjoy my CD collection (9% of my listening) and still purchase CDs) on a Primaluna tube CD player.
All these are connected to a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated amp with original primaluna tubes from Upscale Audio. My speakers are the original Joseph Audio Perspectives (not the graphene version).
Power and interconnect cables are mid-level grade and power management via Niagara 1200.
i listen mostly to instrumental jazz.
This system is enjoyable, but I’m missing the last elements of sound details that reproduce an accurate organic sense of hearing guitar strings being plucked or picked, drum sticks hitting/tapping membranes or brass cymbals, the sound of a string base wood cavity vibrate. Hopefully that describes what im looking for. I do not like hyper/etched detail especially in the upper frequencies.
I will add that the Primaluna CD player is the most enjoyable source of the 3 I currently. Oh, and i also want to simplify my system.
So, if you come with me this far to the intersection, heres what im debating. Should i chunk the integrated and Perspectives and invest in a top notch set of headphones (like the Focal Clear MG) and dedicated headphone amp? In other words go to a headphone system. Or should i go the route of chucking all but the Perspectives and the Nucleus and invest in a high quality Roon approved integrated amp with built in DAC/Streamer?
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@paradisecom thank you, but i have been experimenting for several years and feel like its growing time to fish or cut bait. |
@mahler123 ....My sympathies to you about the funk of flunk.... But, you're in good and still growing company, although some will be or are loathe to testify they've been robbed.... Age doth have some privileges', but this ain't one of them.😒 The 'bright side' of this 'lp' is the excuse to wear a set of semi-custom earpieces entirely throughout your day playing whatever soundtrack you wish to have for your daily 'movie'....(channeling Dire Straits' 'Roller Girl'....but please, don't dress for that role... many just will not understand...) ...although, personally, the occasional 'break move' with a shopping cart in the F. Astaire mode can be fun...;)
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It sounds like you have done your homework on the DAC and it is to your liking. I will disagree with your technical support person regarding the digital cable. While not a solution to all of your problems, I highly recommend you do some research and try going up the chain a bit there. My system improved when I upgraded this cable. One follow up question, when you listen to jazz on your vinyl setup, do you hear more of the sound you are looking for? |
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