Weakest link in my system


Just as the title states.  What would you say the weakest link in my system is.  System includes. B&W Matrix 800 speakers.   Audio Research Ref 750s mono amps.  Audio Research Ref 6 SE pre amp. Audio Research Ref 9 cdp. McIntosh MQ 112 equalizer. Straight Wire Crescendo speaker cables tri wired. Straight wire Crescendo XLR Interconnects. 

tattooedtrackman

Streaming far better then CDs when setup properly without allthe hassles 

and 1,000s of. More choices at your finger tips.

I am 65 now but have been streaming for 4 years now ,once you get past the expense and learning curve it’s easy .

IMO, the weakest link in your system is not your speakers but the source.  While AR makes very good components, the CDP and the preamp are IMO above average but not my cup of tea. In our recent experience with a REF 10 preamp, it displayed a pretty good mid-range but lacked to our ears high end refinement.  Base was nice but overall not that special compared to other components we were repairing.  BUT then again if that is the sound you are looking for, then be happy with what you have.  We do not find the AR components that open sounding, they lack 3D soundstage, smaller sound presentation, and do not provide the tone of instruments to our liking.

We are not saying that they are bad, but we have found other manufacturer components better sounding to our ears that WE prefer.  You may feel completely satisfied and that is what really matters.

 

@tattooedtrackman 

Just an observation.  You asked the group to suggest what your weakest link in your system was and all you have done is to defend your system. 
 

BTW, You have a killer system!

The only thing I see there is trying to optimize speaker/room(damping/diffusion) and using the "best" recording of music available. 

After that, it's just spending money on audiophool extravagance-not that there's anything wrong with that.

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OP,

Your rig seems excellent, not sure I see much there.....especially since you updated us on your power updates. I do have two recommendations if you have not done them:

(1) Use high quality power receptacles. These made more of a difference than any power cable upgrade I made, and I have thoroughly tested a bunch and can recommend three: Furutech GTX-D(G) gold, Furutech GTX-D(R) rhodium, and Oyaide R1 (Not the SWX-??? series). The Furutech rhodium is more revealing and forward of neutral, while the gold is more laid back and warm of neutral.

(2) Look at GIK Acoustics for room treatment. They have really attractive diffusers and absorption panels, that will fit most rooms....and in my case, meet my wife's approval. Mike Major was a great help, and helped with free with using their free analyzing software and design.