The Horror


After getting  back home from “The Show” in Costa Mesa, California this past weekend, I walked over to my stereo system and turned it on. And silently wept. I had held out a feint hope that my cross-over modified 1.7i Maggies and mighty Parasound A21+, fed from a Prima Luna 300 tube preamplifier could somehow manage a slight shimmer of resemblance to the robust setups I witnessed at the SHOW. Not—- on— your —-life. Not even close. I slumped into my over-stuffed couch and stared long and hard at the thing I created: an anemic concoction of false hopes and wishful thinking. The horror, the truth: entry into serious audiophile listening begins with purchase of speakers that cost the price of the car I had to finance for 4 years, closely followed with the added expense of beefy sophisticated electronics and wiring, not a gaggle of cheap wanna-be plastic and tweeks. I so wanted to belong, but that’s turned out to be just a fever dream I’ve got to wake up from. Maybe one day, if ever I have the nerve to rob a bank, find Jimmy Hoffa, or survive a head-on collision from a sleepy Amazon driver, I might make it. Maybe. Feel free to play the violin with two fingers.

128x128audiodidact

Your system sounded great before you heard better. It hasn’t changed. There’s always something better out there, a better car, house, stereo. This does not in any way prevent you from appreciating what you DO have. 

This smells even more like a troll cave which upsets me mostly because too many a'goners will try to help out of genuine concern for the OP's post not realizing they are being kited around.

The OP has essentially tied the problem and solution together:  He didn't spend enough money.

Had the OP described his problem around music and it's reproduction there  would be many useful and affordable suggestions possible, but so long as he adheres to framing the question in terms of money spent then there is only one more solution: Spend more money. 

I'll leave you all here to enjoy the ... um, scenery of the OP's mindscape as much as you want.

@mapman

A recipe for sanity in this insane hobby. Thank you. And thank you to everybody for talking me off the ledge and helping me get through this reality check so that I can get back to the music. Even you, Eric. Thank you.

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@audiodidact

Seriously, start over with your room and your setup. Like many on this thread I’m sure, I hopped on to see if you had your system online and you do. Thanks, that helps those who want to be of help. The presence of photos also helps....and informs, so thanks for that as well.

 

That’s why I suggested that you work on setup and acoustical treatment. I was trying to be kind but the way you have your system setup in the small alcove just amplifies your potential for trouble preventing your system from performing to an appropriate standard for your enjoyment. Additionally, and I can’t speak for everyone...Maggies in your room as pictured may not be ideal. The challenge is you wont know until you begin the proper setup process. Sometimes the room dictates the compromise and sometimes the ideal optical system placement is at odds with the ideal acoustical setup for best sound.

 

Please take the wise advice offered by @tvad because you have some great gear. In fact, I would take almost any wager that in a few hours some of us could rearrange your setup, apply a few tasteful acoustical treatments and you wouldn’t believe how great your gear and room would sound. The only thing I know for certain is that it isnt your gear holding back what is possible, its your room and setup. If you absolutely have to have it set up in exactly the current configuration, Maggies may not be choice A for you. Since none of us know your room, all advice (including this post) is purely guesswork.

 

In summary, you presently have a fine system that is handcuffed by the way you have it set up and the absence of appropriate room treatments. Good luck!