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Starting Over and I need your help

The more I read…….the more I become confused!…..Do I simply need to start over with more carefully selected components?

I currently own a Musical Paradise MP 301 III, Bluesound Node 2i, Omega 7 speakers, and a Rotel RCD 06 SE CD player. To me, this system sounds underwhelming, especially when streaming. I use Apple Music as a source but I am open to switching to another. I only play CDs and stream and do not see myself incorporating vinyl into the mix. Musical tastes are jazz and acoustic. The room size is smallish home office. By the way, I also own a Parasound Zamp that I currently don’t use because I do not have a preamp……should I sell or keep that?

I am willing to sell it all, if needed, to get better sound.  If you were me, what would you change or keep? My total budget would be under $3000 and by buying some used I bet you guys can help me figure out what I should pursue within Audiogon to purchase.

Many thanks in advance for your expertise and opinions!

Andy

Raleigh NC

 

 

 

wavendon
travelinjack's avatar
travelinjack
169 posts
 

@simao is right, that 6.5 watts is not doing you any favors. A decent integrated amplifier like a Yamaha A-S701 or the Schiit separates or the Schiit integrated amplifier or similar that get you at least 100 good watts. A decent DAC and maybe a subwoofer.

wavendon OP
13 posts
 

All great advice, and I thank you. I am using my phone to access Apple Music, is this a weak link? I have just ordered a Schitt Modi dac per this thread’s opinion that the dac inside the Bluesound was not up to snuff. Baby steps I know but an improvement I hope !

Andy

treynolds155
184 posts
 

@wavendon 

Your Omega speakers are just fine and the Zamp is a fantastic little amp...I own both. If I were in your shoes the first thing I'd get is a subwoofer. A SVS SB-2000 Pro would be a great starting point to look. It will change the complete complexion of your system. No matter what you end up with, I think you'll benefit most from a sub!!!

Second thing I'd do is connect your Node 2i directly to the amp and see how it sounds. The Node can act as a preamp...even connecting a sub. 

If you're going in the right direction and want to continue (and you should), consider a Zpre which matches the Zamp. Another great option is a Schitt Saga+. They are both surprisingly good and you'd be hard pressed to hear a different between the two. 

To finish things off you could then upgrade your DAC and just use the Node as a streamer. Lots of fantastic low priced options out there. 

At this point you'd have a great sounding budget system and plenty of money left over for truly finishing touches like quality, but reasonably priced, cables and outboard power supplies. 

Best of luck....Tim

mahler123
3,258 posts
 

OP

 

  You have the closest thing to a consensus that you will ever find on one of these threads.  YOUR AMP SUCKS.  I all capped it because you don’t seem to be picking up on this.

  The DAC in the Node is decent.  I can vouch for it as a former owner.  It can be improved but you won’t notice the improvement until you get a different amp in there.  It’s like worrying about the power steering in the car when someone stole the engine block.

moofoo
290 posts
 

You also have Audio Advice in Raleigh. Many folks no longer have audio stores in their town. 

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