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

I have began having experiences of Steamer Sources over the past few years, where attempts are being made to discover a Source in that is Parity in comparison to both CD and Vinyl.

By Parity I mean, where the experience had, has left myself feeling their is another Source with capabilities that will make it as attractive as a Source as the CD and Vinyl that it is being compared to.

To date I have not had a Steamer in use in my home system, I have heard them initially, up to a Value of £6K, in use in quite expensive Systems I was not unfamiliar with.

As time has gone by, I have kept the interest alive and the later periods of receiving demo's, has been where Demo'd Streamers, especially with a £7K Linn Model in use, along with lesser Value Loaned Streamers, used on a System that has required quite a significant spend to create. This system is one I am quite familiar with, where the System in use with a selection of Sources, either the resident one, or loaned to the System is a very very impressive end sound experience when certain Sources are in use.

Keeping the focus on the Streamer as a Source, I am yet to encounter a experience where I perceive the Streamer as a Source, is Parity to CD or Vinyl.

Keeping the focus on the Streamer as a Source, I have discovered Streamers that I do believe are worthy of a sitting with my CD and Vinyl as a Source, but to be exploited for the convenience the device brings to the table, immediate music replays from numerous Genre, of which many encounters of music are likely to be New and where many encounters will prove to be very enjoyable.

I personally, when having a Streamer in place as a Source, will not spend any energy trying to attain Parity in the impression made in comparison to the other Sources, I will learn as much as I can about making the experience as easy and convenient as can be achieved.

From experiences had to date, I will strongly suggest, to try and get a Streamer as a Source to present an end sound that has Parity with the already in use Sources, will be as much a waste of effort, as attempting to get the use of CD and Vinyl to be as convenient as having the Streamer Device at hand.

The OP will do well to stick close to CD when parting with $3K for the main Source and Supporting Devices. Best to retain the present Streamer Option and Postpone Spending. Only to invest in Streamed Data as a medium, if this is something wanted to be kept at hand and improvement sought at a later time.     

Hey, do we know the specifics of his meaning of "underwhelming". Most popular speaker brands are underwhelming. At reasonable prices, Klipsch Heritage, Volti, Daedalus, Tekton JBL and another handful are the brands that come to mind when you want to experience "overwhelming". To my ears, most other brands are bland and lifeless, but attract listeners for other characteristics. Those listeners who own my mentioned brands know those qualities I am speaking about. My best, MrD.

Muddy sound during streaming, ok while playing cds

just got Tidal account but am out of town so have not heard it on my system 

I believe the Tidal subscription will improve your streaming over the Apple Airplay. 

I use streaming for background music and discovery of new music. Once found I purchase the CD. Therefore my recommendations of 6/20.

Again, good luck on your quest.