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Where Do I Go from Here?

As I neared my 75th birthday, I decided that it was time for my “end game” audio system. Thus, for the past 2-1/2 years, I have slowly and carefully upgraded my sources, my amplification, and my cabling – with very pleasing results. At this time, I have:

Digital – Bricasti M19 SACD transport and M21 DAC; Shunyata Sigma V2 Ethernet and DH Labs Air Matrix Cryo analog interconnect cables.

Analog – Technics SL-1200G turntable w/Ortofon headshell; Hana SL cartridge; Cardas Clear Cygnus phono cable; PS Audio Stellar phono amplifier; Wireworld Eclipse 8 interconnect cables.

Amplification – Theta Digital Casablanca V preamplifier; McIntosh MC611 mono amplifiers (L, C, & R); Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables and Eclipse 8 analog interconnects.

Currently, I own Revel Ultima Studio (L & R) and Voice (center) loudspeakers as well as two SVS SB-16 subwoofers. I purchased all three Revel speakers in 2004, and they have served me well for the past 20 years. Except when listening to multi-channel SACD for watching Blu-ray concerts, I only use my main left and right speakers. My media room has four walls and a door; its size is around 6,000 cubic feet.

What I have been wrestling with is whether, given my other equipment (which I have no intent on replacing), I should buy new speakers and, if so, which should I consider. Recently, for example, I listened to a pair of Rockport’s Avior IIs, albeit using source components and amplifiers different than mine. They seemed perhaps better in some regards, but not so much so as to make a compelling case to purchase them as an upgrade. Another friend, who just acquired his PS Audio FR30 speakers, is urging me to consider buying a pair of the FR30s.

There certainly are numerous speaker lines out there. Consequently, I decided to post my “dilemma” here and invite others to provide their suggestions (ideally with their reasoning). My absolute top budget is $50K. However, this purchase would be funded by my retirement savings, and I certainly would prefer spending less. Also, maybe the better course is to keep my Revels and be happy and content with what I already have.

Many thanks for your reading this entire posting.

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curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,678 posts
 

I’m planning a drive to Colorado to check out the PS Audio speakers. I’d like to get the FR30’s, but I might have to get the 20’s, because my room isn’t all that big.

I’ll let you know what I end up with and why.

hoosierinohio
162 posts
 

You can't have too many speakers.  I would take $10k of your money and use it just for you journey.  Go and listen to as much and many as you possibly can.  I believe I currently have somewhere around 10 pairs of different speakers.  They all have their own voice.  A few years ago I was visiting my son in San Diego and my wife and son humored me and allowed me to visit a stereo store.  They had a room with a million dollar system set up.  It sounded really nice, but it didn't curl my toes.  They also had some speakers that were in the $10-$20k range.  Total toe curlers.  We all have unique ears.  Take the time and find a toe curler. 

mark200mph
172 posts
 

Plus 1 for the several different speakers it's like a choir many can be interesting.enjoy the trip and search I have met many wounderful people along the way going across  America picking up speakers over the past year from coast to coast.some of it is just part of an adventure.enjoy the music stay healthy. The fr 30s are heavy but I think they ps audio have people to help set up in home.i too hope to go to boulder soon.

zlone
652 posts
 

I agree with others that attending an audio show or two will be time and money well spent. Hearing other gear will give you perspective and also help you rule out some options. I attended AXPONA this year primarily to hear a broad array of speaker systems and it was very helpful. Three brands stood out for me: QLN, YG Acoustics and the Rockport Aviors. Granted that speakers are not always shown under ideal conditions at the shows, but it will help you narrow the field. 

deep_333
1,357 posts
 

As I neared my 75th birthday, I decided that it was time for my “end game” audio system.

.......

Currently, I own Revel Ultima Studio (L & R) and Voice (center) loudspeakers as well as two SVS SB-16 subwoofers.

At your advanced age of 75, you should probably give more money to your grandson for a house down payment, his audio rig, etc and not spend all your cash on yourself.

Having said that, explore object based audio/atmos/360 reality before mother nature fully retires you. You have only been tinkering with a fossilized old technology called stereo for 60 years. Hence, get a pair of the Revel Gem2 standmounts and set them as Surrounds. Get a pair of their in-wall speakers and put them right above your listening position on either side as heights. 2 Surrounds and 2 heights is all you need.

Thereafter, get a good atmos processor such as the Marantz AV10. There is a sizeable/increasing catalog of atmos mixes (artists) these days.

 

 

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