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Suggestions on improvement

 I'm 78 with age related  hearing decline.My current system which I do enjoy is comprised of a  Marantz CD cd 60006,Technics integrated SUG700,Canton stand mounted 9k reference speakers, and  two SVS SB1000 pro subs, Subs interconnects are SVS. Stand mounted are connected by marker cables on upper frequencies and monster cables Powerline 2 for mids and bass. 

Speakers are placed 8 ft apart the listening position is also 8 ft.The  room is untouchable,that is to say wife has fixed my location,hey no smirks, I know where my beard is buttered.The room has vaulted ceiling 14 ft(at sitting position),has one open sidewall,another is 3 ft behinds the speakers and is covered in  floor to ceiling drapes on a 9 ft wall,the third wall on one side is all glass (glass door and full length window next to it ) the final wall behind the sitting position has glass covered photos and prints.On The sides of each speaker are over stuffed chairs with a couch facing the speakers.Hanging plants are in all corners.The room has wall to wall carpeting. For domestic tranquility I can only subtract components so bass traps and alike are verboten. I listen Stones, Beatles, Who,female solos, symphonies,and jazz(sax oriented).

Are there any cheap tweeks to improve current system given the above, max budget $1000.However if can improve my sound by selling off apiece of gear and adding that revenue I'd do it, just don't know what I'd get off the sale. 

scott22
mahler123
3,278 posts
 

For $1000 or less I would suggest Room Correction technology.  Basically these are computers in little boxes that look like audio components.  All the digital components-in your case that might just be the CD player-connect.  They come with a little microphone.  You will need either a computer or a mobile device to do the setup.  It takes about an hour.  You can generate different settings depending on what sounds best to you.  It analyzes the individual characteristics of your room and adjust accordingly.  It may perhaps help a little with the hearing loss.

  The technology is usually bundled into AV Receivers, so if you are looking to replace your integrated for any other reason you can go that route, or it can be purchased as a stand alone.  The two competing companies that I have used are Anthem ARC (as part of an Anthem AVR) and Dirac, which I have as a free standing box that cost around $300 a few years ago.  The Anthem was a bit easier to set up, but it has been a few years and since software gets updated frequently that may no longer be the case.

jetter
3,033 posts
 

If you decide to purchase a Schiit tone control, I recommend that you spend the extra $150 and purchase the 6 band Lokius for a whopping total of $300, versus the 4 band Loki.  The extra control is worth it.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce
169 posts
 

Another thought… you didn’t mention streaming. If you are currently not streaming, I highly recommend it… access to the entire world of music… and great sound, all from your couch.
You would need a lower end DAC (Topping or others) a streamer and Qobuz or Tidal. For streamer, I would recommend a Bluesound Node… fantastic price performer, both DAC + streamer within your budget. 
The better DAC would significantly improve your Marantz CD sound & support the ability to add quality streaming within your budget. With quality streaming, you may never listen to CD’s again.  

lak's avatar
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lak
4,598 posts
 

 The OP said: "I'm 78 with age related hearing decline"

The gentlemen that recommend upgrades in components are assuming the OP will be able to hear a difference. I'm not sure that is the case.

fatdaddy2
375 posts
 

As someone with similar age-related hearing decline, as well as a moderate degree of tinnitus, most tweaks you’ll get recommended hear aren’t going to make a darned bit of difference. I say invest the $1000 in more music that you enjoy, crank it up (when the wife is out) and enjoy! The music is what it’s all about anyway, isn’t it?

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