System assessment...


Just retired...I have the time and interest to consider system upgrades. Although I have some very nice gear, I'm not sure about the synergy of the system as a whole. My system has been assembled over many years, gradualy making upgrades and improvements. Sadly, all changes have been done through thorough research, and educated risk taking.. I don't have access to a brick and mortar shop, a 5 hour drive to Chicago or Twin Cities... 

I'm looking for opinions regarding my system. Do I have components that don't necessarily complement each other based upon others experience and opinions. I'm open to stepping back and rethinking the entire system if necessary. Below is a list of my components and speakers. 

Aestthetix, Mimas , integrated w/DAC 

Jay;s Audio M2 transport

VPI Prime w/ Shyla cart

Manley Chinook, Upscale Audio Special, phono

KEF ref. 1 (not Meta)

(2) REL SHO S/3 subs

Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables

My other cables are a hodgepodge  collection of  budget and midrange quality.

Any observations?

Thanks.

 

larseand

There's a lot of considerations that can determine which direction you may want to go.

How does your system sound to you now? What do you think is lacking? Is your system used as part of an  A/V system or just for listening? Are you looking to upgrade with new or used equipment? Is space a consideration if you decided to upgrade to a larger speaker system?

You're looking into a deep rabbit hole - how much money are you willing to throw into it?

Sorry for all the questions, I know you're looking for answers. But the more detail you can give, the more focused answer people can give you.

You have good stuff so impossible to make a recommendation without knowing more about what you hope to achieve. 

Thanks elrod,

I've been chasing the warmth of analog over the years. At times, if listening to an album with the right recording and production, I'm really happy with my system. So, I'd like to warm things up. There is nothing more irritating and fatiguing than a bright top end for me. I'm wondering if any elements of my system have an analytical, clinical, detailed sound signiture?

This is a stand alone 2 channel system and I'm always open to used equipment. I tend to bounce back and forth with floor standers and monitors...My last speaker was the Focal 1028 be. Sweet speakers, too big for my 13x25 room. I'm not wealthy, but I'm will to spend a few dollars if it seems like good move.

 

In that you have good gear, rather than muck with changing the gear, consider applying DSP to tune things to sound the way you want. For example, do a trial Roon subscription and play with the DSP there free during trial and see what happens.

Frankly in this day and age once one has good gear that is well matched and set up well, changing hardware to get a certain sound is often neither cost effective or efficient.

My advice is understand how modern technology solves problems in ways not possible until more recently. DSP is the ultimate sound shaper. You just have to figure out how to apply it properly. I’d be glad to help if by chance you are located in central MD area.