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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
larseand OP
61 posts
 

Thanks mapman,

I'm in central Wisconsin with few resources near me. I've been getting close to adding a music server to my system. Perhaps I should make the leap into modern technology with DSP.

steakster
1,899 posts
 

A familiar audio reference is a good thing. Go to a piano store - or a rehearsal hall. While someone is playing a grand piano, listen at different distances, 5-50 feet. Then listen to a recent grand piano recording on your system. Determine if the SQ in the ballpark. Tweak from there.

larseand OP
61 posts
 

Good point, after all is said and done, we should find ourselves in that recital hall...

grislybutter
3,170 posts
 

I am very much on the same page about the warmth. The first question is if you are happy with your speakers? The second is the amp. For me, those two determine the liquidity and the warmth. Of course the phono stage and source matter too, but I would start with the first two. I think it’s better to start with a bright and revealing system and scale towards the warm so that you know where to stop. I found tube preamp-ss amp the best combination, not too muddy, not too bright.

But it sounds like you have terrific components, I have no experience in that price range.

ghdprentice
7,105 posts
 

Congratulations on retiring, and on having a great system. I have been retired for about five years now and my system brings great joy to me. I first upgraded prior to retirement and then again about a year after. My progress in the last decade or so have been to move to more musical and natural sounding systems. You can see my systems under my userID 

The largest influence for me was having season tickets to the symphony for ten years 7th row center. I became aware of how my system focused on detail and slam and the presentation was not like that of real live music. All of this pushed me more and more towards all tubed components and Sonus Faber speakers. 

Now that you have the time, consider going into the city for a day or two. Make appointment to hear systems at high end stores... explain what you have explained here. Have them assemble a system for you to listen to that they think you will find appealing. Maybe visit some audio-goners. Being retired, no reason not to travel. Hearing the kind of thing you want will help point you in the right direction. 

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