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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
sls883
417 posts
 

I have Fidelium speaker cables, but I have no experience with your other components. The Fidelium added detail to my system, but not shrillness. Sibilance, etc drives me nuts.

I’ve had success changing things by varying cables and vacuum tubes. What type of cables are you using? Have you done any tube rolling? I can add a bit of warmth by tweaking my subwoofers, but that does nothing for high frequencies.

It looks like you’ve selected some very nice gear.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,797 posts
 

@larseand 

You do have a nice system.  What do you want to change? What do you think your system lacks?

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
182 posts
 

As a retired person learning about streaming music will make one’s life easier. I’m pretty sure they invented it for old folks. 

rbstehno
1,469 posts
 

Maybe it’s your room. You never mentioned if it was treated or not. Do you have tiled/wood floors? Windows? These things would make your room more sterile sounding. 

zlone
696 posts
 

Congrats on retirement, I am three years in and enjoying it very much. And a nice system, I too have the Reference One’s, a very capable speaker. How is your listening time split between analog and digital? Any plans to add streaming?

If you are leaning towards digital, then a separate DAC is a consideration. Unfortunately the Mimas does not have a preamp input which would allow you to experiment with some different preamps. I have been on a preamp quest for the last several years, and it is certainly a large part of determining the sound of your system. I recently upgraded from my Pass preamp to Audionet, this has been quite a revelation.

Not sure what central Wisconsin means, but I am in Duluth if you want to hear a different front end with the KEF’s. You are welcome to visit.

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