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

Those Focals were efficient enough to use Tubes for both Pre and Amp which is what I think would give you a preferred sound.

Never heard them, I wondered why you thought the Focals pair of 10" drivers too big for your room, had a quick learn. Perhaps this explains it: "the Powerflow double port system, which greatly enhances the performance of the bass. "

My room is similar 14 x 24 and I have a pair of 3 ways with 15" woofers, horn mid, horn tweet. Previously used JSE Model II’s with a 12" and 10" with Richard Modafferi’s patented Phase Shift Bass as well as his Infinite Slope Crossover which Joseph Audio still uses to great respect. He gets both extension out of the 12 and 10 together, and tames them, Focal doesn’t tame them, and adds additional untamable port output

Electrovoice Engineers helped me design my enclosures (drivers were originally in a Fisher President II Console), they have a rear port that is closed here, I used them open in prior location with an open room behind the speakers.

Richard Modafferi’s Patents

I vary the toe-in depending if one centered listener or two off-center listeners

 

 

Toe In Alternates

I bet JSE Model II’s would sound awesome in your space.

 

My friend has my Models II’s, they still sound awesome, I just missed my inherited speakers

A pair in Texas, make an offer, a road trip to hear them, or pay UPS to pack and ship to you. Seller says Rosewood, but they are walnut stained red I bet.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175688092340?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=9001f43c-b005-11ef-bf69-363733393366

This is a special situation that I have experienced of late but that no one else is mentioning.  Everything about your system sounds pretty good to me, but for us retirees thought should be given to things we can't change.  Ourselves. If you consulted an audiologist (you can't be far from Madison) you might get an idea about what to do with your system.  All my life I have laughed off all equalization and balance controls.  Not any more.  Now I can adjust things so the center vocals are back in the center and maybe I can do something about making those sibilants stop driving me crazy.  These can be easy fixes that don't require too much messing with your speakers (especially) or electronics unless adding a tubed front end like me might liquify things a bit. I have a hybrid integrated coming with some equalization available but using or not using that will just be an exploration (like everything else).  If you don't want to go see a doc (unfortunately I see one in the mirror every day) get a pair of Apple Airphones Pro, now on discount about $160, and do the Hearing Test app they've just enabled.  Don't worry.  You can still enjoy your hifi just as much.  And then you can mess with your equipment if you like.  By the way, going to a live concert, unamped, is a pretty good idea as well. 

If you want to add warmth, I’d go with an all-tube integrated in place of your hybrid.  Issue of course is your speakers are pretty inefficient -85 db, 8 ohm (but dips to 3.2) so you’d need a tube amp with guts.  That would also require a new DAC, but I’d guess that’s your system’s weakness anyway (emphasis on “guess”), and there are alot of nice sounding DACs that don’t cost a ton. Octave Audio and Audio Hungary are two tube integrated brands that come to mind for me.