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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
mdalton's avatar
mdalton
483 posts
 

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. 

lovehifi22
26 posts
 

Greetings,

I find this discussion quite interesting, especially Mapman's comment regarding DSP. I know nothing about Roon or DSP, but having the ability to customize the SQ is certainly intriguing. After reading a little bit, does Roon automatically come with DSP? Do you need to purchase a Roon server? I currently have an Aurender A15 which is Roon ready. (whatever that means) Last question. Is it advisable to use a separate PC to run Roon?

Thanks to all!

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,174 posts
 

I won’t change anything on your gear, maybe try some interconnect and power cable.To just experiment what happen.Most cables company and dealers have return policy. Since you are retired you have the time to listen.

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,328 posts
 

@lovehifi22 

DSP is part of Roon when you buy the license and during free trial.
 

It’s a total game changer.  I have stored DSP corrections for 5 different rooms at home and a similar number of headphones.  
 

 Definitely worth the time to learn how to use to get exactly the sound you want.   The specific equipment used becomes much less relevant.

 

Roon runs on most common home computer devices, including Windows, Mac, smartphones, tablets and most any hifi streamer worth its salt these days.   
 

Roon core is the server component.  You can run it on specialized hardware designed specifically for it or most any decent home PC or Mac.  I run my Roon server on a small desktop PC that I also use to work remotely, etc and that works quite well.   
 

Hope that helps   Check it out!  Free trial period available still I am pretty sure  so nothing to lose  

 

 

 

freediver
1,219 posts
 

I don’t care what anyone on A’gon says,you can not get natural warmth from speakers with metal drivers!
Dump the beer cans & get speakers with natural materials...

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