The 3 most important considerations in a quality system in my experience are, 1. Your room and listening position. 2. The source - suggest a separate streamer and DAC and 3. Your speakers and subs. I would start with your room. Once you get it setup the way you like move on to your source and finally speakers and subs. One thing at a time. Trust your ears and eyes - what sounds good and looks good to you in your listening room- and stay within your budget. It’s a great hobby. Enjoy it and enjoy the new musical journey you’re starting on and the experience over time.
Where do I go from here?
I'm 58 and just recently decided that a nice, dedicated two-channel listening room will be my thing - I don't golf, or ski, or spend crazy money on a sports car, so I think my wife is good with this!
My room is less than ideal - 3/4 below grade room, 17'x24' with a 6'10" ceiling height, and a few weird corners, poles, and beams to deal with. I have a nice, new love seat, tables, and lamps, with a couple of 8x10 rugs - its pretty cozy and comfortable, but the walls need something (discussed below).
My equipment today - Vintage 1980 Klipsch Heresys, with a pair of REL T/7x subs, McIntosh MC312 amp, McIntosh C47 pre, and an Eversolo A6 (with a 4TB SSD). I have decent cabling and go balanced from the A6 to the C47, using the A6 DAC. My rack is VTI BL404 from stands and mounts.com. 15A wall power into a Panamax M4315-PRO for all components including subs.
The audio quality I have right now is the best I have ever had in my life, and I am loving it! But I know I can improve it over time in ways that will be quite noticeable and appreciated. So, I welcome advice on where to go from here and what to do first...
The room: I have not used room correction software yet. I am liking the idea of vertical slat acoustic paneling on one, two, or all four walls. It looks really nice and seems a versatile first layer on the walls before getting serious about bass traps and other such things.
Speakers: I've had 600 series B&Ws in the past and my ears love their sound signature. I really have my eye on the 702 S3s that are out there. I wonder if I need the subs with those, or maybe the 703s with the subs? Any issues with my Mac equipment?
Streamer/DAC: I'm thinking the upgrade path here is in the $3-5K range? Or, if I do end up with the 702s am I shooting too low?
Turntable: I know there is blue sky on expenditure here, but I really want an automatic turntable, and the Dual CS 529 looks pretty good to me. Comes with the Ortofon 2M red cartridge. Is that good enough for now?
Like I said, I welcome advice on priorities, and if you think I'm missing something let me know. Thanks all!
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- 29 posts total
- 29 posts total