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Congested sound, new speakers?

Hello out there,

I hope I can use your collective insight, wisdom, and experience to help me out. I am currently running a system comprised of a modified Pioneer DV-525 running into a Z-Systems RDP-1 digital preamp/EQ, then into a Camelot Uther V2 MkIII DAC, directly into a Bel Canto EVO 200.2, powering Thiel CS1.5 speakers, all strung together with DH Labs wire (D-110 digital, BL-1 II balanced interconnects, and Q-10 speaker wire).

My tastes in music have changed over time and I find myself listening less to modestly dynamic, all acoustic music (folk, jazz, solo classical) and more to music with electric instrumentation (fusion, jambands, progressive rock)with sustained high dynamics. While very good with the acoustic material, my system sounds a bit congested and confused with the more complex material. I suspect that it is the small Thiels, but I would like your opinion on different speaker options, considering my shift in listening material. I haven't been speaker shopping for awhile and work has kept me too busy to read much of the audio journals. What do you think? New speakers worth investigating? I am sure I could use some proper room treatment as well, but that is an area that I am not particularly familiar with. Any and all suggestions and advice would be appreciated; I just need to get a handle on some reasonable options! Thanks in advance. . .
stereojen
jayboard
301 posts
 
Apparently, Stereojen, from the change in your tastes in music, you are growing younger. How the heck are you doing that?
stereojen OP
4 posts
 
Jay,

Not exactly. I was raised in a household with only "proper" music and had been a jazz and classical snob until my mid 20s. Since I've opened up my perspective a little, I found all of these interesting records, some of which *gasp* were performed on electric instruments!!! Thanks everyone for your advice and insight. I now have a great many avenues to explore. I am not sure about the speaker search; there is obviously a lot more I can do and will do in the new room. I have actually been thinking about trying the Magnepan 1.6. I know I would have problems with them in my current tiny room, but hopefully my bigger room will be more accomodating. Thanks again. Keep the ideas coming, if you have them!!!
redkiwi
1,092 posts
 
My theory is that the Thiel 1.5s will cause you to head towards more electronic/dynamic music and away from acoustic music, because that is where the 1.5s work best. One thing I would try is changing those cables. The DHLabs are OK for the price but a step up in expenditure will open things up a lot (been there, done the DHLabs - they congest the music). Otherwise, I reckon Kelly's suggestions are very relevant.
ehider
286 posts
 
I think that you may have nailed the problem by singling out the Theils. Although, Theils' products are very well designed from a time/phase perspective, all of those elements he uses in the crossover may contribute to that "confused" sound. (This is because your amplifier cannot properly "lock in" the speakers'drivers, through its ouput devices' dampening factor capability). Ironically Thiel is not the only audiophile company that uses very complex crossovers with a gizilion caps etc. But guess what?....those other speakers have also been characterized as sometimes congested and confused. After analyzing your system list, I feel that your speakers are NOT in the same league as your other components. In my opinion, you should upgrade this part of your system, to fully realize its music making potential.
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