What should I upgrade

Ok, I was looking around for some tubed gear and came to the conclusion that tubes aren't for me. Not right now, anyway. All of my equipment has to go into the entertainment center. I'm guessing it's going to get hot in there.

As for what I want. I want it to sound better. I want it to sound more lifelike. I want it to bath me in rich tones.

Bob, I understand what you are saying about high passing the Minuets, but I'm kind of wondering if we are hearing the same thing out of the Minuets. When it comes to bass, the Minuets' only crime, as they say, is one of omission. I have yet to hear any distortion coming from the Minuets at any levels that I am comfortable with.

In any case, I will go to my local shop this weekend and see if they have an active crossover that I can borrow.

06-04-13: Tonyangel
Ok, I was looking around for some tubed gear and came to the conclusion that tubes aren't for me. Not right now, anyway. All of my equipment has to go into the entertainment center. I'm guessing it's going to get hot in there.

As for what I want. I want it to sound better. I want it to sound more lifelike. I want it to bath me in rich tones.

Sorry, it appears as if you want two polar opposites. You want better sound, more lifelike, bathed in rich tones, but without tubes. That will be tough to do. I guess my other suggestion would be to get an analog front end. Tubes and vinyl will lead you towards a more lifelike sound, if you can't swing tubes, try an analog rig.

Or maybe, you could buy some Cardas Golden Cross cables that will help smooth out your harsh solid state/digital sound. Good luck!

A tube pre-amp might be the ticket if not too confined and cabinet can handle it. Much less heat than a tube power amp. You might be able to rig up some quite fan ventilation to help it out if needed.

I run a mhdt Paradisea single tube DAC in a tall cabinet without a problem. It has glass doors that I can close without a problem in front. I leave the rear cover off and rear of cabinet open to help with ventilation, but that one tube would probably not care if the cabinet were sealed as long as the room itself is not overtly hot otherwise.