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A series of underperforming setups...Solution?

I've had some quality electronics: Started with Marsh seperates, Shunyata Hydra PC, had Def Tech BP 7000 speakers, Jolida JD 100 tried Simaudio Nova moved on to McIntosh 6900 integrated then, Plinius 9200 integrated; had Talon Raven speakers briefly, moved on to NAD M3 integrated had, all Acoustic Zen cabling, Modwright Sony 999ES, Von Schweikert VR4JR speakers, Now have the DK Signature integrated and Reimer Wind River GS speakers. The one constant has been that each of my systems has underperformed top to bottom- in my opinion. Bass has been a big disappointment too. My room is a rectangular family room over a concrete floor 11 by 20 by 8 with speakers on one of the short walls about 1 foot from the front wall and 6 feet apart- room is filled with furniture. 2 couches plus fish tanks toy chest etc. Because my setup is in the family room, I have no options for differnt speaker placement. We've had various power issues in the area over the last 2 years and I plan to get dedicated lines. Do you think dedicated lines are the key to most of my performace issues? Thanks
foster_9
eldarado
381 posts
 
I don't beleive that dedicated lines are the key to your short comings although may be a part of it. IMO, you already told us the short comings, placementand the room. Being in the same boat as you, in a family room with little flexibility, I am content with my current setup. When I get a dedicated room I will become more critical.

What is disappointing about the bass? Lack of, sloppy...?

If possible, try some room treatments.
newbee
4,775 posts
 
"I have no options for speaker placement."

Then suck it up and learn to enjoy 'music' with your room/system limitations. If your bass is too boomy or uneven get smaller stand mount speakers. Don't waste any more money on big audiophile equipment based on reviews and reputation and spend your money on more, lots more, music.

Been there, done that. :-(
getheleadout
144 posts
 
Given you've yet to find the sound your looking for, here's what I'd suggest after looking at the equipment you've owned so far.

First, at least look into highly efficient horn loaded/horn speakers. These type of speakers offer a completely different sound than what you've been listening to.

To my ears, they sound far more "real" than any other design.

If you're going to use tubes, use them only at the source unit, never downstream. Tube buffers right after the source unit are my preference.

You also may want to try a set of AKG 701 headphones with a good headphone amp. There will be no room problems to deal with, and it will give you a perspective on just how good a playback system can sound.

Finally, I would seriously consider getting all the conventional pots/volume controls out of your signal path and going exclusively with Placette based volume control.

IMHO, until you've heard your system through Placette's completely transparent volume control, you really have no idea what it real sounds like.
aball
2,018 posts
 
I hate to say it, but Newbee is right.

Arthur
jsawhitlock
302 posts
 
I agree with others that your room and speaker placement is more likely the main problem. When using rooms for multipurpose you need to make sacrafices like moving speakers out from the wall a bit more, room treatments, listening position, etc, etc. Until you get a dedicated room you'll need to except this situation. Many of us have these types of rooms and with a few adjustments you can have great sound. It's a give and take thing. Buy more music!
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