Curious what you guys would change

[jhb74]

Hello everyone,
I've got an upgrade itch on a Franken-system that was basically put together with extra stuff I had and am swamped in indecision and would be very interested in any input.

This is a 2.2 (?? 2 subs) system that is a secondary setup used for both movies and music. For music I typically airplay (also contains a cd player and turntable) to a 65 inch Sony OLED and from there the chain goes:

TV toslink out to an SMSL M300 DAC which uses balanced outputs to an SMSL HO200 (headphone amp that also works as a preamp), then RCA out to an Iotavx SA3, and again RCA out to a Parasound 2125v2 power amplifier, speaker level out to a NEOHIPO ET30 VU meter, then continues on to a set of Elac Debut Reference DBR62 bookshelves.

The Parasounds B speaker output goes to a Rel T9/x (using the B output to make it easy to disengage it if I want).
The IOTAVX SA3's sub output feeds a Rel HT 1205

I told you... Franken-System. So I'm aware that I am using 2 preamps in a daisychain, and am fairly confident that the balanced connection between the DAC and HO200 adds absolutely nothing. A lot of this configuration is just because "I can" and am a network admin / tinkerer at heart and if I have an advanced connection I try to use it even if it doesn't get me anywhere Those are the only pieces of gear that I have that support balanced connections so I used them to try them out.

The system sounds great to me and anyone that listens to it but I want to upgrade it (this unstoppable upgrade urge is, FWIW, why I have Franken-systems from all the left over parts).

I'm also aware of the huge "Rel is just marketing hype" thread and honestly, a lot of that thread makes sense. I have another system that uses an SVS-SB1000 so I do have exposure to other subs but I do like the Rel's.

One upgrade I have been looking at is changing the speakers out for towers - maybe the Focal Chora 826's or Arendal's 1961 towers from their Outlet. My budget is about $1500 for this.
Other considerations are replacing the Parasound, or swapping out the 2 Rel subs for something else that is a single. Because of "real life" the 2 subs are currently side by side in the front of the room which seems to perform well vs. other places I have tried them.

I have a 9.2 system in the other room, so I'd like to keep this either a 2.1 or a 2.2.

Anyway, I tried to be as concise as possible. Would love to hear suggestions!
-JB

 

[jhb74]

After poking around, I might stretch my budget and shoot for a set of Revel M106 bookshelves. Amirm's review is pretty compelling.... I initially purchased the Elac's based on the review here as well - would the M106's be a solid step up from the DBR62's? Unfortunately there is no local shops that carry them so I'd be buying blind.

 

[CapMan]

The system sounds great to me and anyone that listens to it but I want to upgrade it

Why are you unhappy with it, you said it sounds great..

 

[jhb74]

Why are you unhappy with it, you said it sounds great..

If I conveyed anywhere that I was unhappy with it, that was a mistake. I'm always looking for ways to make stuff better though, and it's all relative. I'm sure if I popped a top of the line Revel tower into the mix I'd say "Oh, THAT's what great sounds like" and re-evaluate "great".

 

[Sal1950]

If I conveyed anywhere that I was unhappy with it, that was a mistake. I'm always looking for ways to make stuff better though, and it's all relative. I'm sure if I popped a top of the line Revel tower into the mix I'd say "Oh, THAT's what great sounds like" and re-evaluate "great".

I believe your focus on a speaker change is the right one.
The thinking of a Revel tower would add a lot too, maybe look into the used market to better fit your budget!
Unless the listener is locked into the need of the desktop mounting, a well designed 3 way with 2 or 3 bass drivers brings a lot to the plate. JMO
YMMV

 

[antcollinet]

And cut down the electronics to the minimum. There is no point to a balanced connection if it is followed (or preceded) by an unbalanced one, though it might be a benefit for your headphone listening.

As a minimum, take out the iotavax.

 

[kemmler3D]

You might have a look at some KEF stuff in your price range, otherwise agree you should get rid of the extra preamp.