• WANTED: Happy members who like to discuss audio and other topics related to our interest. Desire to learn and share knowledge of science required. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Help me make an upgrade decision

albymana

Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2024
Messages
5
Likes
0
hello gys,

My Hi-Fi journey is rolling on, and over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to dive into some amazing gear—like tube amps and high-efficiency speakers. It’s been super fun, but now I’ve hit a bit of a dilemma.

Here’s my current setup:

* **Amp**: Yamaha AX-396, pretty old, low value
* **Speakers**: Sonus Faber Venere 1.5 bookshelf speakers, definitely 'better' than the amp
* **Streamer**: Bluesound Node N130

I’m planning a big overhaul of my system, but I can’t decide what to upgrade first

# A Little More Info

* **Room size**: 55m² (so, pretty spacious).
* **Current speaker placement**: Sitting on a bookshelf, positioned to the side of the sofa (definitely not ideal) - see pic

* **Ideal setup**: Properly placed speakers facing the sofa for proper sound.

# My thoughts:

* If I upgrade the amp first, I might squeeze more out of my current speakers - which are not as bad —but will their awkward placement limit the improvement?
* If I upgrade the speakers first, from what i understood, they account for big big part of the final sound. then will do the amp.

I’d love to hear what you think! Have you been in a similar spot? Which upgrade made the biggest difference for you?

Let me know your thoughts! thank you so much
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot 2024-12-19 at 18.59.46.png
    Screenshot 2024-12-19 at 18.59.46.png
    79 KB · Views: 28
I am assuming you don't have a subwoofer? You can get a subwoofer if you want to add bass to your current setup. The position of the speakers are I'm assuming, for music only and not for TV use? You really are not lacking anything equipment wise except a sub and then optimal speaker placing.
 
Last edited:
* **Amp**: Yamaha AX-396, pretty old, low value
* If I upgrade the amp first, I might squeeze more out of my current speakers - which are not as bad
The Yamaha amp is a good amp and will not affect the sound of your speakers to any degree worth even mentioning or relying upon.
EDIT: Providing there is enough power for your needs.
 
Last edited:
* **Amp**: Yamaha AX-396, pretty old, low value

* If I upgrade the amp first, I might squeeze more out of my current speakers - which are not as bad —but will their awkward placement limit the improvement?
* If I upgrade the speakers first, from what i understood, they account for big big part of the final sound. then will do the amp.

I’d love to hear what you think! Have you been in a similar spot? Which upgrade made the biggest difference for you?

Let me know your thoughts! thank you so much
If I upgrade the amp first, I might squeeze more out of my current speakers...Hardly likely,see Doodski's post above and here are test results verifying Doodski's
statement:


___
Your speakers and their FR:
114SFV15fig4.jpg


I had tried lowering the peaks in the FR to see if I liked the sound better that way.


Agree with Spkrdctr that subwoofer may be something to think about.:)

EQ and a fair amount of furniture, carpets, maybe acoustic fixing with diffuser and absorbers in your listening room is something that has a big impact on the sound.:)

Edit:
What is your budget?

In addition to sub, EQ, room treatment, placement of the speakers , so we have this with new gear.

You say: I've had the chance to dive into some amazing gear—like tube amps and high-efficiency speakers. Is it of interest to you? Good tube amps and good high-efficiency speakers then you have to open the big wallet. If you still intend to open it, I think active speakers in that case would give you the most bang for the buck.:)
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom