Looking for some upgrade advice

[DonaldSimon5000]

Hello.

I currently have my hifi system setup in the following way

Bluesound node n130 --> Fiio K13 R2R Dac --> Rega Elex-R --> Wharfedale Super Lintons.

The sound is good, but ive also heard some better systems.

When listening in the shop the Vincent 237 mkii amp did sound superior compared to my setup, although this amp is more expensive. I also tried with a Hegal h150 which did not sound as good as the Vincent amp. I also tried with a Yamaha A-S2200 and it was poor compared both of the other amps. Particularly the Vincent where it did shine compared to the Yamaha inparticular.

I also recently listened to Harbeth C7ES-3 XD2 speakers with the Hegal h150 and found this was not as good as my current system.

And finally I was able to listen to a friends system, he is using Tekton Perfect set speakers with a Lab 12 suara amp and pre amp set. He also had a large 35kg sub. This system sounds amazing, but is also quite a bit more expensive than where I'm at.

I'd be keen on purchasing a vincent 237 mkii amp, which I can get for $2500 new from my local dealer. But i also wondered if the money would be better spent elsewhere, like a sub, or on a different amp.

Thank you for your time to read my post and thanks for the feedback.

Regards.
Donald.

​

 

[NTK]

Welcome to ASR!

Have you gotten the Dirac Live upgrade for the Bluesound Node? Room EQ and subwoofer are the most effective ways of improving sound. Buying new amplifiers, not so much, unless you are running out of power.

 

[DonaldSimon5000]

Welcome to ASR!

Have you gotten the Dirac Live upgrade for the Bluesound Node? Room EQ and subwoofer are the most effective ways of improving sound. Buying new amplifiers, not so much, unless you are running out of power.

I'd be keen on trying a sub.

I haven't tried any room correction, although potentially could try some things here.

 

[alex-z]

"Listening in the shop" has been the downfall of many audiophile budgets. All the bias factors make you think there are audible differences but if you introduced double blind testing suddenly all the amps and DAC's sound the same.

Adding a subwoofer is the biggest improvement per dollar. You get more bass output and placement flexibility also allows you to activate room modes more evenly without compromising stereo imaging. This benefit scales with multiple subs, 2 subs is noticeably better than 1 in most rooms.

With your budget I would get a pair of RSL 12S and a miniDSP Flex for applying crossover filters, time alignment, and EQ. Get the Dirac Live license if you want, for beginners it delivers a better result than manual tuning.

Landing Page - 12s

The Speedwoofer 12S combines power and control for commanding, high-output bass in serious home theater systems.

rslspeakers.com

miniDSP Flex

Pocket size processor with flexible Input/Output configuration, Audiophile converters, 400MHz Sharc DSP processor, BT connectivity, DSP toolbox for subwoofer and multiway crossover, Dirac Live optional upgrade

www.minidsp.com

 

[Chrispy]

Your comparison methods aren't very good IMO. Mostly you will be comparing your speakers/room rather than the electronics if you change out electronics. I'd concentrate on speakers and your room accordingly rather than shop for new electronics.

 

[DonaldSimon5000]

"Listening in the shop" has been the downfall of many audiophile budgets. All the bias factors make you think there are audible differences but if you introduced double blind testing suddenly all the amps and DAC's sound the same.

Adding a subwoofer is the biggest improvement per dollar. You get more bass output and placement flexibility also allows you to activate room modes more evenly without compromising stereo imaging. This benefit scales with multiple subs, 2 subs is noticeably better than 1 in most rooms.

With your budget I would get a pair of RSL 12S and a miniDSP Flex for applying crossover filters, time alignment, and EQ. Get the Dirac Live license if you want, for beginners it delivers a better result than manual tuning.

Landing Page - 12s

The Speedwoofer 12S combines power and control for commanding, high-output bass in serious home theater systems.

rslspeakers.com

miniDSP Flex

Pocket size processor with flexible Input/Output configuration, Audiophile converters, 400MHz Sharc DSP processor, BT connectivity, DSP toolbox for subwoofer and multiway crossover, Dirac Live optional upgrade

www.minidsp.com

Thanks for the reply. The RSL sub isn't available in my country.

I live in New Zealand.

 

[Chrispy]

Thanks for the reply. The RSL sub isn't available in my country.

I live in New Zealand.

While the RSL sub is a great value in the US.....what do you have available?

 

[DonaldSimon5000]

While the RSL sub is a great value in the US.....what do you have available?

REL, SVS or KEF are all options here.

 

[Chrispy]

REL, SVS or KEF are all options here.

I find Rel overpriced for what they are. SVS is generally good value. Kef subs are just limited.

ps DIY is often a good alternative.

 

[DonaldSimon5000]

I find Rel overpriced for what they are. SVS is generally good value. Kef subs are just limited.

ps DIY is often a good alternative.

I'd like a REL or SVS.

Any particular model you would recommend?

I generally don't listen super loud, although my room is around 350sqft.

 

[Chrispy]

I'd like a REL or SVS.

Any particular model you would recommend?

I generally don't listen super loud, although my room is around 350sqft.

Would never recommend a Rel. What's your budget and what are your sub size limitations?

 

[DonaldSimon5000]

Would never recommend a Rel. What's your budget and what are your sub size limitations?

I guess I'd be keen on getting good value for money. I wouldn't spend more than $1000 usd on a single sub unless it was smart to spend more and get a noticeable improvement from doing so.

 

[Chrispy]

I guess I'd be keen on getting good value for money. I wouldn't spend more than $1000 usd on a single sub unless it was smart to spend more and get a noticeable improvement from doing so.

Generally IMO you get better value by two well placed subs rather than one, but could depend on how many seating positions. How about DIY options?

 

[DonaldSimon5000]

Generally IMO you get better value by two well placed subs rather than one, but could depend on how many seating positions. How about DIY options?

I wouldn't know where to start with DIY to be fair. not my scene.

 

[Chrispy]

I wouldn't know where to start with DIY to be fair. not my scene.

No car sub scene down kiwi way?

ps my last five subs have been diy....

 

[DonaldSimon5000]

No car sub scene down kiwi way?

ps my last five subs have been diy....

There may be car subs around these parts, but it's not a scene I'm involved in.

 

[Chrispy]

There may be car subs around these parts, but it's not a scene I'm involved in.

Basically a diy sub is about an appropriate box/driver and amp. Easy enough, not a lot of rocket science

 

[Chrispy]

There may be car subs around these parts, but it's not a scene I'm involved in.

Mostly I think it's just a limited marketplace where you are.

 

[alex-z]

REL, SVS or KEF are all options here.

SVS is likely to be the best value unless there is a New Zealand manufacturer I am not aware of.

The most comparable model to the RSL 12S would be the PB-1000 Pro but in smaller room you might be satisfied with the SB-1000 Pro.

 

[Redacted]

Get a sub, or preferably 2 subs with built-in amps and XO.
Most are like this these days.
All you need is a sub-out port (line level) or pre-amp out for 2 subs and some time spent blending the sub to you main speakers.
If you want to spend more, go for a miniDSP etc, but you could always add that later.
If you think your room is particularly problematic, and you sit in fairly fixed place to listen, consider a system with room correction.
If you are looking for a new amp for whatever reason, forget the sales pitches, and buy something that uses Hypex or Purifi, or one of the better chip (3255) amps - at least you will then get no speaker-load dependence to affect the sound..