Need upgrade advice

[killian]

Hello,

I would like your advice/opinion on how to improve my hi-fi system.

It consists of the following components:
Source: Wiim mini + Qobuz (optical output to DAC)
DAC: Topping D50 III
Amplifier: Fosi Audio v3
Speakers: PMC DB1 Gold
Subwoofer: Q Acoustics 3060s

I mainly listen to acoustic music, vocals, jazz, a little blues, country, soft rock... Very little “modern” music.

I correct the system's response in the room via Wiim app.

I mainly listen at low/moderate volume, but I still want to be able to turn up the volume from time to time

I am generally satisfied with the sound quality, but I would like to improve the following points:
- The sound lacks “naturalness.” It sounds too “digital.” The sound is “harsh.” I would like to get closer to something more realistic. I'm not looking for perfect performance or measurements, but a system that is pleasant to listen to and that you can forget about.
- I listen most of the time while doing something else, and I would like to have as wide a sweet spot as possible. For this, I don't think I have any choice but to change the speakers.

What do you think I need to change to achieve this?

Thank you in advance for your valuable advice!

 

[voodooless]

How did you setup your room correction? The speakers seems to have some elevated highs. Some of the harshness might be from that. Could be easy to correct with EQ.

Otherwise consider better speakers.

 

[killian]

I have already reduced the treble.

For the correction, I used the Wiim automatic acoustic correction. I made several passes to adjust the subwoofer settings without EQ. Then I did the automatic correction. Finally, I modified the generated equalization to reduce the treble.
This significantly improved the sound, but I want to go further than that. It is “technically” good, but lacks the “organic” aspect of live acoustic music.

Given that I will have no choice but to change the speakers to extend the sweet spot, I am looking into this option.

It seems that Kef, with its Uni-Q drivers, might be a better fit for my needs.

Can you recommend any other brands/models with wide horizontal dispersion, “soft”/rather descending treble, and realistic timbres?

I haven't really set a budget yet, but I'd say around €1,000, preferably second-hand if I can find a model I like.


Thanks !

 

[voodooless]

lacks the “organic” aspect of live acoustic music.

That is often down to the mix and master, and less due to the playback system.

It seems that Kef, with its Uni-Q drivers, might be a better fit for my needs.

KEF is generally a good bet. AsciLAB is a new brand and is very well regarded. Other options you can find via:

A collection of loudspeakers measurements

www.spinorama.org

Filter on the things you like, see which ones are the good-scoring speakers, and see if you like the looks. Those would be candidates to audition. Just note that a speaker in a showroom will never sound the same in your own room.

 

[killian]

Thanks for the link!

The Genelec 8xxx seems to fit what I'm looking for and is fairly easy to find secondhand.

New, the Ascilab F6B seems good but more directional.

 

[voodooless]

The Genelec 8xxx seems to fit what I'm looking for and is fairly easy to find secondhand.

They are excellent speakers. Note that those are active, so you can save on the amps.