New member with new gear. What now?

[NicksDad]

If you are 100% happy, you don’t need to get lost in the tweaks at this point. Bringing a UMIK-1 or UMIK-2 into the mix is a no brainer in my mind since it can help you fine tune toe in or speaker position from wall, etc. You can then try eq later. A good mic will “grow” with you if you think you will do more with your system down the line. It makes less sense if you are 100% happy.

I do think that all speakers have compromises. Since your Yamaha has A and B speaker switching, having a different speaker like the JBL Studio 530 to give you *options* for picking a speaker that suits your mood. You can also do this if your room has two sitting positions.

I didn’t see a subwoofer in your setup. The Monolith 10” sub is out of your price point but the 8” would still be a nice addition. It will fill out the lowest octave.

Monolith by Monoprice THX Certified 8in 150-watt Powered Subwoofer - Monoprice.com

Monolith™ by Monoprice™THX® Certified 8" 150‑watt Powered SubwooferA truly immersive experience from your home theater or gaming systemsThe Monolith THX® Certified 8&quo

www.monoprice.com

The subwoofer will be the biggest bang for the buck, but as an 8” subwoofer, it will have the least long term value unless you are very space constrained.

I'm down for tweaking the sound I have, so a mic would come in handy. I'll spend the next couple weeks evaluating what all needs to be done there. That's a door I didn't expect to open at the beginning of this thread, but it's already sounding like fun.

I hadn't thought of adding a second set of speakers. That's a great idea. There are still some much less expensive options I wanted to try and I already know the differences can be night and day.

When I had the Denton 85s I borrowed the sub from my home theater and it really helped. I'm sure it would help the Lintons, too, but I really like how low the Lintons go by themselves.

For more background, this is all in our master bedroom. The room is 14'x17' and the TV is centered on one of the long walls. The amp and Apple TV sit on a long dresser beneath it, and the speakers are left and right of the dresser by about 12" and about 12" away from the wall. Our bed is on the opposite long wall, evenly flanked by windows and bedside tables. A French door to our deck is centered on one of the 14' walls, and the opposite wall has a passage door for the bedroom and another for the bathroom. The two windows and French door have drapes. The flooring is hardwood with no rugs. I'm sure room treatment would help a lot, but I doubt I could sell it to NicksMom. And I know I'm getting a bit of room gain from the speaker placement, but I can't bring them forward much more without bumping into them. Still, they do sound amazing as-is, especially considering the only audio we had in here before was from the TV's speakers.

 

[NicksDad]

Or maybe you could use this.

Monoprice Blackbird Review (HDMI Audio Extractor)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Monoprice Blackbird 4K series HDMI 7.1 audio extractor. It was kindly drop shipped to me by a member and costs US $30.79. I like the Link light which indicates signal on HDMI input. The switch lets you "lie" to the source and tell it you have 8...

www.audiosciencereview.com

This is brilliant! Thanks!

 

[NicksDad]

I got one these streamers used and love it. I'm using Qobuz as there content is CD quality and sounds like it. Probably best 300 bucks ever spent on gear.

Yamaha WXC-50 MusicCast Wireless Streaming Preamplifier Customer ReturnDefault Title

Yamaha WXC-50 MusicCast Wireless Streaming Preamplifier Customer Return Connect your existing home theater AV receiver or Hi-Fi system to this compact preamp, then use your Wi-Fi network to access all of your music from a simple app. Add other MusicCast speakers, sound bars or receivers for...

www.safeandsoundhq.com

That's nifty, and it would be another piece of Yamaha gear.

 

[Multicore]

I've got an itchy attraction to the Peachtree Nova models, but do I really need one?

What's that for to do with it?

I want an Iris MD-200. This one, as it happens. It's just a desire. Act on it or not is up to us. That's our freedom.

 

[NicksDad]

What's that for to do with it?

I want an Iris MD-200. This one, as it happens. It's just a desire. Act on it or not is up to us. That's our freedom.

Very true.

 

[LouB]

That's nifty, and it would be another piece of Yamaha gear.

If you've never used streaming before it's really a great way to go. I recently got into it & started with Amazon prime stream but there music quality and app functions are horrible (what should expect for free). I'm now paying about 12 bucks a month for CD quality bits & my playlists/albums are up to about 100 hours & growing.

 

[NicksDad]

If you've never used streaming before it's really a great way to go. I recently got into it & started with Amazon prime stream but there music quality and app functions are horrible (what should expect for free). I'm now paying about 12 bucks a month for CD quality bits & my playlists/albums are up to about 100 hours & growing.

I’m paying monthly for Apple Music and have a library and playlists built out. The Apple TV streams directly from Apple Music (nothing passes through my phone), so I guess it would be roughly equivalent to other streaming platforms, with maybe differences in real or perceived audio quality?

 

[JSmith]

Peachtree Nova

Peachtree Nova 300 Review (Dac & Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Peachtree Nova 300 integrated amplifier with DAC and phono stage. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $2,199. The Nova 300 fits in the same chassis Peachtree has successfully used for last 15 years: It is quite beefy and heavy...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Yamaha A-S501

YAMAHA A-S701 - tear-down, thoughts about the internals & few measurements

I bought this amplifier with built-in DAC over 1 year ago from Amazon and had no issue using it several hours per day. My kid is using it daily on TV and XBOX over the SPDIF input, I'm using it couple of times per week as well and it works as expected, as in day one. It's barely warm during...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[LouB]

I’m paying monthly for Apple Music and have a library and playlists built out. The Apple TV streams directly from Apple Music (nothing passes through my phone), so I guess it would be roughly equivalent to other streaming platforms, with maybe differences in real or perceived audio quality?

Cool, I belive both Apple & Qobuz are losselis bits so they should sound exactly the same.

 

[Chrispy]

Seems you're good to go as is. Spend the money on content to enjoy....

 

[Galliardist]

I did some reading up on Apple TV.

Firstly, conversion to 24/48 happens in the Apple TV. All output from it is in 24/48. Apple Music on the AppleTV comes in at 16/44.1 - no high resolution - if you are concerned about this you’ll need to switch to an iPad as the device for streaming, but let’s not worry.

I can’t find an EQ app for AppleTV.

miniDSP have a device to pair with AppleTY 4th gen, called nanoAVR DL. I’ve not checked the price but it will be over your budget. On the other hand it is designed to be used in your system and with Dirac should be easy to implement and runs with any TV apps you use. It’s also a gateway to adding additional channels later if you want to go that way.

There are threads here about using other miniDSP products with AppleTV.. Google DSP for AppleTV and those threads are early hits along with the nanoAVR DL, So you have some reading to do, I guess.

While Apple are reportedly adding “a DSP” to AppleTV don’t get excited. In this case it stands for Demand Side Platform- for serving you ads.

A lot of the solutions here don’t support Apple Music, watch for that.

 

[Capitol C]

You already got a quiet decent system. You can do better, but the question is, is it needed.

The (relative) weak point in your setup is the amp (and build in dac). Not that the yamaha is really bad, but it can be done much better for not so much money also. Some will also bring the lack of dsp into play, but that is something complex that most don't want to bother.

But if you do, replace the amp with a high rated amp (ncore or purifi based is good, but there is more) and a dac with dsp (like the minidsp flex) with room correction. That may make a difference but can cost a few thousands. So it's up to you to decide if it's worth it.

But again, you got a quiet decent system toghetter, so if it fits your need, no need to upgrade.You already got a quiet decent system. You can do better, but the question is, is it needed.

The (relative) weak point in your setup is the amp (and build in dac). Not that the yamaha is really bad, but it can be done much better for not so much money also. Some will also bring the lack of dsp into play, but that is something complex that most don't want to bother.

But if you do, replace the amp with a high rated amp (ncore or purifi based is good, but there is more) and a dac with dsp (like the minidsp flex) with room correction. That may make a difference but can cost a few thousands. So it's up to you to decide if it's worth it.

But again, you got a quiet decent system toghetter, so if it fits your need, no need to upgrade.

I'm not sure that replacing the Yamaha will do much of anything. The Wharfdales are pretty efficient, so you won't benefit from more power. It is easy for fans of this site (call me a super fan) to look at the Amir's SINAD master plot and say "I need to get further left", but given the distortion present in even very good speakers like yours, I think the Yamaha vs the "farthest to the left on the graph) amp will not sound any different. The same reasoning applies to the built-in DAC, by the way. So I'd enjoy the music and leave very good alone!

 

[NicksDad]

I did some reading up on Apple TV.

Firstly, conversion to 24/48 happens in the Apple TV. All output from it is in 24/48. Apple Music on the AppleTV comes in at 16/44.1 - no high resolution - if you are concerned about this you’ll need to switch to an iPad as the device for streaming, but let’s not worry.

I can’t find an EQ app for AppleTV.

miniDSP have a device to pair with AppleTY 4th gen, called nanoAVR DL. I’ve not checked the price but it will be over your budget. On the other hand it is designed to be used in your system and with Dirac should be easy to implement and runs with any TV apps you use. It’s also a gateway to adding additional channels later if you want to go that way.

There are threads here about using other miniDSP products with AppleTV.. Google DSP for AppleTV and those threads are early hits along with the nanoAVR DL, So you have some reading to do, I guess.

While Apple are reportedly adding “a DSP” to AppleTV don’t get excited. In this case it stands for Demand Side Platform- for serving you ads.

A lot of the solutions here don’t support Apple Music, watch for that.

Thanks for all that. I've known for a while that Apple Music delivery isn't the pinnacle of purity, but the good news is I really can't hear the difference between CD- and higher-than-CD quality (or at least not easily). Probably has to do with my age. Last month I started a trial of Amazon Music HD and I think (maybe?) it sounded ever so slightly better than Apple Music. But I didn't arrive at that decision until after A/B-ing the same 20 second clip about a dozen times over.

I'll keep my eyes (and ears) open for any products that can provide a noticeable improvement, though, and I'm still interested in miniDSP since I've heard the difference active EQ can make in a car.

 

[NicksDad]

I'm not sure that replacing the Yamaha will do much of anything. The Wharfdales are pretty efficient, so you won't benefit from more power. It is easy for fans of this site (call me a super fan) to look at the Amir's SINAD master plot and say "I need to get further left", but given the distortion present in even very good speakers like yours, I think the Yamaha vs the "farthest to the left on the graph) amp will not sound any different. The same reasoning applies to the built-in DAC, by the way. So I'd enjoy the music and leave very good alone!

My wife is fond of telling me "great is the enemy of good" and your comments remind me of that. I've been enjoying my stereo for the past few hours. Looking for ways to super-enjoy them may be a fools errand.

 

[anotherhobby]

I'll echo the comments about getting a UMIK-1 and REW if you have a laptop or computer in the space of your system — do it. However, I will also say this is the red pill that leads down the rabbit hole. Once you can measure your system and speaker's in your room and instantly see the results, it's all over. You'll then be curious what's good and bad about your measurement. Then you'll learn that you can affect that measurement by moving/changing your speakers, applying DSP, or (gasp) adding subs, room treatments, or taking other measures... that's the rabbit hole. The abilily to instantly measure the changes you make, and also the ability to use that data to get feedback from others changes everything.

 

[Galliardist]

My wife is fond of telling me "great is the enemy of good" and your comments remind me of that. I've been enjoying my stereo for the past few hours. Looking for ways to super-enjoy them may be a fools errand.

True. Even if the DAC you are using is poor, you’re enjoying the music and listening a lot which is the aim of the process.

Real world upgrading is about either a meaningful improvement to the sound or adding capabilities. The meaningful improvements come from compensating for room related issues. This covers furnishing type changes such as rugs, curtains, better speaker placement ( which can mean changing the rest of the room around): proper room treatments, and system EQ and bass management using subwoofers. Subwoofers also allow for deeper bass and so add capability - so can main speakers with more bass output, but that way lies more expenditure and it’s hit and miss.

Immersive surround is also a place to look for improvement according to “the science”. You should audition surround to see if it is somewhere for you to go.

More capability also can be a better interface to stream the music, for example better ergonomics or search.

Beyond those areas, component matching (is the amp really providing enough power?) are the things that might concern you.

There’s little to be gained outside of these areas, they are where to look.