First time poster here. I am looking for advice to increase the sound quality of my existing system. I have a Marantz SR7009 being used as a pre-amp powered by Emotiva's XPA-5, 2 revel m22 bookshelf speakers serving as my L & R, revel c52 center speakers and 2 revel timber matched C563 in ceiling rear surrounds. I mainly listen to music and switch between L &R stereo only and sometimes "all stereo" or matrix through all speakers. We do watch movies but seem happy with our home theater experience thus far although always open to suggestions. We mostly listen to music through a Sonos connect but we also do have an Orbit turntable. I know that the turntable will one day need to be upgraded to maybe a Rega RP3 or similar. I am in the process of adding two SVS SB12-nsd subs to the mix. Our room is large at 20x30x10 and I hope these subs will make some sort of impact. We also use an Apple TV. Now for my question.
I am looking to increase the sound quality of my Sonos driven music. I spoke to an audiophile (owner of Echo audio in Seattle) and he suggested a dac. In particular, because he knows I'm cheap haha!, he suggested the California Labs Sigma ii, Enlightened Audio Designs DSP-7000 mkiii, and some Krell sacs that I have never seen listed for sale. I missed an opportunity on both the Cal Labs and the EAD and I'm kicking myself. With ALL this being said, what other dacs should I consider? My budget is $750 or less and I would prefer $400 or less. Old vs new? Tube? NOS? DSD? Yadda yadda. I am looking for an increased sound stage and dynamic range. If I get more clarity and warmth then yer haw!
I appreciate all of your input in advance. Thanks for letting this first timer ramble.
Btw, I listen to mostly indie rock but I seriously dive into ALL types of music and yes I like it loud.
Hi! You already have a DAC, it's in the Marantz. $750 is an extraordinary amount to spend for what is generally considered to be a placebo.
I would look at how the front 3 speakers are placed, and how that corresponds to your listening position(s). That should cover your sense of envelopment and apparent source width. That's free!
Next is subwoofer tuning. There's 3 options: 1) run audyssey until you are satisfied, 2) buy more subs 3) learn how to manipulate your subs through DSP since, quite literally, the room is in control of what and when you are able to hear frequencies below 200 hz.
Dynamic range. You have a big room that may be exceeding the limits of what 2way bookshelf speakers can do. But first you should try to insulate the room from exterior sound as well as possible, this includes fans and HVAC. Depending on your decor and spousal approval, you will want to explore acoustic diffusors. A company I've used before is
GIK Acoustics I linked straight to diffusion products. Since this might be a common area, try the the 'combination' semi cylinder, as they are a bit more discreet, and provide some absorption in a relatively small package. If the room is all wood flooring, you'll need a carpet covering slightly past the spot on the floor that will 'bounce' an extra reflection at you - 30-45deg off axis of the tweeter, where that meets the floor figure at least a 90deg+ angle of incidence to the ears.
And thats really just the start. Sound reproduction is a complex subject but the amount you're willing to learn and experiment can save you a ton of money. That is also the title of a book with a revised 3rd edition coming out in a couple weeks if you really want to get serious!
