Tinkering...pursuit of better sound quality

[dadriver]

I currently have a Marantz 2230 Receiver serving as my power amp--I'm still in love with analog. Speakers are a pair of really nice Boston CR9 (black). Also set up with Pioneer SC850 Preamp, and even a SG-540 EQ--even though I really don't feel is adds much other than an occasional tweak here and there. TT - Denon DP45f. Question: might I improve my sound quality with a straight power amp rather than a receiver such as the 2230? The presumption is that a straight amp is better than a multifunction receiver. Or, might I look at upgrading the CR9s?

 

[Old Onkyo]

Speakers!

 

[dadriver]

Speakers!

Fair enough! Have any recommendations for a “great” pair of bookshelves or medium size speAkers? I’d be looking to improve highs and overall clarity overall.

I’m also considering upgrading my TT to newer model that allows me to choose my own interconnects.

Thanks.

 

[Old Onkyo]

what is the room size, distance from main listening area, and budget. Any thoughts on subs?

 

[dadriver]

what is the room size, distance from main listening area, and budget. Any thoughts on subs?

I appreciate your responses. Thank you!

The room is quite open, kind of foyer, living room type room. Floorspace, wall dimension is approximately 500 sqft. but the ceiling is over 20' high. Not a lot of reverb. I sit about 15' center from the stereo and speakers.

Now, the interesting thing is I don't, generally-won't play music very loud. Often I use headphone (Sennheiser). Jazz is played 85% of the time, occasionally pop/rock.

Anyway, there's a lot to generally consider here. Just like discussing ideas...is why I just joined today. Appreciate your time.

 

[NINaudio]

As Old Onkyo said, speakers will have the biggest impact on the sound quality. What kind of a budget are we dealing with for an upgrade?

 

[Pogre]

what is the room size, distance from main listening area, and budget. Any thoughts on subs?

I agree. Speakers are where you're going to find the most profound improvements. That and a good subwoofer. Not necessarily a monstrous subwoofer, that depends on your room, just a good subwoofer.

 

[Pogre]

Fair enough! Have any recommendations for a “great” pair of bookshelves or medium size speAkers? I’d be looking to improve highs and overall clarity overall.

I’m also considering upgrading my TT to newer model that allows me to choose my own interconnects.

Thanks.

In the (just) under $1000 range I really, really like my SVS Ultra books. They're very linear, have good bass, can handle lots of power (I've never heard them bottom out) great build quality and you can't beat the customer support. I kept an eye on their outlet and got mine for $399 apiece.

SVS Ultra Bookshelf Speaker | Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $1000

Massive soundstage with deep bass and pinpoint accuracy for stereo and home theater. Best Bookshelf speakers under $1000.

www.svsound.com

Link to their outlet.

SVS Outlet Store | Best Deals on SVS Speakers and Subwoofers

Deals and discounts on top-rated SVS speakers and subwoofers. Lowest prices, fully warrantied.

www.svsound.com

And on the subject of subwoofers, SVS is clearing out their 2000 series subs at a really tempting price right now! If your room isn't too big, these are some good subwoofers too.

PB-2000 Subwoofer | SVS

The PB-2000 subwoofer features legendary SVS technology for immersive home theater experiences.

www.svsound.com

PC-2000 Subwoofer | SVS

Cylinder subwoofer delivers effortless output and chest-thumping bass while saving floorspace.

www.svsound.com

 

[NINaudio]

The room is quite open, kind of foyer, living room type room. Floorspace, wall dimension is approximately 500 sqft. but the ceiling is over 20' high. Not a lot of reverb. I sit about 15' center from the stereo and speakers.

I think you may have missed this Pogre.... at least 10,000 cubic feet.

 

[Old Onkyo]

I appreciate your responses. Thank you!

Now, the interesting thing is I don't, generally-won't play music very loud. Often I use headphone (Sennheiser). Jazz is played 85% of the time, occasionally pop/rock.

What model headphones?

 

[dadriver]

What model headphones?

Momentum 2

 

[Pogre]

I think you may have missed this Pogre.... at least 10,000 cubic feet.

Holy crap.

"Not necessarily a monstrous subwoofer, that depends on your room, just a good subwoofer."

You're prolly gonna need some big subs, lol. The 2000 series won't cut it in a space that big. Now I still love SVS' subwoofers, but you can get a little better bang for your buck with Hsu, and I wouldn't recommend anything less than a pair of VTF-3 MK5s in a space that large.

 

[Pogre]

Holy crap.

"Not necessarily a monstrous subwoofer, that depends on your room, just a good subwoofer."

You're prolly gonna need some big subs, lol. The 2000 series won't cut it in a space that big. Now I still love SVS' subwoofers, but you can get a little better bang for your buck with Hsu, and I wouldn't recommend anything less than a pair of VTF-3 MK5s in a space that large.

Assuming you don't already have subs or even want subs, of course! I know, I got a little derailed. You're asking about speakers. If you do not have good subwoofage tho, I think a lot of folks are surprised at how much of a difference good, clean linear bass can make across the whole spectrum. Dirty bass distortion isn't easy to pick up on until it's gone. When I went from "okay" subs to some "real" subs I was pretty shocked at the difference.

 

[PENG]

I think you may have missed this Pogre.... at least 10,000 cubic feet.

But he's using a 30 W receiver and he does not listen loud.

 

[PENG]

I currently have a Marantz 2230 Receiver serving as my power amp--I'm still in love with analog. Speakers are a pair of really nice Boston CR9 (black). Also set up with Pioneer SC850 Preamp, and even a SG-540 EQ--even though I really don't feel is adds much other than an occasional tweak here and there. TT - Denon DP45f. Question: might I improve my sound quality with a straight power amp rather than a receiver such as the 2230? The presumption is that a straight amp is better than a multifunction receiver. Or, might I look at upgrading the CR9s?

The 2230 was great at its time but any mid range AVR, integrated amp, preamp/power amp should make an audible difference, much lower distortions and noise anyway. All else being equal, dedicated preamp and power amp are better in terms of build quality, continuous power rating and lower THD+N etc., though not always as it depends. Often enough, on the test benches, one may find some well regarded separate components don't perform as well as a mid level AVR. So if you are after verifiable better audio specs, don't assume anything..search for objective reviews with bench measurements would be a good first step.

 

[dadriver]

Just so I can better explain this room...fearing we are over estimating the size.

Current listening in this space is just fine. No sub. I tend to sit in that chair on the left. 30 amps is plenty loud enough. Looking for lower distortion, I guess, and better sound clarity.

I see there's some input above about newer amp (era) than my 1972 Marantz. I do like very much they "vintage" look and sound but if that's my quality issue then I guess I have to consider that.

 

[shadyJ]

Current listening in this space is just fine. No sub. I tend to sit in that chair on the left. 30 amps is plenty loud enough. Looking for lower distortion, I guess, and better sound clarity.

I think you mean 30 watts, but yes I would hope that 30 amps is plenty loud enough.

If you want better distortion and sound quality, you will have to ditch the 'vintage' part of your criteria. 'Vintage' audio components tend to have high distortion erratic frequency response.

If you want a large bookshelf speaker with very good bass extension, check out the BMR Philharmonitor. A bit pricey but outstandingly accurate loudspeaker. If you want a good bookshelf speakers but don't want to spend 2k on a pair, check out the K-BAS bookshelf speakers from Monoprice, very good bookshelf speakers with tower-speaker like bass extension.

 

[dadriver]

I think you mean 30 watts, but yes I would hope that 30 amps is plenty loud enough.

If you want better distortion and sound quality, you will have to ditch the 'vintage' part of your criteria. 'Vintage' audio components tend to have high distortion erratic frequency response.

If you want a large bookshelf speaker with very good bass extension, check out the BMR Philharmonitor. A bit pricey but outstandingly accurate loudspeaker. If you want a good bookshelf speakers but don't want to spend 2k on a pair, check out the K-BAS bookshelf speakers from Monoprice, very good bookshelf speakers with tower-speaker like bass extension.

I did mean watts not amps. Work got in the way of that response--sorry!

Sad to hear the points about my beloved vintage gear. I guess I need to have a talk with myself.

 

[ryanosaur]

The BMRs are stunningly great speakers. If you are crafty, DIY kits are available, for a much better price than the finished product from Salk.

Philharmonic Audio BMR Speaker Kit - Meniscus Audio

The Philharmonic Audio, BMR Philharmonitor by Dennis Murphy

meniscusaudio.com

And the cabinets here (still requires finishing):

Philharmonic BMR Flat Pack | Speaker Hardware

www.speakerhardware.com

Beyond that, there are good options available.

What is your budget?

(And I do think a good sub would be a nice addition... )

Cheers!

 

[Beave]

Have you ever had the Marantz receiver serviced? It's from the early 70s, making it about 45 years old. I can see why you like the looks - it's very attractive in a vintage way. But there's a chance the capacitors in it have gone bad by now.

What is your budget? Are you set on bookshelf speakers?

Those Boston CR9 speakers were mediocre budget speakers 20 years ago. There are many much better speakers, both older and newer, for a large range of prices.

Where do you live? Are you willing to consider used speakers or just new?

If your receiver is still functioning properly, then all you really need is better speakers to improve your sound. If the receiver is no longer functioning properly (and sometimes it's hard to tell unless you compare it with a good receiver), then you'll need to look for new speakers AND a new receiver.