Next upgrade advice...

T

Trunksleo

Audioholic Intern
Hi, i need an advice for my next (and last) upgrade.
My setup is
Marantz 5012
Yamaha rs700 (connected the front of the marantz)
Kef q350
Klipsch rc62ii
Klipsch r10sw
Klipsch quintet(pair as surrounds)

I will receive some money and i dont know to make an upgrade on the kef or the yamaha.

If i make an upgrade of the yamaha, for ex one option is a marantz pm8006. So if i make this upgrade its too much for the kef?
If i make the upgrade for the kef, for ex a paragdim signature 2 2v. This upgrade its too much for the yamaha?

From this options upgrade for kef

Paragdim signature 2 2v
Polk lsim 703
Revel 105

This options for the yamaha

Marantz 8006
Marantz 7004
Cambridge audio 740a
Arcam sa10
Lumin m1

This one i lost ht bypass
Nad 368+nad
Cambridge 60/80

I want to make an upgrade for stereo music for my setup. If i make an upgrade i want a bookshelf that dont depends of the subwoofer. I want a 2.0

Thanks for the advices.
 
nathan_h

nathan_h

Audioholic
You have more than enough power already for any of the speaker choices you describe so upgrading the Marantz or the Yamaha is not going to be a step up.

You will lose some quality and output headroom in terms of accurate response if you run 2.0 for music but I know that some people like that sound. 2.1 will give you more accurate sound when set up correctly, and also most dynamic headroom.

Given all that, you could upgrade the KEF of course, but you'll get the most quality sticking with bookshelf style speakers and using the sub. If you are willing to sacrifice some money and quality in order to get floor standers, that's a fine choice, but I would put that excess cash into getting better bookshelf speakers or, even before that, a USB measurement mic like the UMIK 1 and learning how to use the free REW software. That will give you an objective basis for improving your sound, rather than shooting in the dark.

Then, before speaker upgrades, I would invest excess cash in room treatment. That is usually a far higher return, dollar for dollar, in sound quality in the room versus new speakers, when you already have quality left and right speakers (like you do).
 
ryanosaur

ryanosaur

Audioholic Overlord
@Trunksleo
You only need to post once. :)
 
T

Trunksleo

Audioholic Intern
You have more than enough power already for any of the speaker choices you describe so upgrading the Marantz or the Yamaha is not going to be a step up.

You will lose some quality and output headroom in terms of accurate response if you run 2.0 for music but I know that some people like that sound. 2.1 will give you more accurate sound when set up correctly, and also most dynamic headroom.

Given all that, you could upgrade the KEF of course, but you'll get the most quality sticking with bookshelf style speakers and using the sub. If you are willing to sacrifice some money and quality in order to get floor standers, that's a fine choice, but I would put that excess cash into getting better bookshelf speakers or, even before that, a USB measurement mic like the UMIK 1 and learning how to use the free REW software. That will give you an objective basis for improving your sound, rather than shooting in the dark.

Then, before speaker upgrades, I would invest excess cash in room treatment. That is usually a far higher return, dollar for dollar, in sound quality in the room versus new speakers, when you already have quality left and right speakers (like you do).
Thanks but on my city dont have no one that make a serious job for room treatment.

So if i go to the bookshelf upgrade the options that listed which one would best?
Also add
Kef ls50
Kef r300
Monitor audio silver 100


May be floorstand like

Kef q550
 
ryanosaur

ryanosaur

Audioholic Overlord
While I disagree that room treatments are a primary concern... rather proper room set up including placement for all speakers, plaacement of Listening Position, room appointments like carpeting or area rug in front of speakers, etc... this is a worthwhile and necessary part of the equation to focus on.

Of what you have listed Speaker-wise, I think the KEF R300 and Monitor Audio Silver 100 are good options... as perhaps that Paradigm from the OP.

I do agree, however: you will need to pair these with a Sub for best effect.

Good floorstanders like the Monitor Audio Silver 300 would be ideal for 2.0 usage. The KEF Q750 or better, Q950 would be better suited than the Q550 for use without Subs.
Mind, it is important to realize that even here, a good Subwoofer will benefit the experience.
 
nathan_h

nathan_h

Audioholic
Thanks but on my city dont have no one that make a serious job for room treatment.

So if i go to the bookshelf upgrade the options that listed which one would best?
Also add
Kef ls50
Kef r300
Monitor audio silver 100


May be floorstand like

Kef q550
R300 are a great speaker. LS50 work well too if you use bass management. And bass management (ie a sub) is worthwhile even with towers.

I don’t know where you live but several companies ship acoustic panels to just about anywhere, and if you are a DIY person, proper fiberglass insulation for the purpose can be acquired in almost every corner of the planet. I will say I’ve heard people be unimoressed with speakers, electronics, source devices, and so on, far more often than with installing room treatments. There’s a reason essentially every professional mixing, mastering, and monitoring room has acoustic treatment: it lets you hear the recording more accurately.
 
T

Trunksleo

Audioholic Intern
R300 are a great speaker. LS50 work well too if you use bass management. And bass management (ie a sub) is worthwhile even with towers.

I don’t know where you live but several companies ship acoustic panels to just about anywhere, and if you are a DIY person, proper fiberglass insulation for the purpose can be acquired in almost every corner of the planet. I will say I’ve heard people be unimoressed with speakers, electronics, source devices, and so on, far more often than with installing room treatments. There’s a reason essentially every professional mixing, mastering, and monitoring room has acoustic treatment: it lets you hear the recording more accurately.
Thanks. If i split the money on both integrated amplifier and bookshelf?
For ex. A marantz pm7004 or cambridge 740a for the yamaha and a kef ls50 for the kef q350?? Its a more balance change? Its worth it?
 
Pogre

Pogre

Audioholic Slumlord
Thanks. If i split the money on both integrated amplifier and bookshelf?
For ex. A marantz pm7004 or cambridge 740a for the yamaha and a kef ls50 for the kef q350?? Its a more balance change? Its worth it?
No. Put all of your money into the best speakers you can get. Adding an amp won't do much for improving sound quality, but better speakers will have a huge impact.
 
ryanosaur

ryanosaur

Audioholic Overlord
If you are in to the KEFs, the R300 is where you should put your money. The Q series speakers are all entry level. They are not bad, but the R series is a definite step up and would be an upgrade you could live with over 5-10 years.
The Revels and Paradigms you listed could be decent speakers... I just don't know them.
But electronics will not improve your sound experience, unless you are upgrading from 10 year old equipment. Even then, the investment there will yield very minimal results.

And for what it's worth, I am a devoted music guy. At least 90% of my listening is 2.1, and I use my AVR for it. I am a trained musician, and frankly find this notion that somebody has to have two systems rather foolish. Please understand, @Trunksleo , I am not meaning to pick on you. Rather I am only interested in helping guide you to the better investment. If you get the best Speakers you can now, then in a year or two, revisit the electronics. ;)
Oh... and a better Subwoofer, too! :p
FWIW, I have good gear, capable towers that work very well in Pure Direct. I also know that I get better Mid and High clarity from those same speakers when I run them with good Subs. Which, in turn, also yields better low end response. I do not crank my Subs, rather try to keep them dialed so Upright Bass does not vibrate my room. I've never experienced that live, as a performer or listener. A good sub is not about annoying your neighbors with loud thumps and explosions, but about extending the clean and linear frequency range you are able to reproduce.

Again, focus on the best upgrade, one at a time. Right now, Speakers are your weakest link. Investing here, now, will pay the biggest dividends for years to come. :)
 
nathan_h

nathan_h

Audioholic
Thanks. If i split the money on both integrated amplifier and bookshelf?
For ex. A marantz pm7004 or cambridge 740a for the yamaha and a kef ls50 for the kef q350?? Its a more balance change? Its worth it?
Nope as mentioned above, put it all into the speakers. Your current amplification is already solid.
 
T

Trunksleo

Audioholic Intern
I retake this thread for more information and i add some options. I only has the marantz 5012 and sold the yamaha.

This are the options for the upgrade

Paradigm signature s2 v2
Polk lsim 703
Dynaudio evoke 30
Kef ls50
Revel performa m105
Focus audio fc8
Monitor audio gold 100
Monitor audio silver 300
Dynaudio Focus 160
 
nathan_h

nathan_h

Audioholic
You ate asking other people to choose what pizza you will eat.

I would definitely choose the Revel. Just like I would choose the mushroom pizza.

But you may like pepperoni!
 

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