Upgrade questions

[Woobie]

Hi, I have about a $2,000 budget for upgrades. Was looking for some advice. Currently I have a debut carbon DC with Acryl-it platter, Pro-ject speed box S, Ortofon 2m bronze cart. Bellari vp130 amp and audioengine 5a+ speakers. Trying to upgrade this entry level setup I have. Started with the 2M bronze which does sound better than the 2M red but I don't know what to do next. Thanks in advance

 

[jblnut]

One man's upgrade is another man's lateral move - would help a lot for you to describe what you like about the sound now, and what you think you're missing. We can help steer you in the right direction if you indicate what you are after.

jblnut

 

[Woobie]

To me it seems like the bass from the audioengine a5 speakers can be obnoxious at times which I find very distracting, I'd prefer a more balanced sound where the mids don't get drowned out. I would like more separation between the instruments, sometimes it sounds very muddy when listening to bands like nine inch nails or Mr bungle... My friend is selling his upgraded Jolida JD9 for $350. Does anyone think this is better than the bellari vp130? Would getting a rega rp6 be a good place to start?

 

[cratz2]

Welcome to Audio Karma.

The Audio Engines are pretty good for what they are but they are pretty limited. They are pretty amazing for what they are, but the are very small and they make tradeoffs to get that much preceived bass out of such a small enclosure.

If I had your setup and was looking to upgrade, I'd get some proper speakers and an amp (pre/power or integrated) to drive them. Assuming you have to room, of course. A lot depends on what kind of music you listen to, your room and your longer term goals but I think right now, your speakers are by far your weakest link.

As to your buddy's Jolida, is there any way you can compare it directly to your phono stage?

Are you interested in digital at all? Either CDs or digital files? I'd be looking at a pre or integrated either with a decent DAC or with a seperate DAC.

 

[Woobie]

Not interested in digital or cds. So if I'm looking at getting floor standing speakers, I would have to get an amp and what else? Sorry my knowledge of this stuff can fit into a thimble

 

[jblnut]

Do you have any hifi stores near you where you can listen to a variety of systems? Speakers are hard to buy without hearing them, and will make the biggest difference in your system. I agree those speakers are probably the weak link now.

jblnut

 

[Condorsat]

Did you try experimenting w/ audioengine 5a+ speaker placement ... moving away from wall ... toe in ... etc.

 

[dcmfan]

Not interested in digital or cds. So if I'm looking at getting floor standing speakers, I would have to get an amp and what else? Sorry my knowledge of this stuff can fit into a thimble

$ 2,000 budget for speakers and an amp is a very nice place to shop. My division would be something like $ 1200 to $ 1500 for speakers and $ 800 to $ 500 for the amp.

The good news is there are tons of options to look at. The bad news is there are TONS of options to look at.

I'd say try to get out and listen to some speakers where ever you can to get a sense of how they sound. Walk around from side to side to see how wide or narrow the sweet spot is. Sit in front of them. Stand up. Pay attention to how the sound changes and think about how they'll work in your room.

It may take some hunting and reading of online reviews if you don't have an audio store nearby. Resources like this might help narrow down what you're looking at:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/2016-editors-choice-awards-loudspeakers-500-1000/

See if you can settle on the speakers first, and then go looking for an amp to drive them. One of the key specs for matching speakers and amps is Ohms - a speaker rated at 8 ohms will be easy to find an amp for compared to a speaker rated at 4 ohms.

Happy hunting!

 

[Sondek lover]

Have you thought about a new phono amp and or a new tone arm cable?

 

[shelly_d]

To me it seems like the bass from the audioengine a5 speakers can be obnoxious at times which I find very distracting, I'd prefer a more balanced sound where the mids don't get drowned out. I would like more separation between the instruments, sometimes it sounds very muddy when listening to bands like nine inch nails or Mr bungle......

The issue you describe here is directly related to speaker performance. Experimenting with placement can do a lot to improve the sound quality you get with a pair of speakers and I strongly advise doing that as your first step. I suspect however (and remember that this is a suspicion, not a truth) that you will find some of the issues you are objecting to will remain after you have moved the speakers all over the place. If that turns out to be the case start a speaker hunt. Listen carefully. Don't rush. Don't buy the first time you hear what you like, go home and think about it, sleep on it and if you still want them go back.

Also, be aware of this trick: Some speaker makers want to make their speakers sound really impressive, to hit you right between the eyes and trigger what amounts to an impulse buy. They do that by boosting the treble output just a little bit, 1/2 to 1.5 or 2 dB. It's not enough to register as louder, it simply sounds more "detailed" or more "reviling". The trouble with that is after several hours of listening you start to get tired of listening, called listening fatigue. That's why I advise you to not buy the first time you hear a set of speakers that you like. Go home and try to imagine listening to them for hours at a time.

The speakers you have also have the power amp you will need to drive them built right in. Since the new ones likely won't have that you will need an amp to drive them. Although somewhat controversial on this forum, the new digital class amps that are available for not big money will give you more band for the buck and leave more left over for the speakers, which is where you will want to put most fo the budget anyway.

Good Luck.

Shelly_D

 

[grottyash]

New speakers, definitely.

 

[marcmorin]

Hi, I have about a $2,000 budget for upgrades. Was looking for some advice. Currently I have a debut carbon DC with Acryl-it platter, Pro-ject speed box S, Ortofon 2m bronze cart. Bellari vp130 amp and audioengine 5a+ speakers. Trying to upgrade this entry level setup I have. Started with the 2M bronze which does sound better than the 2M red but I don't know what to do next. Thanks in advance

If you have the room, a nice gently used pair of Magnepan 1.6Rs, and push 'em with a serviced GAS Son Of Ampzilla. When you get the upgrade bug again, it will be table, and preamp, as you'll have the speakers and wattage to them covered for a long time

 

[cratz2]

If there are any decent shops in your area, I'd visit them and be honest with them... what you have and how you want to improve your sound. I'd definitely try positioning your speakers but I think of your current kit, the speakers have the most room for upgrade potential.

You'd need the speakers, an integrated amp and speaker cables. Or a preamp and a power amp and an additional set of interconnects and the speaker cables.

 

[sturgus]

Speakers are also what I think should be your first move. With a budget of $2000 you can make a substantial system upgrade. Where do you live, would you consider used gear? Are there any audio clubs or groups in your area? I ask this because an audio club means you get to hear lots of gear, talk to people with experience, and many times access to buy great used gear. As far as the Jolida, it may be an improvement but more likely a lateral move. I would look for speakers and amplification first. This is where you will get the most bang for your buck. Just remember to take your time and not rush into anything.
Sturgus

 

[Woobie]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I tried changing the speaker placement on my audioengine a5's, with no change in the sound. I live close to NYC so hopefully I'll be able to find some hifi stores to visit. I think I'm going to look at some floorstanding speakers today. Can anyone recommend any speaker brands to focus on? I'm not going to go with the Magnepans because of their size. Was reading a review on Klipsch RF 7 II, so I'll try and demo that if they have it. But any other suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Condorsat]

I'm currently using Kef Q100's (20 x 14 room) ... I like them real well.

Kef also makes floorstanders.

 

[cratz2]

The Focal, KEF and Wharfedale brands have nice stuff in the $600 to $1200 range. I've enjoyed PSBs and mid range Paradigms in the past. The Elac brand has my attention but I've only heard one pair in one system. Their design goals seem to match my preferences.

Also don't be afraid to consider stand mount speakers. See if you can find a pair of used Nola Boxers to hear. Those should be around $900 to $1,200. VERY impressive in that price range. Those are more upscale speakers but most people msy find you get more for your money from Focal, KEF and Wharfedale.

Not sure what I'd specifically recommend for an amp. Most of the speakers I've mentioned are easy to drive and since you aren't interested in digital at this time, you don't need to worry too much about DACs or anything. I'd probably get something from Marantz, NAD, Onkyo, Cambridge or Yamaha.