Small system, big sound

by theophilus on Ever Evolving
from listening position

Description

After several years of tinkering with a midfi system consisting of entry level Ayre and Cary components with Joseph Audio Speakers, I decided on a whole scale change to the system. My listening room is small and the Josephs were way to big all along. Room treatments were in order as well. The Ayon was attractive because of its top of the line DAC with USB input. I haven't gone computer based yet but that will probably be a future source. The Gems are perfect for the room. They have suprising bass extension for small drivers. I may add subs at some point but I do not feel any pressure right now.

I finally feel that I have the basics of a really high quality system which matches the listening space. My upgrade path at this point will be:

1. Acoustic room treatments - bass is uneven in various positions in the room. Traps will help with this. There is some harsh upper treble which panel absorbers will hopefully fix.

2. Cables? My Audio Art cables perform well and can't be beat price wise, but I'm always wondering how much room for improvement there is. I am a firm believer that different cables deliver different sonic qualities but I also believe that there is no need to spend silly money to get the characteristics you desire.

3. A decent rack. Everything is on a beautiful Eames storage unit, but I think it might collapse under the weight of the Ayon and Levinson! While I'm at it, some vibration control as well.
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Components Toggle details

    • Ayon CD-5
    top loading, integrated Skyla DAC
    • Levinson No 23.5
    200wpc
    • Revel Ultima Gem
    with integrated stands
    • Audio Art IC-3
    XLR
    • Audio Art SC-5
    Biwire
    • Eddie Current Zana Deux
    6C33C headphone amp

Comments 6

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I owned a pair of Gems in the late 90s (when they first came out). I loved these speakers and kind of regret selling them. I had the matching Revel Ultima Sub, but never really got it to integrate well. I usually preferred listening to the Gems without the subs.

I bet they sound great with the Levinson amp (also owned a 23.5 in the past although I was driving the Gems with a Krell FPB-300). Are you using the Eddie Current as a preamp? 

Good luck with the room treatments. They can really provide a nice improvement. I'm a fan of diffusors behind the speakers. With the rear-firing tweeter on the Gems, this can add a lot of airiness and depth to the soundstage.

jaytor

For room treatment, I would start with Bass Traps in every corner you can, floor to ceiling. I found that this one thing (on just the wall behind the speakers and sub) made the biggest difference. The room echo disappeared! I bought, use, and recommend Gik Acoustics (no association). Their traps are inexpensive, do not need permanent mounting and are stackable. It took less than 30 minutes to set both up (4 traps, 2 per wall corner).

kevemaher

Post another wide angle pic so we can see that Eames lounge chair in the photo too!

tobuns

Owner
Thanks, Milpai. The comment about the Eames storage unit was a bit tongue in cheek, it is fairly sturdy. However I would like something rock solid and more narrow. So my order would then be 1, 3, 2.

As far as cables go, I've considiered Cardas Golden Cross/Reference and Nordost Frey. I've also heard some good things about Gordon Huffman's product which is significantly less expensive. I wonder if anyone has a comment to this.

theophilus

Of the three options, I would rather go with the a stable rack - only if there is a chance that it could collapse and harm your equipment. If not, then no doubt the room treatment should be priority numero uno!!

milpai

Owner
I would appreciate any suggestions from the collective wisdom of audiogon, especially on the subject of cables.

theophilus

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