Suggestions on what to upgrade.

KrazyMofo24

I just recently purchased a pair of Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, and so far enjoying them. I'm still pretty new when it comes to audio when I first joined this forum I was using an Onkyo HTIB. I'm not looking to purchase anything immediately, but I am curious on what I should go for in far as upgrades that go well with my speakers. Right now I'm using a B&K ST-202 amp, a Parasound P/SP-1000 preamp, and a Cambridge DacMagic to my PC as my source.

Since my speakers have a warm sound, would I be better off going with amp that has a brighter sound? Any suggestions as far as upgrades would be greatly appreciated.

leroyjr1

I would look at a neutral amp if I were you. What kind of budget are you working with?

ben62670

B&K is neutral.
What do you have for sources?

KrazyMofo24

I don't really have a budget yet since I'm not sure when I'll decide to upgrade. Right now my budget would be limited so based on the suggestions, I'll try to get a better idea on how much I would need to spend on something good that'll last me awhile. I'll most likely buy used, and will always keep a look out for any good deals.

My source right now is mainly playing FLAC through my PC which is connected to my DacMagic via usb. My interconnects are AQ Diamondback, Sidewinders, and speaker cables is Kimber 4tc.

tonyb

I would suggest trying a different speaker cable first before running out to buy an amp. Kimber is a warm sounding cable to begin with and/or IC's.

KrazyMofo24

tonyb wrote: »

I would suggest trying a different speaker cable first before running out to buy an amp. Kimber is a warm sounding cable to begin with and/or IC's.

Thanks, what would be some that you would suggest? Right now everything does sound good, so not in a big hurry to make any changes. I'm really just wanting to gauge where I'm at now, and find out what's the best step forward if I decide to upgrade.

tonyb

I was under the impression you didn't like the warm sound. If it sounds good, why mess with it ? Changing speaker cables can and will change what you hear, good and bad, everyone has to do some trial and error to find that synergy their happy with. Those kimber 4's personally I don't think are doing your speakers justice. Move up to the kimber 8tc if you like the sound or try some PFC's. Budget also plays a part, but on full range speaks, I would go 8tc and up in the Kimber line. Contact Steve in Arizona as he has used both and he can give you more insight as far as what to expect. Also some silver IC's like Bens may bring some sparkle to an overly warm system. Cheap to try too. Experiment alittle, you have nice speakers, bring out the best in them bro.

KrazyMofo24

Thanks. I'll probably go with the 8TC on my next purchase. I'm also planning on upgrading my sidewinders to either another pair of Diamondbacks or Kimber Hero.

Dawgfish

I also own a B&K ST202+ amp and Parasound P/SP-1000 preamp, even though I'm not running either one in my current main system. When I get back into a house of my own agian I'm going to build a garage system using those two components along with some RTA-12B speakers. To be perfectly honest with you I would look into upgrading your Pre next after the speaker cables. The Parasound is a little on the bright side to me and while the neautral to slightly warmish B&K does a good job of taming the Parasound pre it still wasn't enough for my tastes ( I was plying them thorugh SDA-1Cs with the RDO-194 tweeter mod). I replaced the SP-1000 in my main system with an Anthem Pre-1L tube Preamp and it was one of the most dramatic changes for the better my system has seen. The beauty (and curse) of tube Pre's is you can roll in different tubes each with different sound signatures to get the sound you are looking for. I am currently using a combo of Mullard and Amperex 6922s in my Anthem Pre and it's breathtaking. So in a nutshell what I'm saying is replace the speaker wires next, then replace the SP-1000 with a good tube preamp and play around with tubes, then look at your interconnnects if it's still not quite where you want it to be. Your B&K amp and Vienna speakers are great components that you should get years of wonderful sound out of.

steveinaz

The Kimber 8TC is pretty even-keeled sounding, as are the Hero IC's; niether have a "stand-out" characteristic about them--they're pretty linear, tonally. The solid conductor setup of the AQ will push upper treble forward a bit, as compared to Hero.

It'll come down to a matter of personal taste; if you like a little added treble energy--AQ, if you like your treble slightly more neutral, and lower-midrange fleshed a little more; 8TC/Hero.

Since you're running 4TC already, I think that's fine in comparison to 8TC--I didn't notice much of a difference, maybe a little more bass energy w/8TC, but nothing I could swear to. Keep the 4TC's and try the Hero IC. I think that they will definitely give you a different flavor. I've owned Copperhead, Sidewinder, and Diamondback. I prefer the more linear Hero in my setup. In comparison with Copperhead, the Hero's treble is smoother, and back a few rows; lower mid-range is fleshed out more, giving the music a little more drive/body.

If you don't want to spend the 'Hero" bucks, PBJ gets you 98% of the way there.

The 8TC and 4TC are so close tonally, I don't think the extra cost is worth it, but that's my opinion.

With hindsight, I would have been perfectly happy with Kimber PBJ IC's and 4TC speaker cable, and would not feel the combo is a compromise in any way.

ohskigod

a center channel if you do not have one. this is a theater set up right?

steveinaz

FWIW, I found Diamondback's sound rather dry and 2-dimensional when compared to Copperhead OR Sidewinder--go figure.

tonyb

Steve, I've done comparisons on the 4 and 8tc, but the older versions. For me,I've found the 8tc to have more weight to the musical notes. But everyones system is different as the results they will get from it. I think the OP wants suggestions for cables that are not as warm. I could be wrong, but by his description, I would say he's hearing a more recessed sound and wants to bring it more forward. I don't have too many suggestions to brighten up the sound as I usually find myself looking to tame brightness. Anyone else have a more lively cable for the OP to try ?

steveinaz

Sidewinder is already fairly treble-happy, AQ Slate speaker wire would emphaisze this even a touch more.

To me, "warm" means a slightly laid-back treble, sweet, but laid back. maybe I've got it ****-backwards?

KrazyMofo24

Thanks for the input so far guys. I do prefer a warm sound over a bright speaker. Which is why I went with Vienna Acoustics. However since I listen to wide a range of music, I feel that it I may prefer a more balanced sound. Certain genre sounds really good, and then other songs I feel are a little too laid back.

Is it important to have matching interconnects for the source, and the amp?

ohskigod I'm going to add a center channel eventually, I also want to get a surround sound processor, and another amp to complete my 5.1. However that'll probably be awhile, right now I'm more focused on 2-channel.

dawgfish thanks for your input. I'll definitely change out the Parasound before my amp. It's my first and only preamp, and glad I have it since it's so much better than my receiver. However I have to crossover my speakers at 80hz, because when I flip the switch to full range it starts distorting for some reason. I can run it full range by going through the bypass, but I won't be able to use my sub. That and I don't have a remote for it. So I'll go keep an eye out for a tube preamp.

steveinaz

KrazyMofo24 wrote: »

Thanks for the input so far guys. I do prefer a warm sound over a bright speaker. Which is why I went with Vienna Acoustics. However since I listen to wide a range of music, I feel that it I may prefer a more balanced sound. Certain genre sounds really good, and then other songs I feel are a little too laid back.

Is it important to have matching interconnects for the source, and the amp?

YES. All cables need to be changed out. If your wanting to tame treble, PBJ or Hero will work. I think your 4TC's are fine. Solid copper conductor IC's like Audioquest, tend to bump treble up a bit.

aboroth00

I'm not a big believer in cables so I won't comment on that.

Your B&K amp is a fine amp and if it drives your speakers to the level you want I wouldn't think about changing it out.

aboroth00

If you really wanted to upgrade something I'd look at updating your DAC. A lot of options out there in terms of DACs and would probably make the most noticeable change without having to update your pre.

newrival

ben62670 wrote: »

B&K is neutral.

I tend to agree with this. If I were you, I would ditch that B&K power cable and get a better one. This made a HUGE difference on every B&K I ever owned. And I was ultra-skeptical on the benefits of cable improvements. But the difference is truly astounding with B&K amplification. Perhaps it's just due to B&k cords being kinda crappy, or perhaps they are sensitive to the change, I'm not sure.

steveinaz

I think he would need to quadruple his out-lay to better his existing DAC with any significance, just my 2 cents.

newrival

I still think that whatever you do, change the power cable but another thing worth trying is perhaps a tube preamp. I really like tube pre's with SS amps, and given your aural proclivities, suspect you would as well. As synergy can play a role in the overall sound in your system, I can offer that I felt the Audible Illusions Modulus 3b was a very nice match.

One comment though: If the computer is your only source, why do you have a preamp at all? If you don't have ny sources that can be plugged into your DAC, I would sell off the pre and get a nicer DAC. maybe one with a couple inputs and leave room for a nice CD/SACD transport down the road. Then you just control the volume with the DAC. No reason to clutter the signal needlessly with what is essentially a redundant volume control.

newrival

oh that was supposed to say "if you dont have any sources that CANT be plugged into your DAC." oops

KrazyMofo24

Thanks for the suggestions. I won't be upgrading my DAC right now. I got a good price on it, and enjoying it. I'm going to look in to making some mods on it though later. I got the amp from my friend suckstobeme, and he gave me an upgraded power cord so I think I'm good there.

I've noticed the difference between cables so I'm okay with spending money on those. I'm probably going to switch out interconnects to either Kimber Hero, PBJ, or get another pair of Diamondbacks to have them matching.

After cables I'll look in to a really good preamp.

KrazyMofo24

newrival wrote: »

oh that was supposed to say "if you dont have any sources that CANT be plugged into your DAC." oops

I don't have a second system so I need a preamp for everything else too.

newrival

KrazyMofo24 wrote: »

I don't have a second system so I need a preamp for everything else too.

oh I see. You only mentioned your computer as a source. A good preamp like the AI Modulus that I mentioned would be a good idea if you have anything like a turntable or CD player. what other sources do you use?

steveinaz

If you get the Hero with ultra plate connectors (instead of WBT locking), you'll save about $60/pr.