Glenn's System... Need Advice!

[gaboudreaux]

I finally moved my 2 channel system up to my main living area and I'm looking to upgrade. I'll start by posting a few pictures of my current system and also share some upgrade ideas I've been thinking about for at least a year now.

My current rig sounds good, but I'm looking for more clarity, transparency, dynamics and detail. Want to achieve tight punchy bass while also getting big clear vocals.

I plan to audition some speakers I'm interested in, but have the opportunity for a really good deal on new Ayre KX-R/MX-R Twenties. I'm in a constant brain war with myself on how much do I really want to spend on my system. Option 1 would be less expensive and maybe allow enough funds to start an analog rig. Like the idea of spinning records. Option 2 little more for the larger speakers. Option 3 stretching funds a bit, but could do it. Option 4, even more money!

Option 1: upgrade to Ayre KX-5/VX-5 Twenties, add QX-5 Twenty and Aurender N10 for Music Server. Replace Sonus Faber Amati with Wilson Sasha 2 or Vivid Giya 3.

Option 2: same as above, except replace VX-5 Twenty with Bryston's new 14B3 and possibly Wilson Alexia or Vivid Giya 2.

Option 3: same as option 2, but upgrade to Ayre KX-R/MX-R Twenties. Can't help but imagine this combo with Alexia or Giya 2 would be sublime.

Option 4: would love to audition Vandersteen Model Seven Mk II and M7-HPA, but this would be very costly.

I know from reading much advice on this forum, I should slow down and audition these equipment combinations before making any big decisions, but the "really good deal" on the Ayre R series is only good for about 1-2 weeks (long story).

Oh, I have a fairly large room with tall ceilings that's open to stairwell. I'll take dimensions and more pictures when I get a chance.

Would appreciate any advice or thoughts!

[Apexorca]

Your Futuras can certenly sound as your request. Try to match it in that way. Have you thought about acoustic treatment?

[rscotth]

Originally Posted by Apexorca

It can certenly sound as your request. Try to match it in that way. Have you thought about acoustic treatment?

+1. One of the best investments I've made for my room.

[bart]

Glenn, although I like the idea of the G2s, I think you own already very good speakers.
Start with room treatment indeed.
And if you can get a great deal on those Ayre Twenties series, I'd get them.
They could be your last amps.
Once you've digested those changes (financially), you can always compare your current speakers with Vivids or Wilsons.

[gaboudreaux]

Originally Posted by Apexorca

Your Futuras can certenly sound as your request. Try to match it in that way. Have you thought about acoustic treatment?

Apexorca, thanks for reminding me the importance of room treatment. I will try to look into this before making any rash decisions. I just moved my gear into this room so haven't had a chance to address this yet.

[gaboudreaux]

Originally Posted by rscotth

+1. One of the best investments I've made for my room.

Thanks rscotth! I've always admired your room. I was really impressed when you got the SF VOX as your center channel, but now that you have the IL CREMONESE and Amatis as rear speakers, I'm truly amazed. I bet it sounds unbelieveable.

[gaboudreaux]

Originally Posted by bart

Glenn, although I like the idea of the G2s, I think you own already very good speakers.
Start with room treatment indeed.
And if you can get a great deal on those Ayre Twenties series, I'd get them.
They could be your last amps.
Once you've digested those changes (financially), you can always compare your current speakers with Vivids or Wilsons.

Bart, that's a great compliment on the SF Amati Futuras coming from a G2 owner, and I think your advice is spot on. I knew this, but sometimes I just need to slow down and be reminded. I will take your advice and do just that. I'll go ahead and take advantage of the good deal on the MX-R/KX-R's, look at room treatment and see if I can maximize the performance of the Amati Futuras. I'll also have a little fun and audition the G1/G2's, Wilsons and maybe the IL CREMONESE just in case.

[vinod_david]

Beautiful room and setup. If only you had the sound you expected...

[2fastdriving]

I personally feel you should identify the weak links with more scrutiny. Your speakers seem fine for now, why not borrow some different brands of amplifier and source gear? Why are you so invested in ayre if it's not giving the sound you want?

I bet if you try some other brands, you'll be shocked at how good the speakers can sound.

Also, speaker placement and room treatments may be necessary no matter how much you spend on gear. Try that, too.

Don't underestimate what cables can do, also.

I would try those things before giving up on your speakers.

[essjay]

Very nice setup, i do hope you get your room treatments sorted out before you consider any other upgrades.

Leaving a room with that level of kit, untreated, is an audio sin.