Alexia 1 and thoughts on gear

[JWM]

Hello All. I have Alexia 1's that replaced my Sophia 2's last year and I would like to get some thoughts and opinions on my associated gear. My room is dedicated not shared, it is 13.5 wide and 22 in length the ceiling is open rafter that is 11 at the peak. The room acoustics have been designed and treated by Vicoustics.
Most of my gear revolved around the Sophia's, but I have purchased some new gear last year.

Amp- Classe CA 2200
Pre Amp- Audio Research Ref 3 (Great Northern Sounds Reference Mod)
Dac- Ayre QX-5 Twenty (new)
Network Player- Melco HA-N1Z (new)
Power Cond- Shunyata Denali (new)
Speaker Cable- Siltech LS-188 G5 mk2/SATT
Interconnects- Audio Quest Sky XLR and Enkline proto type XLR
Power Cords- Shunyata Alpha (new)
USB Cable- Transparent Premium (new)
Rack- Core Audio Design
Vibration Control- Symposium Acoustics: Platforms - Shelves - Roller Blocks

Non Audiophile friends that hear the system say it sounds great! and it does, but like most audiophiles I want to improve the SQ. I know that the Ref 3 and cables are getting old. I have always questioned the Classe being a 5k amp - driving speakers such as the Alexia.

Any suggestions would be great. I would mention that I am not able to drop 40 or 50k on an amp (I wish) I would be in a more modest market!

Thanks.

[2fastdriving]

I'd concentrate on the preamp. A used ref5 se would be an improvement. For an amp, You can get a D'agostino classic stereo that would really wake things up,without killing your wallet.

[vintage_tube]

You have several weaknesses that, IMO, I'd address if my system. Power cords and Denali are exceptional along with your amplifier. So, here goes:

a. I'm not a fan of any modded preamp regardless.
b. Speaker cables -- either WireWorld Platinum Eclipse, an upper Nordost, Transparent or Shunyata Cables would be highly considered.
c. Interconnects -- dielectrics are not my cup of tea and again would also look at WW, Nordost, Transparent or Shunyata replacements. I have no knowledge of the Enkline proto type XLR's but I firmly believe in synergy with same branded speaker and interconnect cables.
d. Have one 20 amp dedicated outlet feeding the Denali.

Best Sir,

Bob

[JWM]

Thanks Marc and Bob for the fast reply. I very much appreciate the info and insights! Bob I forgot to list that I do have three 20 amp dedicated lines with Furutech GTX-D R outlets. When we had our new/old house gutted in 2015 I thought someday I might want monoblocks so I had the three put in. Needless to say buying an old house and remodeling it really eats up the audio funds!

[Blueoak]

AFAIK the following provide the biggest SQ upgrades, listed in order of most impact:

1) room treatments
2) speakers
3) source
4) pre-amp
5) amp
6) cables

[Down Under]

You have obviously gone to great lengths with room treatment as seen in your photos.
The Enklein cables are not well known,but are excellent.
I think I would start with the preamplifier.
Your system is essentially all American and so a Reference 5SE preamp would give you a significant improvement.
Then you could look at power amps later on.

[Ritmo]

Good suggestions above. The ARC Ref 5SE is very nice and you can get a used one for a reasonable price. Also, do not discount getting a cable loom - makes a difference.

BTW, great room and system!

[dcvibe]

I just listed a Dan D'agostino s200 momentum stereo on this site that I am currently using with Alexia 1. It is amazing with Alexia... and I believe a good bargain for state of the art audio equipment on the used market. Check my ad if interested.

You have a very nice listening space!

[JWM]

Thanks Blueoak Down Under Ritmo and Dcvibe. I do like the idea of ARC 5SE and I do have a collection of NOS 6550/6h30 that have accumulated for the REF3!
I have also toyed with idea of a SS preamp and not mess around with tubes anymore!
Any suggestions on a SS?
What is a cable loom?

[JWM]

Hey Dcvibe just looked at your sale post and see you hail from KC area. I lived there for 13 years and loved KC!!! Last house was in old Leawood on Summerset and Wenonga. I miss KC!
The Momentum looks great.