2. tech-talk
  3. 139522-120414

Is the grass greener on the other side?

Hi all,
I'm relatively new to the serious audiophile world for speakers. I've been into audio since I was a kid (getting nice car stereos and headphones etc), but I just recently got my first house so decided to try getting a nice 2.1 system for my living room. I've been blown away by how much more I can enjoy the music as opposed to headphones (even with very nice headphones like my Audezee LCD-3's and Woo amp). But now I have fallen into the trap that many have. I am constantly wondering what I can tweek or change out to make the sound even *better*. So I'd like to solicit thoughts from the community on two questions:

1. How do you deal with the temptation to wonder how much better things could get? 

2. Help feed my addiction ;) What should I *fix* next. (Gear list below)

Source: TIDAL -> Roon
Roon Core: Gaming PC in another room
Roon Endpoint: Surface Book Laptop (tuned to make sure the fan stays off)
Surface is connected via Transparent USB Performance cable to Anthem STR Integrated (my newest toy)
Anthem STR is running ARC
I use Transparent Wave Speaker Cable to connect from the STR to my B&W 704 S2's
I use the Tuneful Audio Cables for jumping between the two posts on the P&W's instead of the brackets they provide.
For power I use a APC H10 and connect everything to it. 
mattlathrop
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
702 posts
 
Another thing to consider is Audio Shops in your area go listen to other systems, also inquire about audio clubs. for example I'm just north of you across the boarder and we have a group that regularly meets ( we meet every Sunday) to chat about music and equipment that's a great way to meet like minded audio nuts and discover new music.
jburidan
672 posts
 
I'd focus on getting better speakers.
cd318
404 posts
 
After the LCD-3s and B&W 704's I suspect not a lot better. Your next improvement will probably be your last. After that it becomes purely a matter of taste. There is no clear best loudspeaker in the world, and apparently they all suffer gross amounts of distortion in comparison to rest of the audio chain.

So I'd also suggest getting out there and trying to listen to as many designs as possible. Try sealed boxes, ported boxes, open baffles, planars, transmission lines/horns etc just to get an idea of what each design can and can't do.  

Good luck, it can be a jungle out there.
mattlathrop OP
15 posts
 
@jburidan 

I've listened to say the 702 s2's and the difference was there but nothing to go crazy over. Especially when I use a sub to supplement the 704 s2's low end. If you were recommending something what would you recommend? 
jafant
10,525 posts
 
mattlathrop
You are already off to an excellent start. The STR is a very fine and powerful integrated amp. Transparent cabling is very fine as well.
The last ingredient- loudspeakers. If you enjoy the B&W sound, look no further than the 805 model (D, N or S generation).  Once you have your speakers secure, you can go up the Transparent Audio chain of cabling (believe me you will want to do this in the future).
If you do not like the B&W speakers, then, go out to the dealers/retailers and listen, listen, listen to the competition.  Have fun as this is a great hobby and addiction.
Happy Listening!
More to discover