My System....where to start on the upgrade path


I’ve been in this hobby for only 2 years, so I have much to learn. I have questions about my overall system and didn’t know where to post them so I thought I’d give this forum a try. I read many of the forum comments on a weekly basis but I don’t post often because I haven’t felt that I had a solid enough background to share my opinion. I do have a very good ear, so I don’t mind sharing something I’ve heard if I think it sounded especially good.

I have decided that something is my system is lacking. I want the music to open up more. I want the various instruments to stand out more. I like listening to music at low levels, but I want to be able to raise the volume to real world levels and still retain that separation without the music sounding “jumbled” As you can see I don’t know all the proper audiophile terms so please just bare with me.

System:
Acoustic Zen Adagio speakers
Pathos Classic MKIII integrated with Electro-Harmonix 6922EH tubes
Cambridge 840c CD player
Thoren TD-160 HD turntable(modified by George Merrill
Ortofon AS-212S Tonearm
Dynavector 20X Cartridge
Sutherland PhD MC phono preamplifier
Ginko Cloud Audio Vibration platform(turntable)
Acoustic Zen Satori Speaker Cables
Acoustic Zen Wow interconnects
Bruce Brisson’s Giant Killer power conditioner( I can’t hear the difference with it)
Room: 23’7” x 15’4” x 9’3”
Speakers are along the short wall.
4 large plate glass windows along one of the long walls can be covered by heavy blackout Roman shades.
Glass sliding doors on the short wall opposite the speakers can be covered with heavy blackout drapes.
Heavy rugs on the Pergo covered concrete floor
Lots of upholstered furniture

Will tube rolling in the Pathos make a dramatic difference?
Amp-speaker match-up?

I’m trying to figure out where to start. I feel like I need more bass.
I know that this is painted with a broad brush, but if I can gets some good feedback, then maybe I can ask some more specific questions. Thanks Catfishbob
catfishbob
I've owned Adagio Jrs. for 3 years - along with a powered sub. I've discovered that they are very responsive to tweaks of all kinds. Etbaby has offered excellent advice. The room and quality of power make a huge difference.

I use a 35w/ch p/p tube amp to drive them. My 300w/ch SS amp offers a tad more mid-bass punch but generally makes the sound thinner and somewhat sterile. I much prefer the tube amp - which sits on Tuneblocks which sit on a Sistrum Svelte shelf. This tweak adds a bit more punch in the mid-bass along with slightly cleaner highs. I also recommend aftermarket footers for the speakers - which are discussed in other threads.

I agree with Skickaskinka. Until you compare other components in your system in your home, it will be a constant guessing game. Have fun! Be patient!
To add to my thoughts above, I'm not a fan of Electro-Harmonix 6922EH tubes. In my preamp, they sounded fairly dull.
Hi Mapman,

CR Developments Artemis mono-blocks (tube) and Carver Lightstar Reference (SS).