The next step to a better system


Hi everyone

I have been putting together a system for the last few years and need some of your wise and varied knowledge to help me take the next step.

My current system is

Harman Kardon HK990 intergrated

Revel F52 speakers

SVS PB12 NSD Sub

VPI Aries Scout with an Ortofon 2m Bronze mm cart

Herron VTPH 1mm phono preamp

Onkyo CDP DXC390

Belden BJC LC-1 interconnects

12 gauge, 87 strand, oxygen free copper speaker cables

Every step I've taken so far has lead me to a better audio listening place. 

I would also like to figure out the best way to introduce a good digital music source into my system. Currently I just hook up my smart phone through an Aux on the HK990 and listen to Pandora and Spotify. 

And of course I would like to improve on the analogue side of my system.

So any guidance would be helpful.

Thank for your time and knowledge

meambler
Best and least expensive is GIK Acoustics. Great advice.

After that ASC is very good and very expensive.



You could experiment going up the various line of conditioners (via dealer loaners) and determine where your needs are met, i.e. no further refinement in sound quality. For value you want to buy a conditioner that does what you require and not more;however, I believe many companies enhance the conditioning/isolation capabilities as they build units designed to handle more devices or more power,so that makes choosing a bit of a challenge. I don't think buying the top of line Furman would be a waste of money;in fact it will be a permanent investment that you can build upon with power cords in the future (of course you can do the same with lesser units).By experimenting I have found isolation via balanced power units(in my case Equitech) to be so beneficial for my Spectral/MIT system that I have 2 isolating units, one for analog another for digital. I realize I'm a 'bit' obsessive about sound quality but I dislike listening to orchestral music without clarity and find the improved dynamics and nuance very enjoyable with solo instruments such as flute,guitar,woodwinds,harp and horns. Obviously I have found isolation and pristine power to be the foundation of a great listening experience. Cheers.
Room treatment/taming should rank high on list of obtaining a better system. By comparison to the cost of equipment these days it is a cheap and valuable way to improve any system. In my humble opinion of course.
For 1 source on room treatments check out ATS Acoustics, Piper City, Illinois. I purchased from them the supplies to build my own panels. 
I am in total agreement with those who have recommended Room Treatment and speaker placement. ATS Acoustics, GIK, great sites. ASC and RPG more expensive. You CAN make your ( maybe not stratospheric costing system sound like it is with/ speaker placement, room treatment, dedicated electric. Work on it! Good WAF helps too!