OK, final update (I think). On the speaker front I reckon I have got it sorted. The Spendors are bedding in very nicely. The change of interconnects and speaker cables has had the required effect: the sound is now much, much better. Turning the volume up to 11 o'clock or even nudging 12 is not overpowering, but unleashes the clarity and overall weight and spaciousness that, given my limited experience, I believe will satisfy.
I tried the TDLs again, but the sound was suddenly lacking in all departments by comparison. Principally, the disappointing bass was back, emphasising the control of the Spendors, and adding to an overall impression of veiled sound.
True, much of the time I cannot listen to my music at volume, and also true is that I don't have perfect listening conditions anyway...so I don't think I should spend further on major components (but maybe some interconnect experiments might be interesting). However, based on my experience of listening to Spotify (see post in Computer-Based Music), I think I will be exploring that avenue more seriously before the year is out.
I turn a shade of green when I read the listening experiences of some of you, but I have to be realistic and recognise the limitations of our lifestyle. Time to ease off the hi-fi throttle for a while...
I tried the TDLs again, but the sound was suddenly lacking in all departments by comparison. Principally, the disappointing bass was back, emphasising the control of the Spendors, and adding to an overall impression of veiled sound.
True, much of the time I cannot listen to my music at volume, and also true is that I don't have perfect listening conditions anyway...so I don't think I should spend further on major components (but maybe some interconnect experiments might be interesting). However, based on my experience of listening to Spotify (see post in Computer-Based Music), I think I will be exploring that avenue more seriously before the year is out.
I turn a shade of green when I read the listening experiences of some of you, but I have to be realistic and recognise the limitations of our lifestyle. Time to ease off the hi-fi throttle for a while...