System / environment:
Music source is PC via external DAC (Scott Nixon USB.UFO.TD with outboard PSU); Cyrus Pre vs2; 2 x Cyrus 8 Powers mono bi-wired to Polk Rti10 floorstander speakers; Cambridge Audio Azur Reference interconnects, speaker cables: Supra PLY 3.4 for LF, and Black&White LS502 for HF, Cyrus Tri-Arbour equipment rack. Room is about 5m x 6m, with further room opening from one side, mostly carpeted, large bookcase facing speakers.
Background info:
Committed to mp3 as primary music source due to extreme convenience, and because 28,000 tracks are just too many to even think about re-ripping to FLAC. Music ripped at 320bps using EAC/LAME. I listen primarily to classic and indie rock, 1950s jazz and variety of classical, especially opera, 19th century symphonic, chamber and polyphonic 17th century religious works.
Sound has improved enormously with recent DAC, amp and speaker cable purchases, but still suffers from some treble harshness, confused mid range on large scale orchestral works, and boomy bass.
Upgrades already planned are to add Cyrus CD8x for extra-serious listening, and later when funds allow, to add Cyrus PSX-R power supplies to all Cyrus units. Ultimate dream is to add two more 8 Powers and PSX-Rs so I can mono bi-amp the speakers. Is this more a case of “because you can” with the Cyrus upgrade route, than because it would make any real sense?
Advice needed:
1. The speakers are obviously the weakest link, and a budget up to 2 or 3 thousand pounds is under consideration for replacement, although I’d prefer no more than £2,000. I want bi-wirable floorstanders preferably with a flat top and they must work well with only about 25cms clearance from rear wall (both requirements for domestic harmony).
B&W, Spendor, Dali, ProAc, Sonus Faber, …? So many fine brands, and very difficult to audition in a realistic way here in Hong Kong, since the shops are not much like the listening room at home. The ProAc Studio 140’s look like they tick all the boxes, but I would like to have more options on the shortlist. I don’t suppose you do Reader Rescues as far as HK? It would compensate for over-short trips to Teddington recently …
2. Can I expect any worthwhile benefit from buying better power leads, after updgrading to PSX-R power supplies? This would not be a trivial expense, with a total of eight Cyrus boxes plus the DAC’s PSU.
Music source is PC via external DAC (Scott Nixon USB.UFO.TD with outboard PSU); Cyrus Pre vs2; 2 x Cyrus 8 Powers mono bi-wired to Polk Rti10 floorstander speakers; Cambridge Audio Azur Reference interconnects, speaker cables: Supra PLY 3.4 for LF, and Black&White LS502 for HF, Cyrus Tri-Arbour equipment rack. Room is about 5m x 6m, with further room opening from one side, mostly carpeted, large bookcase facing speakers.
Background info:
Committed to mp3 as primary music source due to extreme convenience, and because 28,000 tracks are just too many to even think about re-ripping to FLAC. Music ripped at 320bps using EAC/LAME. I listen primarily to classic and indie rock, 1950s jazz and variety of classical, especially opera, 19th century symphonic, chamber and polyphonic 17th century religious works.
Sound has improved enormously with recent DAC, amp and speaker cable purchases, but still suffers from some treble harshness, confused mid range on large scale orchestral works, and boomy bass.
Upgrades already planned are to add Cyrus CD8x for extra-serious listening, and later when funds allow, to add Cyrus PSX-R power supplies to all Cyrus units. Ultimate dream is to add two more 8 Powers and PSX-Rs so I can mono bi-amp the speakers. Is this more a case of “because you can” with the Cyrus upgrade route, than because it would make any real sense?
Advice needed:
1. The speakers are obviously the weakest link, and a budget up to 2 or 3 thousand pounds is under consideration for replacement, although I’d prefer no more than £2,000. I want bi-wirable floorstanders preferably with a flat top and they must work well with only about 25cms clearance from rear wall (both requirements for domestic harmony).
B&W, Spendor, Dali, ProAc, Sonus Faber, …? So many fine brands, and very difficult to audition in a realistic way here in Hong Kong, since the shops are not much like the listening room at home. The ProAc Studio 140’s look like they tick all the boxes, but I would like to have more options on the shortlist. I don’t suppose you do Reader Rescues as far as HK? It would compensate for over-short trips to Teddington recently …
2. Can I expect any worthwhile benefit from buying better power leads, after updgrading to PSX-R power supplies? This would not be a trivial expense, with a total of eight Cyrus boxes plus the DAC’s PSU.
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