Worth upgrading?

[ianshreeve27@]

Recently stopped working and have time to actually listen to some great music again. I've put together a cheap set up based on what I had back in the day; Arcam Alpha 7 and Wharfdale 9.1's with good quality stands and cables, and a Wiim mini streaming Spotify and Qubuz. It's not perfect, but the 'musicality' is 10/10, ie I'm tapping my feet and really enjoying listening time. So.... we all know how the bug bites.... Could it be even better!! What if I bought better speakers?? My question then is, how much would I need to spend to get something that's noticeably better?

 

[skinnypuppy71]

It's a rabbit hole, if your feet are tapping away and you’re happy enough with the sound, you can happily leave it as is, unless you have a couple of grand to spare. That's circa what you'd need to spend for a decent revamp to improve the overall setup...in my honest opinion.

 

[ianshreeve27@]

It's a rabbit hole, if your feet are tapping away and you’re happy enough with the sound, you can happily leave it as is, unless you have a couple of grand to spare. That's circa what you'd need to spend for a decent revamp to improve the overall setup...in my honest opinion.

Mmm, I did wonder if that might be the case.

 

[Tessie]

I upgraded from the Diamonds 12.1 speakers to Acoustic Energy speakers. The Diamonds are still very good speakers and i will keep them.

Good upgrades are these:

• Dynaudio Evoke 10
• Spendor A1.2
• Epos ES-7N
• Fyne Audio F500SP
• PMC Prodigy 1
• Buchard S400 MKII

 

[Al ears]

I upgraded from the Diamonds 12.1 speakers to Acoustic Energy speakers. The Diamonds are still very good speakers and i will keep them.

Good upgrades are these:

• Dynaudio Evoke 10
• Spendor A1.2
• Epos ES-7N
• Fyne Audio F500SP
• PMC Prodigy 1
• Buchard S400 MKII

Possibly agree here, if you feel the itch. However, speakers would be my first approach, but getting the right one for your room demands a home audition

 

[Integralista]

Hi happy listener. I also recommend not to twist around a system, that you are happy with. To get reasonably better speaker means you will need later upgrade of amp, streamer, dac, cables, power filter etc etc...You may try to play more with positioning of you speakers, more comfortable chair for listening, small fridge for wine or good beer..., small acoustic optimalizations of the room (carpet, limit reflective surfaces...) or buy a turntable and some LPs....😆

 

[ianshreeve27@]

Hi happy listener. I also recommend not to twist around a system, that you are happy with. To get reasonably better speaker means you will need later upgrade of amp, streamer, dac, cables, power filter etc etc...You may try to play more with positioning of you speakers, more comfortable chair for listening, small fridge for wine or good beer..., small acoustic optimalizations of the room (carpet, limit reflective surfaces...) or buy a turntable and some LPs....😆

I think that's possibly the best 'upgrade' advice I've ever seen 👌

 

[matthewpianist]

What, if anything, do you want to improve about the sound? That would help in directing your thinking.

If nothing is standing out as a deficiency and you are enjoying your music, either stick as is, or add vinyl.

 

[Fandango Andy]

Recently stopped working and have time to actually listen to some great music again. I've put together a cheap set up based on what I had back in the day; Arcam Alpha 7 and Wharfdale 9.1's with good quality stands and cables, and a Wiim mini streaming Spotify and Qubuz. It's not perfect, but the 'musicality' is 10/10, ie I'm tapping my feet and really enjoying listening time. So.... we all know how the bug bites.... Could it be even better!! What if I bought better speakers?? My question then is, how much would I need to spend to get something that's noticeably better?

The speakers are OK, but probably the weak link.

You have a decent amp, all be it one without loads of power. This isn't a problem, you just need yo make sure you don't buy speakers that need more power.

The WiiM Mini doesn't have a great DAC, there are lots of options for decent external DAC for around £100.

Finally, have a play with your speaker positioning, it can make a massive difference.

 

[Jasonovich]

I know the feeling, once you have the itch.
Telling you to repositioning the speakers won't make it go away.
I would say if you're going to upgrade do it incrementally.
I would change the speakers first, the Dali Oberon range is nice, and possibly upgrade the streamer to a WiiM Ultra.
The Ultra will also give that user interface experience, not always about the sound quality ☺️👍

 

[Fandango Andy]

Recently stopped working and have time to actually listen to some great music again. I've put together a cheap set up based on what I had back in the day; Arcam Alpha 7 and Wharfdale 9.1's with good quality stands and cables, and a Wiim mini streaming Spotify and Qubuz. It's not perfect, but the 'musicality' is 10/10, ie I'm tapping my feet and really enjoying listening time. So.... we all know how the bug bites.... Could it be even better!! What if I bought better speakers?? My question then is, how much would I need to spend to get something that's noticeably better?

Sorry, forgot to answer the actual question. There are lots of great speakers between £350 and £400 that should show a real improvement. A few to consider:

Q Acoustics 5010 or 3020c
DALI OBERON 1
Triangle Borea BR03