Really like my system now. The only improvement I wish to get is clarity and soundstage. Next step is to get acoustic panels behind the speakers. Also I'm shopping for a DAC.
Hanknxtc, those are tube dampers from Herbie's Audio, you can read more details from their website. I'm not an expert who can explain to you how they work.
Rbc, the acoustic panels I put up are "Primacoustics". There is also another company called Auralex. I found the Primacoustics to be of great value and well worth the $45 a panel.
The Maestor may be the best upgrade I've ever done, you have to try it!
Hey Bullot. Please find out the name of your panels. I'm also looking at ATS Acoustic. For now I can only treat the front wall. Will look into the Maestro as well. Thanks for your suggestion.
Rbc.......I just added some acoustic panels in my sound room and the improvment was dramatic. Much more detail, top end is a little sweeter and I was able to turn the bass down considerably......much more balanced system, and again, the detail!! I forget the name of the panels I bought, I can look it up for you if you like, but they were only like $45 each....3 or 4 well placed panels will make a big difference!
Oh baby.........one more thing I did that just came to mind!! I put Maestro outlets in the wall! Holy crap!! I had the Porter Ports in before and they were nice, but changing out to the Maestro was like a major component upgrade! By far the best $75 I've ever spent! If they were $1000, I would say best $1000 I've ever spent!
I would say your system must have taken a serious upgrade since you posted this!!
System edited: Sold the Audio Aero Prima. Connect the Touch directly to the integrated amp. I am amazed at how good the internal dac is. Although it is not quite there compare to Prima but it's only a faction of the cost. But you know what? I added Herbies Audio spike decoupling glider and it totally transformed the system. It's now better than my previous setting. It adds clarity and realism. They are amazing upgrades.
System edited: After some breakin with the new caps. It's getting much better. I took out a pair of telefunken 6922 diamond bottom from closet which I never like in the cary, and replace my favorite amperex pq 6922 white label. The tele seems to match well with the new caps. It makes much more lifelike sound especially on string instrument. I'm settled now.
System edited: Replaced my monitor Reference 3a Dulcet to Tyler Acoustics D3. It's so much bigger and heavier!! Also breaking in with all the caps upgrades in my cd-player. Enjoying it so much now. I'm thinking of adding a turntable next.
Fully modded the Prima MKII. 1) Replace all caps to Mundorf 2) upgrade all diodes 3) upgrade to low jitter clock 4) Use Mundorf wire 5) WBT RCA connector
you beat me to it Rbc...i was going to suggest hot-rodding the SLI-80. there are some other nice upgrades you can do as well...direct coupling, hexfreds, etc. (all the F-1 goods). I did not choose the direct coupling option when I purchased mine becaue I like a more fluid sound like the stock sli-80. looks like a nice system, enjoy!
Replaced all caps with Mundorf gold/silver. about 40 hours of playing time but there is big improvement already. The major improvement is its soundstage and detail. Exactly what I'm looking for.
Replaced all ebony balls in the iso-cup with lampblack balls and hi end base, under the amp. Substitute BDR cones under cd player with herbie's tendersoft foot. The improve is obvious. More details and better imaging. But I'm not sure which individual parts change the sound the most.
Have you experimented with and without the PS Audio conditioner in the system? Maybe try the amp plugged directly into the wall outlet and the sources into the conditioner.
I see you use the AZ Satori. Excellent choice, but isn't the Satori a single cable? Are you using the standard jumpers from bass connections to tweeter connections?
You'll need to either contact a Ref 3a dealer or Diane at Divergent Technology as there are quite a few updates, depending on the age of your Dulcet. Prices are variable.
yes I miss indicating what my speaker cable is. You see I haven't paid much attention to my components anymore. Speaker cable updated please see my list. They are bi-wired.
