Need help with system improvements.

Hi, guys. My system is as follows:

Arcam Alpha 8R (tweeter duty)
2xArcam Alpha 9P (1 ea. mid/bass duties)
NAD C541i
Proac Studio 200's (fooking heavy!!)
Homebrewed IC's and CAT6-based speaker cable.

The problem I have is that, although it's fantastic at revealing details, have a good soundstage and the bass starts and stops where it should, there's very little 'boogie' factor. With my old system (AA8R, AA9P(1 of), NADC541i) heard thru B+W DM601(s1)'s, although technically it wasn't great, I always found my feet tapping without realising. This doesn't happen as often with the new setup.
Can anyone suggest anything?
Proviso: I can't afford any more gear and I can't really move the position of either speakers or system.
Also, (and perhaps related), can anyone suggest any cheap internal mods for any of my hardware? I don't mind soldering, etc. so, for example, if new opamps will make an improvement, lemme know.
If you need any more information, please ask.
Cheers, neill

 

What about a nice power lead

I was amazed at the difference one made - initial thoughts, should not make a blind bit of difference, but....

I have an Arcam AVR and a Rega power amp. Tried it on the Arcam and things became more chilled out and open, on the Rega more punchie and foot tapping - awaiting the bits to make another to see/hear the results of a decent lead on both

Maybe worth a bash, if you do get one on demo try it on each component in turn to see if you like it on one bit of kit more than another.

Just a thought, or make your own

 

so hard to say without hearing your system and being there in person.

Ignoring your proviso, I suspect you either don't like the presentation of your new speakers, or they are not being driven to your satisfaction by the amplifier/s.

I would try more powerful amplifier/s on mid/bass first, and if that doesnt do it I would audition alternative speakers.

By buying/selling second hand it needn't cost money.

A second pair of ears is an even better idea, getting some other people around to see what they think.

I disagree that a new power lead will make the kind of difference you're looking for - the problem sounds more rudimentary from your description

 

Did your old system have that Nad CD player?

 

I think I'd point blame at the amps .....

can you describe the home brew ic .....?

the cat 5 is ok ....is it ffrc or just a single run ?

What have you got the equipment standing on especially the cdp ..

A cheap and quick suggestion that may allow the music to flow is a set of davidf's iso feet ....these little marvels can really get the cdp singing....rather than just making a noise ![imo]

 

Thankyou, pete

 

my spelling is getting worse !

 

:beamup:

 

And only 10 minutes after the poisoned DIY thread was closed:spank:

 

Well come on! Since when has a CD player "only made noise" ?

Things are only getting poisoned because people insist on personal abuse instead of answering questions. I can't help that.

Still as this is the DIY section, I'll leave you guys to it.

 

you can tell that he has absolutely no interest in helping echoance...

just to remind you this is the diy forum ....

not your personal arena to pock fun, insult or generally denigrate posters that are asking genuine questions.

 

My suggestion would be the same as Chris' - I'd look at maybe trying alternative speakers that would not cost anything to change to. Sound advice from Bottleneck.

 

so why not say that in the first place .....?

 

Neil,

In my case, getting a 2nd (experinced) set of ears to look over my set up was invaulable. In my case pete (zanash) was kind enough to come and put me right.

I would say (IMO) that the relationship between the room and speakers is critical (with my set up at least).

Pete was able to suggest modifactions to my origional arrangement that was to have jaw-dropping benefits.

eg getting an good triangle arrange ment between listener and speakers.



(...no, I don't have statistical proof Mike.................sorry, only kidding )




David

 

his medication's started to work...

 

I'll try and answer everyone's questions here:
DeafCat: a homemade power cable is on my 'to do soon' list.

Bottleneck: before buying the Studio 200's, I'd demo'd a few floorstanders (Castles, B+W's, others that I can't recall) and I'd decided to go with the Studio 125's so I knew I liked the ProAc sound. The 200's are (as far as I know) 125's with an extra mid/bass driver. As for driving them, they're quite an easy load and the power amps are 70W, each of them driving just the mid/bass of 1 speaker. (The Alpha 8 drives the tweeters)
As for other ears…why? It's not them who have to listen to it, it's me. (I'm not being funny; if you can convince me it'll help, I'll let others listen)

YNMoan: Yep, same CD in my old system.

Zanash: Why blame the amps?
The IC's- http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=125&doy=5m9 with Shark connectors.
Speaker cable: it's Cat-6.  What's FFRC? I'll try and get a photo because I honestly can't recall how I made them. It's based on something from TNT. Basically, 8 twisted wires go to each of the 4 terminals. It sounds better than the Qudos Bi-wire I had previously.
The equipment is standing on *shudders* a very wobbly chest-of-drawers.  From the bottom, 8, 9, 9, CD. Does the stability of the components have a big bearing on the overall sound? Moving them to somewhere more stable is gonna be a nightmare.

Hope this helps and thanks for your input so far.

 

I made the suggestion only because it helped me a lot!!

IME Hifi set up is something of (black) art........

....a few changs you might not have thought of can suddenly bring stuff into focus....no one knows it all......+ ( as you'll have gathered from this forum) we all different approaches...

Thats my opnion anyway.

 

"What’s FFRC?"

What IS FFRC?

 

sorry, didn't see this to start with.....

might be soem gains to be had here....

...in my view its quite a big influence.........

....but could be worth a look....

 

Full Frequency Range Cable.