McIntosh MAC6700 and KEF R107 and My Spotify Playlist

 

I carved out a dedicated listening space and these photos are taken from my recliner. It's not a large space - likely too small for the KEF R107 speakers, but it is serving me well, regardless. 

I have, though, been struggling with the overall sound quality from this setup. I have two sources - A Denon DVD3910 that I'm using as a CD/SACD player and a Wiim Pro - using the coax output to the McIntosh MAC6700 built-in DAC. I can't imagine the coax would give a different "sound" than the optical option, but I might switch that out and see. 

The Problem
The issue is overall lack of bass and "fullness" to the sound. Seems these speakers reproduced these two qualities without effort when they were in a different listening area of mine. Rooms/spaces can make all the difference, of course, so I wouldn't expect a 1:1 comparison of sound quality when comparing different environments.

Possible Answer
While listening to a LOT of different music with this current setup - including much of the same music that I KNEW sounded good in the other room, I am thinking that what I am likely hearing (or not hearing) is poor source audio quality. Not the Wiim or the very nice-sounding Denon 3910, but the actual recordings. 

I use Qobuz and Spotify (both sound about the same to me) and I have their settings on high quality streaming. I'm talking about the production of the music, itself. I think I've finally got a system here that exposes the flaws in poor music production to such a degree that I'm finding myself fighting playlist and song after song to find well-recorded material to enjoy on it! 

First world problem? YES - first to agree there. 

Chime in with your favorite test tracks. 

Here's my test track playlist. Enjoy!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1kfJBWaQeCxde93cfA5911?si=3b63e073d4634385

McIntosh MC2205 and C32 - Pure Bliss

 

I just had these two McIntosh units serviced and partially-reconditioned. The MC2105 amplifier had some issues - switches, capacitors, etc. The C32 was thoroughly cleaned and I believe some rewiring had to be done to correct a prior botched repair. Both sound great now. Had them back from my repair guy for a couple of months before I finally got around to hooking them up and listening to them. 

They sound splendid. No more noise coming from the preamp - the volume pots are all super quiet now, as well. 

I have them hooked up to a pair of Klipsch RP600M speakers. 

And yes, before you ask... I am using them FOR NOW to stream via Bluetooth from my phone and iPad. :D

 

JUST FOR YOU - The Vintage Audio Enthusiast!

I partnered with QuietMoon Press to create this one of a kind Vintage Audio Inventory, Repair Log, and Wish list book that's geared just for the audio enthusiast. 

Of course it can be used to inventory ANY items and the cover would appeal to the vintage audiohead inside of all of us.

Here's the link to share and the QR code to copy and share with your vintage audio friends. 

Thank you and enjoy. 

OH! and did I mention it costs about the same as a fast food burger? $6.97!

Link to purchase on Amazon.com:  https://bit.ly/HiFiColl_Blog

From the publisher:

This log book can be used for ANY electronic gear or ANY items that require simple inventory counts and repair history.

It's the perfect gift for the audio lover!

Keep your vintage audio gear in perfect working order with our Vintage Audio Inventory and Repair History Log. With room for hundreds of items and features like a wish list and note pages, this log is the perfect companion for any serious gear head. Its 6" x 9" size makes it easy to store anywhere and the glossy cover helps prevent any accidental stains. Get your Inventory and Repair History Log today - rock on!

Key Features:

• Inventory of Items - Room for 663 items
• Repair History - Room for 216 items
• Wish List - Room for 90 to 255 items (depending on how you use the spaces)
• Note Pages - 18 pages of medium-ruled blank note pages at the back

Bud Fried Transmission Line Speakers

Good Goodly Moogly! DEEP, controlled bass from a 6.5" driver? Sure, if properly tuned, these transmission line cabinets can produce unbelievable sound from two drivers in a relatively compact design. I keep throwing music at these and have to honestly say they are my favorite speakers since my KEF 105.2 that I sold a year ago or so. Looking for more Fried speakers - chime in if you have any or know of any for sale. Thanks!

Klipsch RP 600M and Yaqin Tube Amplifier - Like Butter

Although not vintage, the Klipsch RP 600M speakers have a classic appeal and look great alongside the Yaqin MC-10L EL34 tube amplifier. I have this system fed through a AudioQuest DragonFly DAC hooked up to my computer as well as an older iPod. Still breaking the speakers in, but they sound very nice. It's a great system to glance over and admire while working from home these days. 

By the way, Amazon has six of these Klipsch left in stock and the price for the black option is amazing right now. Click HERE to see. (Posted May 31, 2020).