Hello All,
I've been a Decware user for years, having purchased a Select Zen amp, reference interconnects, and built the WO32 subwoofer and most recently HDT speakers (all written up on
my site).
My system as it stands, does an awful lot right, I'm very, very pleased with how it sounds, but it could do with more "body" to the overall sound.
The system comprises; Origin Live Ultra turntable, Origin Live Silver MkII tonearm, Goldring Eroica LX cartridge, Lehmann Black Cube SE phono stage, Decware Select Zen amp, Decware HDT speakers (self built). Decware reference interconnect and Chord Odyssey 2 speaker cable, plus Vertex Jaya mains filter.
It presents a fantastic soundstage, both in width and front-to-back depth. The separation, coherence and tonality is also excellent - I can hear the spaces around instruments, easily hearing separate instruments and their textures. Also, speed, thanks to the HDTs, is brilliant - everything really starts and stops, with pretty good dynamics.
Overall, then, I am extremely happy.
I'd like to move forward by addressing the lack of body. Some recordings can sound a bit light, for example vocals sometimes sound as though they are not weighty enough, especially in the mid band.
It may well be my listening room, which is an "A" shaped loft room (see photo). The speakers are against one slope and I sit on the other side against the other slope. While I think the shape of the room probably helps to break up standing waves, the high frequency may possibly be reflected up and down the ceiling to my ears.
I am intending to set up the system in our (conventionally shaped) living room to see if it makes a dramatic difference to the overall tone. But, even if it does, I cannot permanently move it down there - I have to look for a solution in my listening room for the time being.
Thinking about the various possible ways forward I was thinking maybe trying a preamp with the Zen amp to improve weight and body and perhaps experimenting with some other cables, or even considering another amp. I am loathe to change my speakers as they do so much right but if they are completely wrong for this room then I am open to ideas.
Your thoughts and ideas would be gratefully received.
John