Which amplifier/CD/DAC suits JBL4344M

Dear all,

I have a question and would like to seek for your kind assistance. I am
currently using:

JBL4344M speaker (4 ways, 12¡¨)
Rotel RA931MKII integrated amplifier (around 30W+30W)
Pioneer DVD515 dvd player (also function as CD player in the system)

I like pop music and jazz music. I do like something too soft, and I love
the powerful feeling of music. At the moment, I also use my system when
watching DVD movie ( I do not have 5.1, and I think stereo set up is ok).

With regard to my present system, my feeling is that high frequency is
clear, mid frequency is also clear, bass is punchy and powerful with enough
energy. Speed is normal. In short, the balance between high, mid and low
is good, everything is clear, nothing is too much or can¡¦t listen clearly.

Without adjusting the tonal color of the system, I would like to upgrade the
analytical power and depth/balance of my system.

1. left and right balance
I once have the chance to listen to a hifi system in a shop. The vocal is
always in the middle. Not only is the vocal in the middle range of left and
right, but it stays exact in the middle point. Even if I move to left or
right, the vocal stays exactly in the middle without moving. At present, my
system cannot do this. Whenever I move, the sound will move. For example,
if I move to the left, the vocal moves as well.

2.analytical power:
I can¡¦t listen to each musical instrument and vocal separately, everything
sticks together.

3. depth of my system
I would like my system to be able to differentiate the sound from front to
back.

My budget is around USD2500, and I would like to seek for your advice
whether I should:
- just change the amplifier
- change the amplifier and add a DAC
- change the amplifier and add a CD player
- just add a DAC
- just add a CD player

Please kindly advice the model (first or second hand is ok) of amplifier, cd
player and dac that suits my system. I have been thinking of krell
kav300/400 (krell can add some analytical power), or rotel CD player (I
think that the bass is good).

Thank you for your kind advice. Please cc a copy to

Thank you very much.

"Malcolm Fung" wrote

Which amplifier/CD/DAC suits JBL4344M

Dear all,

I have a question and would like to seek for your kind assistance. I am
currently using:

JBL4344M speaker (4 ways, 12¡¨)
Rotel RA931MKII integrated amplifier (around 30W+30W)
Pioneer DVD515 dvd player (also function as CD player in the system)

I like pop music and jazz music. I do like something too soft, and I love
the powerful feeling of music. At the moment, I also use my system when
watching DVD movie ( I do not have 5.1, and I think stereo set up is ok).

With regard to my present system, my feeling is that high frequency is
clear, mid frequency is also clear, bass is punchy and powerful with
enough
energy. Speed is normal. In short, the balance between high, mid and low
is good, everything is clear, nothing is too much or can¡¦t listen
clearly.

Without adjusting the tonal color of the system, I would like to upgrade
the
analytical power and depth/balance of my system.

1. left and right balance
I once have the chance to listen to a hifi system in a shop. The vocal is
always in the middle. Not only is the vocal in the middle range of left
and
right, but it stays exact in the middle point. Even if I move to left or
right, the vocal stays exactly in the middle without moving. At present,
my
system cannot do this. Whenever I move, the sound will move. For
example,
if I move to the left, the vocal moves as well.

"Whenever I move, the sound will move. For example, if I move
to the left, the vocal moves as well."... this is as it should be.

"Even if I move to left or right, the vocal stays exactly in the
middle without moving"... you will need to switch to mono
or purchase speakers that produce a diffused sound stage.
Your speakers are designed to be directional (not diffused).


2.analytical power:
I can¡¦t listen to each musical instrument and vocal separately,
everything sticks together.

Dimensionality and micro-dynamics are perception issues.
It either follows that the weakest link in your audio equipment
chain is causing this (equipment based accuracy) or your
perception of the sound stage doesn’t meet your auditory
preference.


3. depth of my system
I would like my system to be able to differentiate the sound
from front to back.

Items which would have an impact on 3D sound stage:
* Existing speaker placement
* Existing speaker support (spikes vs carpet)
* Speaker design, for example planar vs conventional
directional speakers
* Electronic equipment design principle SS vs tube...
although high end products of each design types may
obscure perceptible differentiation.
* Source component accuracy (CD Player/LP Player).
* Connectors cables and power supply


My budget is around USD2500, and I would like to seek for
your advice whether I should:
- just change the amplifier
- change the amplifier and add a DAC
- change the amplifier and add a CD player
- just add a DAC
- just add a CD player

"just change the amplifier"... my 1st pick.

Your speakers have:
• Woofer: 15" aquaplas laminate
• Mid-Bass Driver: 10" driver
• Midrange Driver: 2" titanium compression driver
• Tweeter: 1.75" compression driver
• Recommended Power Amplifier Range: 200 watts
continous, 800 watts peak.
• Sensitivity: 95dB (2.83 volts/1 meter)

Your "Rotel RA931MKII integrated amplifier (around
30W+30W)"... is somewhat lower than ideal. Consider
a tubed integrated amplifier in the 60 - 75 watts range or
a higher resolving SS design in the 75 - 100 watts range.

"just add a CD player"... 2nd pick

I have been thinking of krell kav300/400 (krell can add
some analytical power), or rotel CD player (I think that
the bass is good).

Yes... Krell, Adcom GCD-750, Arcam, Musical Fidelity.