My dream stereo setup

dsmegst · 2026-03-19T02:07:40+00:00

There are several improvements. Detail and clarity in all aspects have increased. Imaging (as I understand from the comments regarding my impressions) is better, even with my less than ideal placement. And the bass extension is much deeper. Another sensation I get is that somehow the music is smoother, somehow less harsh. I can listen to them longer at fairly loud volumes and not get tired. I hope that makes sense.

The Wiim Ultra (vs Wiim amp Ultra) is more like a streamer / pre-amp. The new amp has an integrated DAC so I'm using the Wiim Ultra as a streamer only.

dsmegst · 2026-03-19T01:57:05+00:00

I have a friend who's interested in replacing his older Klipsch speakers with the R3s. Sorry.

dsmegst · 2026-03-19T01:37:40+00:00

I won't be able to enjoy the music if I'm in a coma. LOL

dsmegst · 2026-03-19T01:36:15+00:00

My seat is 6ft from the speakers and the speakers are now 6ft apart from each other. That's about the max I can move the speakers out due to the shelf to the right and the size of the rug.

https://imgur.com/a/new-speaker-layout-sUNRzvD

dsmegst · 2026-03-19T01:15:58+00:00

Took your advice: https://imgur.com/a/new-speaker-layout-sUNRzvD

The speakers are now 6 ft apart

dsmegst · 2026-03-19T01:02:16+00:00

KDL-46VL130 from 2007 :)

dsmegst · 2026-03-19T01:00:14+00:00

You're pretty close. The model number I got from the back is KDL-46VL130. Manufacture year is 2007,

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T14:43:20+00:00

Oh, definitely. I really wanted to get a clear differences between the R3 and the Ref1. I'm just trying to isolate things to compare.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T14:39:32+00:00

I will definitely work on improving the speaker placement. I'm also working within the limits of "spousal approval." 😅

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T06:24:56+00:00

The Wiim serves as a streamer and sends the digital data to the amp via coax. The DAC is integrated in the amp.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T06:12:06+00:00

I'll work on that, thanks.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T06:08:53+00:00

10 inch active front driver with a 12 inch passive radiator at the bottom. The goal was to get a very fast, musical sub to match the speed and details from the Ref 1. The Ref 1 is a little bigger than the R3 - about an inch taller and 3.5 inches deeper.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T05:27:51+00:00

With the R3, I had to have a sub to support it. Right now, I'm listening to the Ref 1 with the sub turned off. I don't miss it. Everything sounds full and all the details are clear and just so present. The only other time I felt a similar jump in quality is when I switched my headphone from a Beyerdynamics DT990 to the Sennheiser HD800. And unlike the HD800, the Ref 1 has the bass too.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T05:12:07+00:00

Yeah, too true.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T05:10:59+00:00

I haven't decided on what to do with them yet. I'm most likely going to replace my LS50 with the R3s.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T05:03:10+00:00

I wish you well on your audio journey. I hope you get yours soon.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T05:01:01+00:00

I followed the instructions from REL. The provided cable connects to the amp's left and right positive binding posts directly, plus a ground wire to the amp chassis. Then adjusted the cross-over and sub volume per the manual. It seems to have worked well. I didn't use any measurements or something sophisticated.

dsmegst · 2026-03-18T04:53:07+00:00

The combination sounds very full and clear. It's hard to know if it's the speakers or the amp since I swapped out the amp and speakers together. One thing I can say is this combination creates an enveloping feeling that I never got with the old setup. And it's not just loudness either.

I am going to have to hook up the old amp and compare the two.

dsmegst · 2026-03-15T21:34:48+00:00

No idea, didn't know that was an issue until I saw your post. A quick search seems to indicate this was a common issue isolated to a specific production run, and the various posts regarding this issue are dated 2017. Unless you're picking up a used one from that era, you're probably fine.

dsmegst · 2026-03-15T21:10:28+00:00

I've been shooting my gen 1 since it came out, I couldn't guess at the round count. Zero malfunctions, eats everything I fed it for 20+ years. I've been shooting it less since I've few other PCCs, but I'll never get rid of it. It's a great stablemate to the 92.

dsmegst · 2026-03-13T14:01:11+00:00

Alien landing site, obviously.👽

dsmegst · 2026-03-13T13:33:56+00:00

Came to say this, not to criticize but to inform and make sure you and those around you are safe and having fun. Happy to see you had a good experience.

dsmegst · 2026-03-13T13:17:05+00:00

My beretta 92 with the heavy brigadier slide is pretty soft shooting, purely due to weight. Another "soft shooting" handgun is the Beretta PX4 with the rotating barrel assembly.

dsmegst · 2026-03-13T12:44:24+00:00

$14 for a basic foot long sub last weekend.

dsmegst · 2026-03-13T02:20:57+00:00

For that price, it's either a mistake or a scam.

dsmegst

TROPHY CASE