[El Bishop]

Alright,
 
For years I've lived with my current system and I think I'm missing out.  The story: My main system was an NAD L-40 ("Music System") with low end B&W speakers and I loved it -- it was deep, musical and fun.  But I got upgrade fever and went out and bought (after many listening sessions) a new system: Mac mini (ALAC) --> Esoteric AZ-1 --> B&W 705's.  I thought I liked it at first but now think I don't.  The main complaint: it's just not fun, not musical and too detailed.  I now prefer listening to my old system (NAD) which is in my bedroom or to my iPhone--> Grado RS1s.  I need to fix my main system but don't want to spend a ton.  What are my options?
 
Perhaps:
 
1.  Trade in the AZ-1 (used to be $5K retail -- I paid $3K) for something warmer -- any suggestions as to what?  Does my Mac Mini have a decent DAC that I could just add an amp and not a dedicated or integrated DAC?
 
2. Can I add a different amp to my AZ-1 and just use it as a DAC -- perhaps a tube amp to warm it up? (ridiculous?)
 
Thanks for any suggestions,
 
EB

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'd look hard at a different pair of speakers. Aside from the recording, they're probably 95% of the sound signature.

 

[khaos974]

Alternatively, you could invest into some acoustical treatment to dampen your room.
Room+speaker combination is always what matters most.
 
Or you could always use something like RoomEQWizard to correct adapt the speakers to your room.

 

[eugenius]

Try one of: Jamo C803, Monopulse C, System Audio SA2K, Xavian 270 Evoluzione (in order of price and probably sound quality too).

 

[markkr]

I had the 705's also, they just didn't do it for me either... I say find new speakers as well.
 
@eugenius: you avitar makes me do a double take every time I see it. me like! 

 

[eugenius]

markkr, I like your rs2i, it's the only relatively cheap Grado I didn't hear so far.

 

[Hi-fi Wigwammer]

Having heard an AZ-1 and 705s on more than a few occasions i'd suggest selling both. The AZ-1 is one of the most clinical and sterile sounding Class D amplifiers i've heard to date. The 705s have a rather uncouth tweeter too. It's no wonder they make an unhappy combination.
 
What is your budget and do you have any idea of which brands you'd like to try?