Why do you think going to separates is going to up the SQ? I had a pair of Classe separates then moved to the rogue Cronus magnum 2 with the kt120 tubes. I liked the move except the Cronus caused some flabby/not controlled bass. So I move to a Hegel h100 which was nice but not enough power, so in months, I bought a new Hegel h300 and this met my goals. I got this new at $3000 which I think the Hegel would beat any $3000 with of separates. Btw: you also have to include the cost of a IC connecting the preamp to an amp which could cost 100’s of $$$
Biggest impact: moving from integrated to separates
I am slowly moving to separates from my Cronus Magnum integrated amp. So far, I’ve upgraded the Phono stage to a Pass Labs XP-15. I’m now looking for the next upgrade. I will need an amp and a line stage preamp. My budget is @ $3K and I am looking for the biggest bang for the buck. Which upgrade should come next? I would like anything I upgrade to have balanced connections (for linestage both ins and outs.)
thanks
thanks