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
asp307

Showing 1 response by reruam

My personal experience...
About ten years ago I bought a used Pass X-1 pre-amp. It replaced a Linn Kudos.
The change was transformational!

Soundstage, air, so uncongested....
it was like I'd been listening to music through a megaphone.

So if it was me, I would spend the money on a  line stage...