2. analog
  3. 160217-128706

Dedicated Vinyl system next upgrade?

Hi. I love my system. I really do. I love vinyl and listen to vinyl nearly exclusively via “appointment listening”. I do Sometimes stream and listen while I walk or while working but I love just sitting and listening to my stereo. I believe I’ve arrived regarding finally achieving a great set up and have experienced that vinyl “magic” that audiophiles obsess over. I understand that limitations exist and a great stereo will reveal the quality of a recording - good or bad. The law a diminishing returns regarding  upgrading is something I’m mindful of. I don’t have endless funds to spend on upgrades. My question is - what should I consider upgrading next? Should I ditch the integrated amp considering I’m using an external phono stage? Or should I go with a better integrated amp? Or should I look at a better cartridge? Do I upgrade my turntable or just the tonearm? Do I upgrade the power cable on my amp? 
Here’s what I’m currently working with - and thanks for your thoughts/suggestions! 

Clear Audio Concept Turntable
W/ Hana SL cartridge 

Herron Audio VTPH-2a Phono Stage

Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II integrated power amplifier 

Kimber Kable speaker wire and interconnects (I forget which model - an entry lever set - nothing crazy) 

Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3 stand mount loud speakers

Set of two stereo REL S/510 subs

paulgardner

Showing 3 responses by cakids

cakids
166 posts
 
I had a Cronus Magnum II in a similar quality system, with the same turntable. Btw, I had Hana EL, and now have Hana ML. The most noticeable improvement that I made was to replace the 4 topside fuses with Synergistic Research. I believe that the reason these had such a good effect is that the fuses are directly in the signal path. So any degradation due to the stock fuses would directly affect the music. Nothing to lose. Can be returned if they don’t work for you.
Please - no fuse discussion. I’m just relating my experience with a single amp, and a particular installation.
cakids
166 posts
 
There are 4 fuses under a removeable cover. This is the cover that is removed to bias the tubes. The cover is on the top right, between 2 output tubes and the output transformers.
cakids
166 posts
 
Another suggestion. Which output tubes are you using? I’ve found that KT-90s sound best. But that might not be the case with your speakers.
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