Got the upgrade bug


I am a novice audiophile and looking to take the next step in this hobby, which I understand can be a slippery slope.

Bought my 1st system year ago. Pair of B&W CM-1's + ASW 300 + Rotel-1520 + Peachtree DAC-it. Basically a rotel/b&w starter kit. I run sonos most of time but thinking of getting into vinyl.

1st upgrade was a power supply for the dac-it, which made a huge difference. Welborn Labs I believe. Worth the money. Then the folks that sold me the unit last year suggested that I purchase a new power cable for the amp, wow...made the background completely black. I get it now. And want to do something else now.

Two reasons for upgrade, I thought I would move my listening situation from our den/family room to my upstairs office. My wife prefers "background music". I prefer Dylan and Coltrane, and want to hear every instrument, and at a pleasurable level to my ear.

So, I'm gonna move the system upstairs, which is getting me thinking about an upgrade. Or a reason for an upgrade. Just like when my kid spills his paint set on our carpet all of a sudden my wife thinks we need new hardwoods in the playroom.

Anyways, I've got $6 to play with, including trade up value of above components.

Would like a tube component, maybe an integrated. Or a tube pre and solid state comb or solid pre tube amp. But with phono stage for table. I have Listened to some mcintosh and audio research tube set ups, love that "tube" sound. Warm...out of my price range though.

Definitely a full range pair of speakers. 2 channel set up. System is for music only. Love B&W's, so maybe a set of CM-8's. But open to other brands.

DAC separate standalone. Keep my ASW. Add a table, entry level rega or like alternative. VPI seems to have a good brand/company, so if I can get some extra $$ together, that will be the splurge.

Or should I keep my CM-1 book shelf setup and just upgrade DAC and amp, then add table? Room is about 250 sq ft. I listen to lots of folk, jazz, classic rock, jam bands,contemporary blue grass, Musical pieces.

Assuming New Prices:

Thinking 3k for an integrated
1k for a DAC
2K for speakers
1k for table (stretch)

Thanks for advice and suggestions on my new system. Any opinion is appreciated. So many options out there and not many local shops to kick tires.

Side note/different topic, what is the opinion of the forum on used gear? Specifically speakers? How old is ok. And how do you tell if the speakers are working in factory specs?

kernalsanders

Showing 1 response by kernalsanders

Really good advice fellas. Didnt even think about what the system would sound like in the office. I understand the reasoning behind prioritizing investment costs. Speakers, Amp, Dac, Table, etc.

Will give the set up a go in the new enviroment then report back on thoughts, seeking advice.

With that said, what is the forum's thoughts on used speakers? How can you tell that the product is in good working order? Without getting burned. And how old is too old? Found a nice pair of Naut 805's for 2k. 10 years old though?

Regarding the question on Vinyl, I think that there is something to be said about listening to an album from start to finish. yes, digital is more convenient, but also believe my generation doesnt appreciate the story behind the cover. Album name, songs, etc.

We tend to have too much access to too much info under our fingers, which at least for me yields unthoughtful exploration of the names of songs and albums. So, if I buy Vinyl, it might force me to learn more about the artist and or song due to the physical presence. Actually LISTEN to the albumn from start to finish, even if the song isnt my favorite. makes ya just slow down and live. Or if I hear a song I love, pull out the cover and see its song 3 and title X. Maybe its stupid. Not trying to turn this into a blog, just might intial thoughts on why Vinyl.

Also, thinking about creating a "record club" with my fellow music buddies. Everyone brings over a 6 pack and a few of there favorite LP's. We listen to a song and talk about the album.

Lastly on Vinyl, many of the shows I am attending actually sell LP's next to the T Shirts. Wouldnt mind starting to buy them everytime I go to show. Example, saw Andrew Bird in Chicago in a Presby Church. Tift Merrit played along with him. I bought my daughter a t shirt, looked at the LP's and thought, wish I had a record player. At the least, the LP would be a physical document of a good memory. Dont have that with digital media.

I dont expect to go out and buy a ton of LP's, but do feel I would listen from time to time. Plus you can grab some good deals on craigslist. So, perhaps its just a phase I am going through or maybe the next step of my hobby that might actually be a durable interest. Either way it would just be an addition to a system, so might drop the investment to a lower value or priority. My digital will still be king.