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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 paraneer

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
No gear recs from me. I wouldn't attempt to spend the 6K for you. What I like, you probably wouldn't. Especially since we have two different rooms. I will make the following comments though...

I think a 3K amp driving a 2K pair of speakers is pretty unbalanced system. If it was me, I would do it the other way around.

Also, I would design a system in this order - Speakers, Amp, Source, DAC, Cabling. So far, we know your taste in music, you want to hear every instrument and you do like B&W. So, start listening to other B&W models and other brands that are designed like B&W to zero in on the speaker that sounds best to you. Then find an amp that will properly drive those speakers. This may answer your tube or SS question. Finally select your source and your DAC. Come to us with a short list of actual models so owners of those models can give you meaningful opinions.

Its a journey, treat as such and most importantly enjoy it. You will be on your way to a system that is best for you and not us.

But if you really want to know how I would spend your 6K...
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