I cannot tell you what the best next upgrade you should make is. After saying that I have found one of the most cost effective improvements is getting reasonably high quality ac power cables from my wall to my component and fuses for my components power supply. Paying attention to your quality of power to your components can dramatically improve your sound pretty much evenly across the board. Maybe that gives you something to think about.
Help me with the upgrade path
Over the last 12 months, I spent some significant (at least for me) dough on new speakers (Bowers and Wilkins CM10), amplifier (Parasound A21), and Digital Preamp + DAC (Cambridge Audio Azure 851D). I find myself listening mostly to digital content (CDs converted to digital via iTunes or Tidal --> Apple TV --> Azure DAC). I had been planning to upgrade the other components in the chain but wanted to let the $$$ shock sink in before splurging further.
So this year I’m allowing myself just one more upgrade for at least another year. Given the fact that I am using Apple TV, which is not considered the best choice for music, and non-expensive Audioquest speaker wires (I think I paid around $75 for an 8-foot pair), I wonder where I should put my money.
1. Replace Apple TV? I like the Bluesound Node 2 which sells for about $499
2. Better speaker wires? Leaning toward Clear Day Shotguns
3. Better power cords for the amplifier and DAC? No idea which ones would be a good fit for the A21
I understand that there are too many varying factors in determining the best upgrade, and too many system dependent variables, etc. -- but still some feedback would be great.
So this year I’m allowing myself just one more upgrade for at least another year. Given the fact that I am using Apple TV, which is not considered the best choice for music, and non-expensive Audioquest speaker wires (I think I paid around $75 for an 8-foot pair), I wonder where I should put my money.
1. Replace Apple TV? I like the Bluesound Node 2 which sells for about $499
2. Better speaker wires? Leaning toward Clear Day Shotguns
3. Better power cords for the amplifier and DAC? No idea which ones would be a good fit for the A21
I understand that there are too many varying factors in determining the best upgrade, and too many system dependent variables, etc. -- but still some feedback would be great.