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Help wanted spending money and improving my system.

I’ve got the upgrade itch and would like feedback on what piece should be replaced or what should be added.  If this system was yours, which piece would you replace and what would you buy as a replacement or what would you add to improve the sound/experience.  I’m not considering replacing my cabling at this point in time.  Please, 1 item only.  So, what would you add or replace?  I’m very happy with what I’ve put together, but I’ve got the itch, and scratching is not enough!!  Current system:  Carver Crimson amp, Primaluna Dialogue preamp, Schiit Yggdrasil D/A, Schiit Lokius equalizer, Jays CD player Mk III, Oppo 103 (for SACD only) Thorens TD145 with Ortofon 2M Bronze, M&K V75 sub, Klipsch R-15 sub, Roon Nucleus, Mac mini server (for iTunes) and Goldenear Triton References, home made bass traps.


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Showing 3 responses by aubreybobb

aubreybobb
86 posts
 
PS.  In case you explore this path, and need DC power supplies, check out iFi.  Best bang for the buck and though they are smps's, they have replaced all my fancy LPS's at a fraction of the price with much improved performance and convenience. 
aubreybobb
86 posts
 
Re the PS, apologies. It seems my long msg did not get posted...will rewrite later today
aubreybobb
86 posts
 
Dream question.  Lovely system, by the way. A number of the components have been in my wish list at one time or another!
I have found that the new tech tweaks will improve a system far more than changing components.  I will list the progression where I have found the most dramatic changes in my path, ending in delight (for the time being). You can stop anywhere - you said only one change, but I suspect you wont, if you do decide to go this route.

1) HFT's are brilliant.  I have 30-40 in my room.  The first 5 give a taste of where they are taking your room...However, you will still need to diffuse early reflection points no matter how many you have. There are ten of these points, unless the reflected signal path is 17 or more feet longer than the direct signal.  If appearance is not a constraint, then use the new cheap foam diffusers, less than a couple 100 for all 10.  

2) Good component footers. I have tried everything under the sun.  The ones that stand out in that they embody a new concept - drain entropy from your system (whatever that means) are the centre stage footers from Critical Mass Systems.  Forget about anything else no matter the price (my previous ones cost 5 times what these cost).   Check reviews.  Suggest buy one set (CS2's are available in the used market, the new CS2M's are not) then go running back for more.  Base price for one set of 4 CS2M, is around 1000/-. 

3) Switches.  Install reclocking switches in your digital chain as close to the DAC as possible.  I have a cascade of 3 top ones, and each was a new adventure.... Uptone audio make the EtherRegen, great product. Cheapest and among the best money can buy in terms of Sound Quality.   If you install more than one, learn about fibre connecters. They blow away copper.  A good resource to learn is afterdark.com. Start at 650/- for a single ER, other companies much more expensive for equivalent quality.

4) External clocks.  These make magic but you have to have the infrastructure.  Again best resource to learn and buy is Afterdark.

This progression has brought me to where I am not currently lusting after my next upgrade.  

Hope this was helpful.

Please read my earlier 2 messages again after this, if these suggestions interest you.
Best wishes
Aubrey
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