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 2 responses by ghdprentice

Looking over your components, they look good, roughly at the same performance level. So unless you are looking to start an upgrade cycle then…

I would install a direct line (10 gauge). I just installed my second (just for my amp) and was surprised at the improvement. I would also experiment taking the equalized out of your system. I have always found them to degrade the sound. 

The Furman power conditioner a good choice. But it all depends on your house. Try with and without. Most places it helps, but occasionally a power conditioner will degrade the sound.
Having the itch is great… over many years or a lifetime it can bring you to own a tremendous system enabling great musical enjoyment.

I learned over time to bring my system up to the point that all components were acting synergistically and at there maximum potential, at that level. Then, when I got the itch, I would choose to improve one component significantly… basically to the next level. I would get a noticeable improvement in sound, but I knew that the rest of my equipment was holding this new piece of equipment back. Then over the next few years I would bring the rest of the components up to that level and tweak interconnects, power cables and quit. Then not upgrade for many years… being really happy where I was at.

So, in that light are you looking for a weak performer to bring up to the level of your other components? Or, are you looking to move your system to the next level of performance? If you are looking to have a truly fantastic system some day, a good rule of thumb is in order to move up a level,  you must double or more the cost of a component (you can somewhat mitigate this by buying used, or finding new really valuable components for the money like your Yggdrasil).