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.
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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Additional room treatment, specifically first reflection points. You'll be amazed at the improvement. I see you already have some DIY bass traps. DIY if possible to save a few bucks. I did years ago and was amazed. Or, if you are just itching to spend money, do some research on the different companies out there. Many 'philes speak highly of GIK. |
I watched a video on NPS-1260 Three Dimensionality Enhancer and it was a decent sell but it lost me when power cables were also treated. I still wonder if in room treatment might be better. |
Since Synergistic Research's High-Frequency Transducers have been mentioned, anyone care to share their experiences? There seems to be a decent explanation here: SYNERGISTIC RESEARCH HFT X. What if you've got a Home Theatre System with too many speakers to treat? |
Upgrade the digital will be a substantial upgrade, what’s your budget ? I have been through a bunch of dacs spending $5 k andup isa substantial jump in musicality and naturalness,detail. A excellent upgrade is the Bricasti M3 dac ,and a huge bonus is their Roon end point Streamer board with many trickle down technologies from their $$ dacs and all linear power supplies and a bunch of upper end technologies using Ethernet cable is a big improvement and everything is filtered,isolated and converted And 2 less cables,made in USA and quality throughout. |
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). |
Yogiboy, my bad I failed to mention my tt pre is an entry Schiit. I've had the tt since I bought it in the 70's. Just recently got it down changed belt cleaned replace wiring etc and bought a cartridge and pre. I have purchased about 10 albums but very rarely play it. I primarily am digital. I'm probably not going to invest any more money in the TT. It primarily has nostalgic value only. But I really appreciate your comments and advice. |
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I would not trade in those speakers. Tube? How about a Gold Lion KT 77? I love those on my speakers and they're 87 db sensitivity; yours are 92 db. They have a luscious, intimate midrange. Your speakers and sub will keep the bass tight, too. Other than that, an R2R DAC would be on my list. Orchid/MHDT or Audio G-D or Audio Tubadour III would be my short list pics. |
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