Help wanted spending money and improving my system.

I'm no expert,  but I would start with a book called Get Better Sound by Jim Smith.  He focuses on your room and your current equipment.   I've read his book, but took it a step further went to his one on one listening session and it changed my whole mindset.   Don't get me wrong, I'm all for getting new equipment,  but I've felt like I was chasing an impossible goal.  My next step is to have Jim come and do voicing  session at my home.  Not necessarily cheap, but if it will improve my Sound, I'm willing to give it a try.  There are others like Jim, but that's the path I'm currently on.  I pray that your system gets to the next level.  Enjoy the journey. 

I had a Yggy and while many love theirs it never seemed right to me.  If you use your Jays transport a lot then changing to a better DAC that takes I2S is something to consider.  I moved to a Denafrips Terminator then Terminator Plus,  I feel they are night and day better in so many ways.  The Denafrips prefer I2S as an input.

The cheaper way would be just get a few vinyl albums....Try a better phono preamp...

Dollar for dollar, digital amplitude and phase correction has made the greatest positive contribution to my sound quality.  Just get a pc and a usb mic, and do what they say below.  I’m confident you’ll be amazed.
https://community.roonlabs.com/t/a-guide-to-advanced-room-correction-with-rew-and-rephase-using-conv...

Hello fastninja12,

who were the first eleven?

Nice system!  Does seem like a lot of stuff and connections.
I agree with the suggestions toward pre amp and DAC.  I also believe in system synergy where possible.  One suggestion to consider would be the Mola Mola Makua pre amp.  Mine has the internal Tambaqui DAC and is amazing, both as a preamp and a DAC.  You can also get the acclaimed phono pre amp as well, but I am strictly digital.  The. Combined streamer / DAC / preamp is amazing, avoids interconnects and power cables and is beautiful as well.  I also have the singular Tambaqui in an all Audionet system, and again world class DAC.  A call to Bill at GTT Audio is worthwhile.
Enjoy the music!   Ken

Your just bored.   Take a breather and save your money.

Hey OP ??? Equaliser ??? Where and why are you needing one?

You can replace your DAC which although good value can easily be bettered by a number of units, at 2 to 3 times the price. Also consider the streamer is as or more important than the DAC.

You mention DIY bass traps, which is great and suggests you are aware of the value of room treatment. A wise poster mentioned a microphone and REW which if you don’t have will be the biggest bang for the buck ever.

Now to directly address your requirement of 1 item only. This will totally transform your system. Get yourself a DBA and figure out how to remove the equaliser.
I strongly recommend reading up on the benefits of a multi-sub approach. Earl Geddes has much info and videos on the theory and set-up. If you have a space problem or fear of clutter the subs can be incorporated into the decor. I helped a mate with a difficult room by installing an 8" driver into a sealed box. We made 3 of these, one as a coffee table, one to support a reading lamp and one to support a pot plant. These small boxes hardly intruded but WOW the result was truly transformative. The idea is not to fill the room with thunderous bass but to smooth out the problematic nodes.

3 or 4 small boxes with your DIY skills should be easy 😁

I would look at a dac  upgrade. Look at a true r2r fully balanced with xlr outs.

@fastninja12. I just spent the last weekend at Decware's open house. It is sometimes called Decfest or Zenfest.  They hold it every year the first full weekend in October...it starts Friday afternoon and goes to Sunday afternoon. I will second any Decware gear suggestions.

Getting that out of the way I do have some suggestions for your system. Most of them will be around $1k, but you don't have to do all(or any) of them.

I will start with your turntable. Yes there are better tables out there, but do you want to spend at least $3k to $5k (for starters) to really hear what vinyl had to offer? There will always be a better turntable than the one you have. You have a decent turntable and a good cartridge. The Ortofon 2m Bronze shares the same pickup as the 2m Black. You could try the Black stylus out...it would be a quick and easy swap.

You could also upgrade to a SoundSmith Carmen. It would give you a different "flavor". The other upgrade would be the Decware ZP3 phono preamp. There are a bunch of upgrade options when you order and I definitely recommend getting the capacitor bypass mod. It will give better performance during transients. There are also many other great phono preamps out there and to beat your Schiit Mani you need to spend five to ten times as much as the Mani. 

Now let's talk some Schiit about your DAC. I have the Gungnir Multibit so I have to say good choice on the Yggdrasil. The best advice I have gotten on preventing upgrade-itis and boredom is to have two of something like DACs, turntables or speakers that can be easily switched. So maybe get a second DAC that is different and have both of them hooked up and ready to go. Have your CD transport hooked up to one via Toslink and the other by coaxial. In a couple of months I would swap connections to see if one DAC does Toslink better than the other. 

I don't have anything to say about your amp and preamp choice because I have not heard them for myself.  I just spent the weekend auditioning three different Decware amps and the CSP3-25th Anniversary preamp. You like what you have and there is nothing wrong with that.

Between your preamp and your power amp you have a Lokius...at least that is where I would put it. Decware has a Zrock2 tube Equalizer. It would be something to check out. Before Decfest my next major purchase was going to be a ZP3 phono preamp...now you can add a Zrock2.

I do have a speaker suggestion. I will also stress that it is in addition to and NOT a replacement for your current speakers. This goes back to having two very different things for varaity. Check out Caintuck Audio's Betsy Open baffles. I spent a few hours listening to Steve Deckert's personal pair of the Betsy Alnico speakers. He was gracious enough to dig them out for me. They have an eight inch full range driver with an AlnicoV magnet.

At home I have a Betsy clone I made with a Lii Audio F12 (12") driver to compliment my Decware Imperial speakers. These open baffles are easy to move around so they can be tucked out of the way when not in use. Placement is not overly critical, but they do like to be pulled out at least three to four feet from the walls. The imaging is insane and the simple beauty of a single full range driver is haunting. I am recommending an eight inch driver because you already have subs.

I had a lot of fun putting this together. I hope it helps you. 

there are twenty phono pre the equal of the decware…. that’s your weak link…now…

Sometimes the “ long game “ is a double album

Also, on speaker isolation gizmos you have many choices….do a search….

Even something like a Bottlehead will be an improvement. If you want to do the phono stage. A lot of other good ideas here. Synergistic HFT, Purple fuse, Townshend Pods and/or Podiums. I am generally in line with Frank, better to get the most from what you have first.

Thanks to all for your feedback suggestions and support!

Dollar signs in the eyes is a far cry from dollar bills in their hands!

Millercarbon, cooled off on ordering a decware with a year wait…I’m 67, I’m not playing the long card.  The search continues…

I must say, the OP is a salesman’s dream….. dollar signs in their eyes.

lol! So Podiums now, Decware ordered now for later? Podiums, seriously, transformative!

Millercarbon you are correct!  Just heard back from decware..  10-12 months… the search is on again!   But I’m going to order the decware regardless of wait…

Yeah, Podiums are transformative. Maybe he will get a set while waiting on the Decware? ;)

there are many great tube phono pre in addition to decware. Don’t think that is your only choice. Allnic, Craft, Hagerman, Rogue, Goldnote, Bottlehead, EAR, the list is long……

a random itch rarely leads to world class….

+1 for Townshend Podiums
IME, the improvements in SQ was so dramatic it was shocking.
I know you are happy with your spikes and rubber floor, but the Podiums work well with any flooring. And by removing the vibration of the speakers everything about the sound is literally transformed. Check out the YouTubes.

Just so you know it will take a while. All the really good stuff is backlogged, the last one here oldhvymec waited several months for his. For something this good, what could well prove to be a lifetime buy, probably worth the wait. Study everything on the site (there is a lot of info) and search around, I think you will have a hard time finding anything but glowing comments from owners.

Skywachr,  millercarbon.  I really like the decware recommendation.  I had not initially given much consideration to enhancing the analog side of things.  In the mid 70’s I owned an operated a high end ( for the era) audio store.  The TT is one I sold my brother and inherited when he died.  I bought the schiit for obvious reasons, entry price and a pre was required.  I was impressed with how little surface noise there was and attributed that to stylus improvement in 30 years since I spun vinyl!  I’m going to research the decware and likely pull the trigger on that.

Look to your room and add room treatment to dial in your sound. Your room is what you hear most and effects the sound the most. I'd buy a good quality (not stupid money) USB calibrated Microphone and REW software and look at your room acoustics. That will give you by far the most bang for your buck in return on your dollar for sound improvements. . 

Agree. Totally. Your 2M Bronze is high output 5mV making the Decware ZP3 a solid choice for transforming your system for not a lot of money. With a lifetime warranty and their SUT trade program should you go MC down the road this is the rare component you can afford now yet be so good it serves as a foundation piece well into the future.  https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZP3.htm

JB Hiller was right. No one else seems to have really followed your posts and what you said. He said:

"Your phono preamp is the weakest link."

It isn't even close. Compared to the rest of your system, it is low, low end. A true phono stage upgrade will be transformational. Not a tweak, totally system changing.

Thanks to everyone for the comments and suggestions.  You have reinforced some of my lines of thought, and given many new ideas.

Thanks,

When I first started upgrading about 3 years ago.  I was running an Outlaw amp and preamp.  I first bought the Carver Crimson amp and was pleased with. how much better it sounded over the class d outlaw.  But when I replaced the outlaw preamp with the prima luna preamp I was blown away.  Today the prima luna preamp is my favorite piece.  And for Audiotroy's comment about Furman, my Elite 20 performs well.  And protects my gear at the same time.  Some posters on this forum may not be taking their meds as prescribed.  

Depending on your soldering skills you should upgrade the coupling caps in your Primaluna. You can do a LOT better than the Mundorfs that the Prima uses.

The best tweaks are those that remove things from the sound, not add to it. 

Frank

the op has left out the most important info -- which is what aspect(s) of the sound he is hearing is he trying to improve

short of knowing this, i think he would succeed only in the first of his two stated wishes

as for audiotroy, i would say that the good thing is that his posts clearly state who he is, and that is helpful as the op and others assess his input

"...Interesting when DEALERS who don’t carry said particular brand(otherwise gets praise from end users and mags)needs to get replaced. Pathetic and telling.."

Even if the pre-amp IS the weak link? The PrimaLuna is a nice pre but not world class from what I'm hearing. You cannot have too much pre-amp.

"step1 you need a better preamp

Interesting when DEALERS who don't carry said particular brand(otherwise gets praise from end users and mags)needs to get replaced. Pathetic and telling

we were golden ear Reference dealers had a trade in dialogue, and are roon dealers, so we have had a similar setup


step1 you need a better preamp

furmans suck you wont hear any improvement look at isotek they work much better.but cost more

isoacoustics work wonders on the references we hads ours on them.

also upgrade the nucleus to a better server

https://432evo.be/index.php/2021/04/25/432-evo-2020-reviews/

we import the 432Evo servers from belgium the difference between the two servers is very audibile.

Dave and Troy
Audio intellect NJ
US importer 432Evo servers

+1 @oregonpapa 

Try as many tweaks as you can (based on your budget, space and patience level) before making such a big decision, otherwise you risk "throwing out the baby with bathwater."

Personally I tried a similar do it yourself solution for controlling speaker vibrations. I reluctantly switched to the Iso Acoustics Gaia footers for my speakers and I was stunned by the positive improvements. Like any specific tweak, you'll have multiple products to choose from no matter what component or issue that you choose to tweak. Good luck with your process.

Fastninja, you have a very nice hi-fi system! It probably sounds about as good as it’s ever going to already. Why not send a generous donation to a worthy charity. There are a lot of people in need these days for a lot of different reasons then sit back and enjoy the music with your newfound satisfaction.

The question I have is ... why would one spend money to upgrade equipment when one hasn’t gotten the best from the equipment one already owns? Following are some suggestions that will help a total system perform at its best:

In addition to the SR HFT’s and the new SR Purple fuses that I recommended in my above post that the moderators found reason to remove, I also recommend the following products THAT HAVE WORKED FOR ME.

1. Hallograph Soundfield Optimizer by Shakti. I have four of them, one in each corner of the room. An amazing product of flimsy build quality that really makes a difference in getting your room under control.
https://www.thecableco.com/hallograph.html
https://www.shakti-innovations.com/hallograph.htm

2. Sound Application Power Conditioner. Originally very expensive (4300.), they can be found on the used market for around 1/4 of the original price. An outstanding product that helps clean up the power. In addition to the power conditioner, you will also need a 20 amp power cord, so try to get the seller to throw that in as well.
https://skyfiaudio.com/products/sound-application-xe-12-power-conditioner
http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/revequip/soundapplication_xe12s.htm

3. Herbie’s Tube Dampeners. These innovative devices reduce micro-vibrations in your vacuum tubes. They are MUCH better than the stock ones supplied with ARC electronics.
https://herbiesaudiolab.com/blogs/info/tube-microphonics-vibrations

4. Perfect Path Technologies products. While no longer in business, PPT put out a lot of innovative products. You’ll have to look at the used market for them at this point. Highly recommended are their Omega "Plus" mats.
Also, if you can find a PPT "Gate" on the used market at a good price, snap it up. It originally sold for $5,000 retail, but it was like an upgrade to the system that would have cost many times that amount.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/new-omega-e-mat-from-perfect-path-technologies
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/perfect-path-tecnologies-the-gate

5. Maple Shade Maple platforms for use under speakers that are on a raised foundation. These made an overall improvement, especially in the bass region. And of course, if you can control the bass, everything else seems to improve right along with it. The unfinished ones are the most affordable, and they are what I use. The platforms are spiked through the carpet, then the speakers are spiked to the platforms.
https://www.mapleshadestore.com/airdriedmapleplatforms.php

That’s it for now.

Frank

All good stuff but nothing stellar and maybe this is why you have the upgrade itch. Maybe also integrate and simplify. 
Maybe get a really good preamp with a stepped attenuator. The Primaluna, while being a decent preamp, has a Alps attenuator. While, not bad, it's not stellar. Go for the preamp as if it will be the last one you buy. Everything plugs into the preamp...so you will get an improvement everywhere.

Consider a full function preamp:
You could also get a preamp (luxman or McIntosh) that includes a decent DAC, phono and some EQ functions and clean things up.

Ditto for HFT's, reclocking switches and external clocks!

@aubreybobb: "...they embody a new concept - drain entropy from your system (whatever that means) ..." This sounds like something from the Flat Earth Science textbook! If you actually believe this I have a lucrative investment plan for bridge ownership!

If you get a better TT/arm/cartridge then get a better phono stage. 

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

Get a better TT/arm and cartridge. The new $1800 Technics would be a significant upgrade.

Hi,

Given that your system is prey much done, I would invest on power equipment.

Would start with a IFI AC Purifier or a Isotek AC conditioner.

Filipe

The 2 most obvious choices for me would be (yes, I know the OP only asked for one).
1) replace the DAC with a Bryston BDP3 which has HDMI inputs.  Then program the Oppo to output DSD over HDMI and you can enjoy the DSD layer of your SACDs.  The Bryston is also a better DAC than what you currently have and so this upgrade will be the most significant.
2)replacing the Mac Mini is for me an obvious second choice

Get a High Fidelity Cables Double Helix Signature power conditioner just added one to my system wow what a difference. Simply plugged it into my power distributor so it treats all components. They're even on sale right now, but the difference was incredible.

@fastninja12
knowing your budget would be very helpful - would help us to focus on useful options

Per the above and in consideration of what was mentioned above:
1. Power: dedicated 20amp line to your listening room terminating in a non ferromagnetic audiophile outlet. 2. Power regeneration or conditioning: PS Audio PowerPlants or Audioquest Niagara conditioners. There are others. 3. Better cabling, interconnects, and digital cables. 4. Fuses. 5. Additional EMI mitigation: Synergistic Research products and Greenwave EMI filters. Inside components you can use Dyanmat or Noico. 6. Component and or speaker couplers or decouplers/isolators: Isoacoustics and regular all rubber hockey pucks (from eBay)! 7. Digital tweaks like switches, Ethernet cables, USB filters, clocks. You wanted to spend money? You came to the right place!

Re the PS, apologies. It seems my long msg did not get posted...will rewrite later today