2. amps-preamps
  3. 1230430123

Help with a total system upgrade.

Hello all,

I'm looking to upgrade my system and I need some of your help. I am at the point where I think I need to spend a lot of money to hear a nice improvement over what I have now. But I don't want to go too crazy with the money. I want a warm, clear sound with a nice soundstage. Any advice?

My current amp is a VTL-IT-85 Integrated.

My upgrade ideas are: Graaf GM-50, BAT VK-300x, Unison Sinfonia, Leben CS 600 Audiomat, Jadis? All are integrated amps, but I am open to the idea of separates.

My CD Player is a Cambridge Audio 840c.

Upgrade to? Under $5000? I have no idea here.

My speakers are Proac Signature 2000's

My upgrade ideas are: Harbeth 7 ES-3, Proac D Two, Vienna Mozart Grand, Reference 3A, Sonus Faber, or Opera?

Has anyone listened to any of these or do you have any thoughts about them compared to what I have now?

Thanks very much for your inputs.
mezzanine
jfinn
2 posts
 
I'm a big fan of integrated amps. The best I've heard in my twenty or so years as an audiophile is the Mastersound 300BPSE from Italy. It produces a huge soundstage and a midrange to die for. Happy Holidays!
lapierre
547 posts
 
You can make improvements by focusing on building from the inside out but I think your most significant improvement will be different minimonitors with larger woofer (see list below.)

Keep the VTL and switch out 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 12AT7, 4 x EL34 tubes for more power and different sonic signature. Then start your auditions of speakers with...

Helicon 300MKII
Reference 3A
Totem Mani 2 Signature

12type tubes Mullards
EL34 types from Mullard, Genelex Gold Lion or Black Sable

Upgrade your cable and IC to get the last 10% to 15%
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
Here are just few suggestions : ...............*but before you start anything crazy do some homework - read reviews, users feedbacks, audition whatever you can or what in your mind can get you where you want to be.*

Match speakers to amplification:
Your integrated isn't bad. I personally like most VTL gear and it could make sense to have it modified by qualify person (I can recommend someone if you choose that road). Right mods can shock you.
If you keep your amp and mod it (mods can cost you around a grand), I would look in to Zu line of speakers (Druids), Omega Super 8 Alnico XRS.

Above speakers work extremely well with low power SET amps as well. If you decide to replace your current integrated, I would suggest looking into Melody I2A2 integrated (click for review).

Another recommendation would be Emerald Physics CS2 speakers.
They do however need to be bi-amp. Wyred 4 Sound (4 channel amp) works very well with these speaker.

Last but not least, the source. Look for used Lector CDP. You should find one for around a grand on used market.

Keep in mind that these are only suggestions and my personal faves in your budget. (buy used for better deals)

Good luck
Mariusz
More to discover