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Idiot trying to upgrade his system - likes the tube sound

I currently have a McIntosh C275 tube amp with Wilson WattPuppy 7 speakers, along with a MC22 preamp and redbook CD player. I don't like vinyl records (for the most part). I heard SACD's and DSD high resolution, so want to go with a better SACD / DAC combination. My local audio folks (Paragon in Ann Arbor, MI) are nice folks, but cater to the wealthy. I have $$$, having sold 2 of my biotech companies, but I am a careful person about spending money on audio. I am 62 and a professor at a medical school.

Sorry for the long intro- Here is my question: Should I trade in my Rotel (very nice) CD player and MC22 preamp - get the new Marantz SA-10 SACD player, but then what should I hook that into? A new 1100 McIntosh digital or analogue preamp? Should I buy a more powerful ampilifier then the MC275 (at 75 watts per channel)? Any advice out there - I woud be very grateful. Thank-you! 
gerryah930

Showing 1 response by chayro

chayro
3,023 posts
 
If you are shopping in the SA10 price range, I think you should get in touch with your local dealer and see what they suggest.  They may be able to assist you in changing a component to bring the system more in line with what you want to hear and it's not always what you think.  I recall being floored at the difference a preamp upgrade made during a dealer demo.  I was absolutely certain I needed to change the amplifier, but the dealer showed me that it was the preamp causing the sonic issues I was hearing.  He could have sold me either, so it made no difference to him. 
Anyway, that's what I would do.  
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