2. analog
  3. 119864-8622

if you had my system and $2,000 budgeted for an upgrade, where would you spend it?

This post may go a bit beyond analog, as it could encompass other parts of the system, but I am not interested in adding to the digital side of things, so here it is.

As far as I can tell, it seems like the places to spend that $2K would be on a better tonearm or perhaps a preamplifier upgrade.  I may be able to sell my Audio Research LS-25 and upgrade to ARC Ref 3.  As for the tonearm, I could sell the RB202 and get a Michell Tecnoarm, or step it up to an arm for about $1600 (are the Clearaudio arms nice?) and still have a little left over.

Can a tonearm upgrade make a significant sonic improvement?

I am not dying to spend money on an upgrade, and if the benefit of that $2K will be minuscule, I am happy to stay as I am for a while, my system sounds excellent.  But I am curious to know what the experienced people on this site would do the the $2K if they were in my shoes.

Where is the most improvement possible?
Thanks!
Mark

System Gear List:

Amplifier:  Audio Research VT-100 mkII
Preamplifier:  Audio Research LS-25
Phono Stage:  Whest Audio PS.30R
Cartridge:  Lyra Delos
Table:  Michell Engineering Tecnodec with standard RB202 tonearm
DAC:  PS Audio PerfectWave DAC mkII
Power Conditioner:  Shunyata Research Talos
Speakers:  Rockport Technologies Mira Monitors
Subwoofer:  Wisdom Audio SCS
Speaker Cable:  Cardas Audio Cross
Interconnect:  Cardas Audio 300B Microtwin XLR
Digital Music Storage & Player:  Apple Mac Mini + ROON + Hard Drive
Power Cables:  Shunyata Research Venom HC (amp, sub, conditioner)
Power Cables:  Shunyata Research Sidewinder VTX (sources)

My system can be seen here:  https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/5421
marktomaras

Showing 5 responses by lak

lak's avatar
lak
4,730 posts
 
As others have said, a very nice looking system and I'll bet it sounds great!
I'd have to ask; are you using any dedicated AC lines from your AC panel? 
Also, what type of AC outlets are you using?
Clean dedicated power with good outlets can upgrade one's system.
I'm just not sure what you are using in that respect.
Also, is all equipment plugged into your Shunyata Research Talos, and some equipment run directly from a different AC outlet ect.?
lak's avatar
lak
4,730 posts
 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/synergistic-red-fuse
lak's avatar
lak
4,730 posts
 
@marktomaras,
Based on what I’ve read from some audiophiles that I trust, I would suggest you replace the fuses in your equipment with Synergistic Research Red or Black fuses (30 day return policy if there is no improvement I believe).
See: [url]https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/synergistic-red-fuse[/url] in the Audiogon Forum.
By replacing the fuses you will hear what your system is capable of after about 100 hours of fuse break in time.
At that point if you don’t like what you hear, you can consider some other type of change.
Changing any of the following: interconnects, speaker cable, power cords etc., obviously will create a different sound.
Just wondering if you have plugged your amp directly into the wall outlet, and did that improve the music?

lak's avatar
lak
4,730 posts
 
@marktomaras,
I’m sorry to say I don’t have the knowledge to explain why the SR Red or Black fuses (and there are some specific others listed in that thread) create better sounding music.
If you read the thread it might answer your question.
As far as interconnects, speaker cables, digital cables and power cords are concerned, after 30 years of trying various brands, I’m very happy with the sound produced by High Fidelity Cables.
lak's avatar
lak
4,730 posts
 
Marktomaras;
I'd ask the "fuse question" on the Audiogon Forum I mentioned in earlier posts regarding the SR Red fuse. Those individuals have already been there and done that. They could give you some very good hands on advice.

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