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money best spent on better dac, transport, preamp?

I have good speakers and amp in B&W 801 matrix and levinson 27.5 but think I should have better results. My transport is a Parasound cdp100, dac is aragon d2a, preamp is Marantz 9000 preamp/processor. Which should be replaced first to hear a noticeable improvement?. Budget is $1000 for each used. Thanks for any help.
dbriana

Showing 1 response by elevick

elevick
2,636 posts
 
Trade in the marantz. You have a lot of wasted technology shoved into a box that you want for stereo listening. It's not a bad pre-amp, it's just that it is designed for theater. Sell the Marantz and get something designed for stereo listening. With the big boom in surround sound, you should be able to get a nice deal on a good used stereo piece like classe, audible illusions, CJ....

By the way, to test your d/a, try going digital from the cd to the marantz and listen to the differences?
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