Integrated for $5000 or less: Balanced Audio Technology VK-300SE with a pair of "DR" 6H30 driver tubes ($600 upgrade if they are still available). Look for a VK-300SE with a serial number ending in 400 or greater (manufactured within the last seven years). I'm not saying the older ones are bad but this unit in production for over twenty years (I believe). Better yet, get a VK-3000 if you can find one.
Rate my system and chose the next upgrade
Good evening,
I'm looking to get my system to the "next" level. Before you ask, what is "lacking", I can not pinpoint anything. Over all, seems to sound "pretty good" to me. I've been back to vinyl, buying nicer copies and cleaning well with a musichall machine. Most of my time is spent utilizing a quick CD or SACD and Hi-Rez digital with Audirvana but really enjoy the vinyl experience. I would utilize more vinyl but usually it's more time consuming.
Why am I upgrading? I feel I may be missing out on improvement of sound somehow, therefore "upgrading" must be the correct answer right? Here's my system. What would you start with to upgrade? My typical upgrade budgets are about $3k at a time. I'll list the approximate retail value (new)
Yamaha A-s2000 integrated- $3000?
Yamaha A-s2100 SACD/CD- $3000?
Teac UD-501 DAC with DSD capability - $850
Clear Audio Performance DC Turntable- $3500 with clarify tonearm
Clear Audio Balance Phono stage- $1000
Sound Smith Cart- can't remember which but a $1200 unit
Martin Logan motion 40XT's- $2000/pair
Martin Logan small sub woofer-$500?
Go!
I'm looking to get my system to the "next" level. Before you ask, what is "lacking", I can not pinpoint anything. Over all, seems to sound "pretty good" to me. I've been back to vinyl, buying nicer copies and cleaning well with a musichall machine. Most of my time is spent utilizing a quick CD or SACD and Hi-Rez digital with Audirvana but really enjoy the vinyl experience. I would utilize more vinyl but usually it's more time consuming.
Why am I upgrading? I feel I may be missing out on improvement of sound somehow, therefore "upgrading" must be the correct answer right? Here's my system. What would you start with to upgrade? My typical upgrade budgets are about $3k at a time. I'll list the approximate retail value (new)
Yamaha A-s2000 integrated- $3000?
Yamaha A-s2100 SACD/CD- $3000?
Teac UD-501 DAC with DSD capability - $850
Clear Audio Performance DC Turntable- $3500 with clarify tonearm
Clear Audio Balance Phono stage- $1000
Sound Smith Cart- can't remember which but a $1200 unit
Martin Logan motion 40XT's- $2000/pair
Martin Logan small sub woofer-$500?
Go!