Replace the Supratek Chardonnay with Accuphase?

One thing's for sure -- the sound will be totally different, and you may like some things betters and others not as much! Maybe you just need a different tube preamp if the Chardonnay has things you don't like about it...

I personally like the concept of a tube preamp feeding a solid-state power amp. And different tube preamps give different presentations. So depending on your personal listening bias, you might just be looking for a different kind of tube sound...

That said, I am also curious about what you feel are the Chardonnay's short falls?

Instead of mixed salad, whose end-taste is really depend on your ability to mix and match the different tastes of each ingredients, you would have a salad dominated by the taste of one major ingredient. Now, an all accuphase system likely would have a very company specific coloration of sound - which would most resemble to the silky and joyful picture of Watteau, like this http://www.music.indiana.edu/som/courses/m653/ - but whether you will like it or not, that one you really should decide.

Thanks. Don't get me wrong the Chardonnay is a very nice pre, having said that I do feel the bass is not tight & could be a bit bloated (to my ears). I must admit I do like a tight bass with a bit of slam & with the A-60 being on the warm side does not help.

I m no expert but in general tube amps compared to a SS *lack* bass. Hence the thought of change.

Any comments on the AN DAC/ Marantz CD-17 vs the DP-500?

Thanks for your insight.

My speakers are B&W 802 S3

sorry this is off the topic but how do you like the Accuphase A 60? how do you describe its sound?

It sounds warm- more towards sounding tube than SS. Its detailed and clean, the soundstage is large and the bass is quite deep.
It surely puts out much more power than 60 watts and drives my B&W 802 S3 with ease. The build quality and finish is just incredible.