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Upgrade Advice for music lover

Hi, all!
I've narrowed down my choices based mostly on brand loyalty and sound quality for the money, but am interested in the group's feedback.  Looking for answers to which of my options is best and which update adds the most incremental sound quality as I work towards the end.  I listen mostly to jazz, 80s/90s rock, and newer alternative, often loud :) 

Thank you!

Current System:
Linn Sondek Valhalla (1985, recent Cirkus bearing, orig owner)
NAD 3155 (using pre only, recently serviced)
NAD 2200 
Polk Audio RTi8

Anticipated System:
Linn Sondek (TT above, and an upgrade to Lingo 4 $2k)
NAD 165bee or NAD C658
NAD C298 or NAD 275bee
Monitor Audio Silver 8 (used $650) or Paradigm 800F (new $2k)

gruebmeyer-m
gruebmeyer-m OP
5 posts
 
Thanks, @rego.  I guess you are saying an even demand on the amp allows the amp to work at its best?  Thank you.
I agree with the one component/change at a time thing.  I just started the PS upgrade for my tt.  I look forward to that.  I guess then, speakers!
gruebmeyer-m OP
5 posts
 
@frank:  thanks for all of that good info.  I am a little intimidated by tube stuff, butt will check out those links.  Thank you!
gruebmeyer-m OP
5 posts
 
*but will :)
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
gruebmeyer-m OP 

  • @frank: thanks for all of that good info. I am a little intimidated by tube stuff but will check out those links. Thank you!
You're welcome.

No need to feel intimidated at all. If you are truly a music lover as you stated, then tubes are the way to go. You have a wonderful turntable and it truly deserves tube electronics. 

One of the most musically involving systems I've heard to date consisted of a Linn turntable, a pair of Linn Kan speakers on stands, a modified Dynaco Pas preamp, and a pair of modified Dynaco Mk III mono tube amps. It didn't throw the biggest soundstage, nor did it have the deepest depth, but John Coltrane's sax was right there in the room with us.  It was spellbinding.

Go with tubes, you won't be sorry. 

Frank
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