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Upgrade question - speakers or integrated?

Hey all -

I'm on the audio merry-go-round again and would like some thoughts. I'm running Focal 807v monitors through a YBA 201 integrated. My budget is ~$1500. Which of the two is a better candidate for upgrading? I listen to mostly jazz, folk, and other nuanced music. I save the rock and hard stuff for my car.

Would it be sonically better to replace the YBA with another integrated - like an Exposure 3010? Or the Focals with another monitor - say a Reference de Capo?

There's really nothing wrong with what I have. But you know how it is.
simao

Showing 7 responses by simao

simao's avatar
simao OP
1,855 posts
 
"05-17-13: Mapman
Why would you change if nothing is wrong?"

If only audiophiles had a good answer for that. In essence, because I know it can be better.

The Focals aren't undersized at all; they just seem a bit too dry to my ears. They have plenty of bass and projection, but they're no as warm as, say, my Triangles were.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,855 posts
 
I had the Triangle Titus 202 ES; had them for about ten years. It was time for a change, though.

So it appears as if the consensus is to keep the YBA and upgrade the speakers?
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,855 posts
 
Great post, Mapman - thanks for the analysis. Truthfully, I guess I'm trying to recapture the sound of my original system:

Maggie 3.6R's
ARC VS-110
Blue Circle 2.1 pre
Musical Fidelity cd

However, that was many years and a divorce ago and a financial road I'll probably never walk down again. I could go back to tubes, I guess - I parted ways with a nice little Sophia Baby Electric a few months ago that was sweet, but underpowered.

I've auditioned but never tried B&W; the Ohms look fascinating, though. Would you recommend them?

s
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,855 posts
 
My source is a Rotel 1072 - which I'm going to hang onto. It gives way more bang for the buck than it should. The YBA doesn't have a phono input, though I may get an external phono stage.

And a Rogue Cronus is also in the wings. I used to have a pair of Rogue 120 magnum monos powering the Maggies. They were pretty awesome.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,855 posts
 
Johnny - what's a good starter turntable to recommend? I'd have to upgrade the YBA to an integrated with a phono stage.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,855 posts
 
I think that's the way to go - along with some speakers that complement what I want to hear. Thanks for all the advice!
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,855 posts
 
Well, I just bought a pair of Reference 3A de Capo i's. I'm looking forward to seeing how they sound with the YBA (which you all convinced me to keep).

Thanks to all for the advice and suggestions. A separate phono unit and a good, basic turntable are still in the picture.
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