Thanks everyone for your responses. I agree that the preamp is definitely the weak link in the system. The oil and springs on the turntable are in great shape. The amp/speaker combo I am running are a nice match. I was running them with a restored and updated pair of Dynaco MK III monoblocks but the Parasound amp really opened the speakers up as compared to the Dynaco's. I was looking at a couple tube preamps for sale here with balanced outputs. Would it be worth it to upgrade my power amp to one with balanced inputs?
Upgrade Questions
Hello everyone. I am exploring my options of upgrading some components in my main system in the next month and am weighing the options. Here is what I am considering upgrading:
1. Turntable: (Ariston RD-80 SL \ Linn Basik LVX tonearm)
Considering something more modern like a VPI Scout.
2. Cartridge: (Ortofon 2M Blue)
Something like an used low hour Grado Master Reference cart
3. Phono Preamp: (Yaqin MS-22B)
Thinking of the Grado PH-1 phono preamp.
4. Preamp: (Parasound AVC-2500)
I don't have any ideas here. I was maybe thinking a nice Mac piece like a C32 or maybe something more modern??
5. Speakers: (Soundlab Dynastats)
I am wanting something that's not so tall but loves lots of solid state juice to work with my amp. I was looking at something like B&W 703's, Revel F50's, Paradigm Studio 100 V4's, something around that size.
I am happy with my amp (Parasound HCA-2205A), and DAC (Monarchy NM24) and probably wont think of upgrading them for a while. I will be replacing my Linn K400 speaker cable with a pair of Acoustic Zen Satori's or Avanti Allegro's. As for a budget, I am thinking in the range of $1500-2000 for one or a couple of the upgrades listed above. I am hoping that your expertise, experience, and knowledge can help me out with what would be the most benificial upgrade to my main system. I really appreciate any insight you can give to help me with this tough decision :)
Jared
1. Turntable: (Ariston RD-80 SL \ Linn Basik LVX tonearm)
Considering something more modern like a VPI Scout.
2. Cartridge: (Ortofon 2M Blue)
Something like an used low hour Grado Master Reference cart
3. Phono Preamp: (Yaqin MS-22B)
Thinking of the Grado PH-1 phono preamp.
4. Preamp: (Parasound AVC-2500)
I don't have any ideas here. I was maybe thinking a nice Mac piece like a C32 or maybe something more modern??
5. Speakers: (Soundlab Dynastats)
I am wanting something that's not so tall but loves lots of solid state juice to work with my amp. I was looking at something like B&W 703's, Revel F50's, Paradigm Studio 100 V4's, something around that size.
I am happy with my amp (Parasound HCA-2205A), and DAC (Monarchy NM24) and probably wont think of upgrading them for a while. I will be replacing my Linn K400 speaker cable with a pair of Acoustic Zen Satori's or Avanti Allegro's. As for a budget, I am thinking in the range of $1500-2000 for one or a couple of the upgrades listed above. I am hoping that your expertise, experience, and knowledge can help me out with what would be the most benificial upgrade to my main system. I really appreciate any insight you can give to help me with this tough decision :)
Jared