Upgrade thoughts


I'm considering an upgrade-not committed to it and not sure which component would be best to upgrade. System= Sonus Faber Serafino; Michi s5 amp; Simaudio 390 preamp; DCS Bartok DAC streamer (currently being upgraded to Apex); Clearaudio DC Performance TT; Simaudio 610LP phono pre; Ortofon Cadenza Bronze Cart; Roon Nucleus; Nordost Heimdall II speaker cables and interconnects; Shunyata PC; Room is approximately 36x24 with an area opening to a different room. 

I enjoy different kinds of music-jazz-60s, 70s rock, country, accoustical. No classical or electronic- not a lot of really bass heavy stuff. Mostly stream from Qobuz-really enjoy my vinyl rig but too old and lazy to get up every 20 minutes. 

I'm pretty satisfied with my system-spend a couple of hours with it every night- and maybe should leave well enough alone. If I had to identify what I would like more of, maybe a wider soundstage and a bit more detail. Or, maybe I just have a recurring case of upgraditis because that seems to go with this hobby. 

Have toyed with going to Boulder 1160 amp. The Michi S5 might seem the logical weak spot, but I think its pretty good. Auditioned against McIntosh and Classe and I liked the Michi better. Boulder is obviously in a different price category-wondering how much improvement i might get for the money. 

Also considered going to Magico S5 MkII speakers. The SFs are fine speakers-would this be more of a lateral move?

Might be able to audition these in a showroom-probably not with my setup. 

Would appreciate any helpful thoughts-particularly about the Boulder and/or Magico.

Budget is 15-20 plus trade-in-obviously would be happy to spend less.

 I don't post that often but look at the forum everyday and have learned a lot. Things like never debate raven vs. prima luna, but helpful stuff as well. 

Thanks!

kerrybh

Showing 1 response by tweak1

@kerrybh

Similar age, music preferences and room dimensions

I was shocked when I replaced a Pangea Premier XL 1.5M coax ($169) with a 1.5M Chinese Nordost knockoff. And since it was so cheap I also got a 1.0M which I held back until I felt the 1.5 was well broken in- mind blowing improvement. Since then I slowly replaced all the other cables and wires, each time my system revealed more of how good it is.

As to speakers I own Emerald Physics 3.4s 12" coaxial with 1" polyester tweeters, and while they really satisfy 99% of my music needs, because my room is so large I would love to get a pair of EP 2.8s same plus dual 15" woofers. I did see a pair in the classifieds for ~ $2500 + shipping. See my virtual system

hth