2. amps-preamps
  3. 169126-163832

Upgrade Time

I hate to post another integrated vs separates discussion but I could use some input. My current system is Olympica Nova II's, Cambridge 851N (streamer/DAC/preamp), Cambridge 651W (amp).

I'm planning on spending <$10K on my next component upgrade which I'm thinking will be a new amp. I'm curious how folks here would allocate that money. My initial thought is to use that money towards a separate amp and just go all in on that. In a year or two I can upgrade the preamp or DAC. I certainly wouldn't be spending more than $10K for this future upgrade. Probably closer to 5-8K but who knows, maybe I'll feel compelled to go big again.

Given how far integrateds have come, however, I'm wondering if I'd actually be better off spending the 10K going that route.

Either way, I'm curious to hear which models you recommend. 
jpearson3131

Showing 2 responses by jpearson3131

jpearson3131's avatar
jpearson3131 OP
10 posts
 
@sbank  Your line of thinking makes sense. Basically you are saying the Cambridge DAC/Pre-amp will significantly drag down even a $10K level amp. 

I wonder if others agree with this? Is the CA 851N streamer so bad that I'd be better off spreading the $10K around to upgrade the whole system? I don't know what I don't know I guess.

@mesch I only use digital today through the streamer. I also have it connected to my TV but that's not a big concern right now. Thinking of adding a turntable later but that's just for fun to try out.

@millercarbon Thanks for the recommendation. I was worried my current 100 wpc amp might struggle a little with driving these. But I suppose pure wattage is not the only solution.
jpearson3131's avatar
jpearson3131 OP
10 posts
 
@soix I hear what you're saying and it make sense. I'm at the exploratory phase at this moment so the wide range of recommendations is actually helpful. I wish I could say I'm looking for exactly XYZ but I can't. Actually I don't wish that because I still have some fun ahead of me figuring that out. It's good to hear different perspectives so I don't get sucked into one line of thinking. Again, I don't know what I don't know here as I'm moving up into better equipment for the first time. The Olympica Nova's have not even arrived yet and this upgrade doesn't need to happen immediately. So in the meantime, it's fun to think about and research all the options.
More to discover