If I were in your position, I would take a different path. The Amp seems to be perfectly fine to me therefore, the preamp would be the first thing to upgrade....I would recommend any of the many great offerings from BAT, it will add quickness and sophistication that your present pre does not have. Another great recommendation would be a First Sound Presence Deluxe II, which goes for around 2k used, but it will add great sense of drive and neutrality, albeit never cold. It can compete with really expensive preamps and I am sure it would smoke any Sim preamp offerings sonically. Though the First Sound is very minimalist in priorities, no remote and you will need to deal with a true mono design....switch inputs and volume twice, for the L or the R. Check the raving review at Soundstage. Another thing I would concentrate on is the DAC section. What you have is already outdated, I would recommend an excellent one box solution with 24/196Khs decoding or a separate DAC such as the Bel Canto DAC-2.0 or the much touted, but extremely affordable ScottDixon DAC. I think with these two places to upgrade, I am sure you will find your answer....but if you insist on Sim Audio....check the recommendations of the previous, very knowledgable fellow.
Upgrade to Simaudio or keep my Classe?
My system consists of mostly Classe components including CP-60 Preamp, CA-400 Amp, DAC-1 DAC. Transport is a Theta Jade and Speakers are Arcarian Systems Alon V MK III. Interconnects are Audiotruth Diamond x3 and Speaker Cables are Dragon SE Tri-wire. I also have a Rel Stentor II Sub and all equipment is powered by a PS Audio P5oo.
I am thinking of upgrading to a Simaudio Moon P-5 Preamp, Moon W-6 or W-10 Monoblocks, and Moon Eclipse CD Player. Is this actually and upgrade or pretty much the same quality as what I already have. If it is an upgrade, what benefits should I be able to hear (more details, better soundstaging, etc). What cables and IC work best with this Sim setup. I'm thinking o Cardas Golden Reference.
I would appreciate any thoughts or ideas. I'm new to Audiogon. Thanks in advance.
Mike.
I am thinking of upgrading to a Simaudio Moon P-5 Preamp, Moon W-6 or W-10 Monoblocks, and Moon Eclipse CD Player. Is this actually and upgrade or pretty much the same quality as what I already have. If it is an upgrade, what benefits should I be able to hear (more details, better soundstaging, etc). What cables and IC work best with this Sim setup. I'm thinking o Cardas Golden Reference.
I would appreciate any thoughts or ideas. I'm new to Audiogon. Thanks in advance.
Mike.