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Weak Link in chain as I upgrade from mid-fi?

This is a long post but want to be thorough in giving my setup and thoughts on it. Any feedback or thoughts welcome:

I finally caved and started to invest in a stereo setup after years dedicated to head-fi. Currently it's a 'starter' 2 way system focused entirely on digital and I'm pretty happy with it but want to sort of map out a good upgrade path, and am curious what if any 'obvious' weaker links I have in my chain...if theres something I could make a singular upgrade for and notice improvements without having to change a whole lot at once

Currently:

SF Sonetto i
Arcam SA-20 for amp + dac
Bluesound Node 2i for streaming/Roon
Marantz CD-5005 for transport

I love the SF...maybe Id endgame at Olympica Nova or Electa amator standmounts or Sonetto V floors. I generally subscribe to the thought of affording the most full range in a 2.0 possible before getting standalone subs but if theres a sub that would blend well with my current Sonetto i's musically id be interested to know about it.


The Arcam is a purchase Im also very happy with for now. I do want a bit more convenience of the sort the Sa30 would provide, Roon endpoint, wireless etc, but when I do upgrade amp might opt for standalone dac/streamer and better analog int amp.

The CD5005 I like enough but curious how much more Id need to spend to get noticeable improvement, especially given the other gear I have. I only use it as transport currently. I can't even tell what Im missing...beyond knowing just how much better a system could be overall from my local hifishop listening.

If it matters, I want to stick with integrated as I upgrade, and maybe endgame with a Luxman 505 or something all analog, which would mean a proper dac as well (maybe replace blue sound as well to get a nice dac/streamer?)

I will not anytime in the foreseeable future have a 'listening room'...it will for a long time be combined living room/tv/stereo setup.

Open to any feedback or thoughts! 

 

zander024

Showing 1 response by bruce19

bruce19
289 posts
 

Xander,

 

You should consider another path  no one has mentioned yet, which is the array integrated or partially integrated systems. I am talking about the KEF integrated speakers such as LSX for the new LS 60. There is also highly acclaimed  Kii three system and an array of powered monitors out there such as the Genelec monitors. There are lots of good arguments about why these systems offer synergy not possible with separate boxes. Some reviewers that I respect have suggested that if their business was not reviewing individual pieces of equipment they would be very happy with an integrated system so they could stop focusing on Equipment and just enjoy the music. Integrated systems also are a big plus in small listening area because of the obvious space-saving. The last thing I will mention that you might want to be on the lookout for quality digital signal processing that can be added into your system. It helps compensate for the room and can make a bigger difference then the marginal upgrades in things.

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