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Weakest link?

Hi All- I ask this knowing full well it's an opinion-based question. but... I current have an
- Oppo 105 with Audioquest Makenzie Balanced into
- Marantz 8802a with Audioquest Makenzie balanced out to
- Lexicon RX-7 with Audioquest Slip 14/4 to- Revel Ultima Salon 2
My question here is, If I upgraded the cable between the Oppo and Marantz to say Audioquest Earth, is that upgrade going to impact much since I'm not changing anything after it in the chain?  Weakest link theory and all that....curious what other's have experienced through piecemeal upgrades.
esthlos13
9 responses Add your response
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 
My approach would be to upgrade your wall outlets to an audio grade outlet, put audio grade fuses in your components, treat your connections with Perfect Path Technologies Total Contact , and buy at least one Perfect Path Technologies Omega E Mat.

You have excellent equipment but the above suggestions will allow your equipment to operate at maximum potential.

The Omega E Mat thread at the miscellaneous forum right here at Audiogon is very helpful.

David Pritchard
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@esthlos13  A BIG +1 for David above.  He is exactly right.  A moderate change in a balanced interconnect pales in comparison to the complete system upgrade the Omega E Mats and Total Contact contact enhancer will give you.

Also, If you put a couple E Mats on the inside of your electrical service door, the performance of all your electric devices will benefit.  Can't believe how great UHD video can look!
Post removed 
esthlos13 OP
90 posts
 
Can someone provide links to the Omega E Mats? Google returned little in results. I'm not clear what any of that is.  Same with audio-grade fuses, not really sure about that.

I'll note I have Shunyata ZR-1 outlets (3 dedicated 20 amp, 30 foot runs from breaker box) as well as Shunyata Viper Zitron power cords.

Thanks!
soix
8,771 posts
 
Not that the 8802a is a bad prepro at all, but I think you'd get the biggest improvement by incorporating a good stereo preamp (preferably with a HT bypass input) if 2-channel is important -- and I assume it is since you're not asking this in the Home Theater section.  Anyway, that's where I'd put my funds next.  Best of luck. 
Post removed 
esthlos13 OP
90 posts
 
I’ve thought about that route but have yet to see any prepros which include HT pass through for dual subs (I have 2 JL Audio f212v2 subs). The JL Audio CR-1 crossover might be a good option to have my oppo feed right into it and let the CR1 do the bass management. I’d be interested in other ideas as well. 
soix
8,771 posts
 
Nice!  Man, I bet the Salons sound awesome with those subs with good 2-channel material. 
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