2. misc-audio
  3. 1042594749

What should i upgrade next?

about a year ago i upgraded my speakers to the Thiel 6s (which i love). As soon as i got them though it was clear that i was going to have to upgrade my other equipment. At this point i can only get away with one piece per year (on the used market) so i'm now ready to make the plunge again. The rest of my existing system is:

Conrad Johnson 2300 amp
Conrad Johnson Pv12 Pre-amp
Meridian 506.20 Cd player
Linn Basik (not thinking of upgrading...don't listen to enough vinyl anymore)
Cardas Golden Cross cabling

I was thinking of going all Tube on the amp and so have been considering the Sonic Frontiers Power 3s but i'm curious if people think improving either the cd player or pre-amp would make a bigger difference in sound. In cd players i'd be considering the meridian 508.24 (i've also heard the Electrocompaniet which i also liked but probably can't afford though i would be interested in comparing it side by side to the Meridian). For my ears, the Meridians sound warm and "musical."

anyway, i've gotten great feedback to other questions (as well as purchasing both the Thiel 6s and the Conrad Johnson PV12 through Audiogon) so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

dkonstruction

Showing 1 response by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Dk,
I'll chime in in support of tube amps! But with the load of the Thiels, you'll need PLENTY of power & current. Haven't heard much about the Sonic Frontiers model you're thinking of, but others to consider have to include Audio Research & VTL(e.g. 225 monoblocks). If your system tends in the direction of too laid back, the hybrid AR models like Classic 120 monoblocks might be a great match.

Also, I second POPS comments on the CJ Premier preamps, the Premier 10 being another one that should be big step up, but @ lower cost than the other newer ones.
Keep us posted! Spencer
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