What was the most impactful addition to your system?


Even in a setting absent resource constraints, the bug to “upgrade” is limited by space, power plugs, connectors, WAF, etc. Therefore, most of us must prioritize our additions or upgrades in our systems. I’m frequently seeking opinions on what chnage had the greatest impact to your system. For me as a gray-haired audiophile, it was the addition of a pair of subwoofers - even with a high end system. I am not dismissing the audible improvements from high end cables, pc’s, cartridges, sound treatments, speakers, TT, room placements, etc. But my auditory peyote moment came with the subs. Wish I’d known decades ago 😊

wfowenmd

When I plugged it in, last night. I swapped and went to a pair of PSVANE ART series12AX7 in a just repaired C2500. 2 hours later I was impressed. They sounded better than my humpty dumpty pair of Blackburns. I didn’t try them in my C20 but WOW. I’m a Telefunken, Mullard Blackburn or certed BP RCAs guy.

These are a dynamic valve and very closely matched. That could be my supplier. Excellent matching on his part. He actually checks ALL his valves..

PSVANE ART series ++++ I’d like to try them in a power amp pre section.. I got a good feeling here.

Honestly, I am an old fart as well. The last fifty years I have had quite a few jaw drop moments.

 

My first piece of audiophile gear: a 7 year old Nakamichi tapedeck that absolutely blew away the sound of my highly reviewed Onkyo (now I realized mid-hi, but that was not how advertised).

 

First audiophile amp… Threshold s500… 1979 (in todays dollars $18,800) there was nothing else on the market like it.

 

‘’First digital cable swap… “this cannot make a difference”… but like someone upgraded the components… ~1987

 

My first high end turntable (VPI Aries / Van den Hull Frog) 1989

 

My first high power tube amp ARC Reference 160s (2020)

 

My first really good speakers Sonus Fabre Amati Traditional. (2020)