Which component to upgrade 1st ?
Hey folks here is my dilemma I have a budget of about 6K for a new component. I currently have Martin Logan Vantage speakers, Audio Research Ref75 amp, Audio Research LS17SE preamp, Rega P6 turntable, and a bluesound node (makes my ears hurt but you have to start somewhere) and a Chord Qutest dac. My wishlist includes Lumin T2, (sell Qutest and node), Audio Research Ref 5 used ( sell LS17SE), used Phono tube dac (currently have Mofi), or used Weiss 502 dac with either a Lumin U2 mini or Bricasti M5. I know start with source first but I can’t wrap my head around which toy first. Thoughts and be kind.
Yes, this is my rationale for suggesting getting the front end of the signal path improved as the initial move/action. I get the popular heavy focus on the speakers. However, the better the quality of speakers , the more they simply faithfully amplify the signal (Quality) fed to them. Charles
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You have solicited some good recommendations so far. @ghdprentice makes a compelling case for upgrading your current preamplifier. No doubt speakers are a noted factor, but only as good as what signal quality they are fed. Restricted to your listed options, I’d begin at the front of the signal chain. Replace the current Node streamer and Chord DAC with the Weiss 501. This is a big step upward and forward (IMO). My next change would then be acquiring the ARC REF 5 preamplifier. With these two upgrades you have significantly improved your signal chain quality. Now you can address the speakers. You are fine with the ARC REF 75 amplifier (Last item I’d change) Charles |
