2. misc-audio
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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.

milo0812

Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,495 posts
 

Well, first, you are well on your way to a really great system. Everything you have said suggests you are on the right track.

 

The Audio Research REF5 is a fantastic preamp. I owned a REF5SE for ten years and now own a REF6se. I think this should be your first step. It will impact everything. If you are not familiar with my systems, look under my UserID. the more ARC… each step will make a big difference. Your budget is good to make a significant step up. Your ARC REF75 is a great classic amp.

 

I would say, the next move would be the streamer. I would recommend a used Aurender N10. You could get one for around that cost. After owning lots of streamers, my conclusion is that the investment should be at the level of the rest of your components… my amp and streamer are the most expensive electronic components I have, and really well worth it. I currently own an Aurender N100 and their flagship WE20se.

 

ghdprentice
6,495 posts
 

OP,

Thanks for your kind words about my system. All I can say is, it sounds better than that… 50 years putting it together… it sounds better than I had imagined possible.

 

I have owned a Audio Research PH 2, PH2SE, PH3, PH3SE, PH8, and now the REF3. Each was better than the former. But honestly a really sweet spot was the PH8… I really felt it was incredibly cost effective. Of course you could not pull my REF3 away from me… I can’t help but think about upgrading it to the REF3se.

ghdprentice
6,495 posts
 

@littlebrownkiwi01 …Change the flavor/character by changing the speakers/amp

…fine tune with DAC, preamp, and cables


Interesting, I hadn’t heard anything like that before. I keep wanting to put the preamp in with the speakers and amp. But… yeah… OK… it’s a generality… it makes sense. It could be useful for your first system or for making a major change in character of an existing system.

About 15 years ago I wanted to make a major change from planar speakers to a more natural coherent sound. I have always had a great preamp… I changed the speakers (to Sonus Faber) and then the biggest of the other changes was moving to a tube amp.

A rule of thumb that can be useful. Thanks for sharing.

 

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