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Best Way to Spend ~ $2000 for System Improvement

Hi fellow music lovers! I have about $2000 right now to improve my system. It can be for any component, but I'm thinking amplification first, power, pre, or integrated. SS or tube.

To begin, right now I have a Mccormack 0.5 Deluxe power amp with "A" revisions, an Eva 2 passive preamp, Metrum Octave v1 DAC, Dell laptop for music files. Sometimes I use a Teac H750 as a transport and GMA Pico Executive speakers. The room is small, about 14x18x10ft. I listen to about 50/50 rock and classical, mostly full orchestral. As far as just sound goes, I would like the bass to be "fast". No delay or overhang, not exaggerated, but detailed. Detail is important at any frequency, the more the better, but not at the expense of musicality. I realize at this price point, compromise is necessary, and treble would be the best place for that. No harshness allowed, but I'm in my later 50s now and don't hear treble like I once did.

I hope I've given enough info to get some good suggestions. I like the sound now, but think it could be better, maybe a slightly lower noise floor and a little more pace and rhythm while retaining it's sweetness and smoothness. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. BTW, if any existing question answers any part of this question, feel free to link it.
xrayz
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I did a bit of Googling and found this thread in which the 50 ohm spec was discussed.  See post no. 30, by "Lexx."  Sounds like the impedance is correct, but the person who wrote the spec won't ever be a candidate for the Nobel Prize.  :-)

Regards,
-- Al
 
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ghosthouse
4,296 posts
 
You are welcome xrayz.  For the record, I certainly did not intend any disrespect to Al.  He is one of the more credible contributors here and knows a heck of a lot more about electronics than I do.  Never the less, hands on/ownership experience does count for something.  

Hope you find what you are looking for sound wise with that $2K investment.  

xrayz OP
105 posts
 
@almarg  I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression, Al. I meant no disrespect to you either. I wouldn't even have known what the spec was without you. It's so obvious even to a non-tech guy like me that  you really know  your stuff! @ghosthouse Thanks for the good wishes, but now I'm not sure if I'll spend 2k all at once. There are so many options I hadn't considered. I think I will go for the dedicated electrical supply, that option will pay off as long as I live here, then go for the active pre. Many thanks to all who helped me think about a better long term solution than I would have on my own!! And I'd like to wish all of you well finding your own perfect sound. Who knows? Maybe someday that will actually exist!! :-)


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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Xrayz and Ghosthouse, thanks. But know that I didn’t take either of your comments as disrespectful in any way.

Best regards,
-- Al

ptss
1,964 posts
 
Hello xrayz. Your demands are realistic,achievable and I feel will add immensely to your pleasure. Based on what you've indicated  the "wisest" investment for you at this moment is a device that provides isolation and conditioning for your ac power. I suggest you restrict your efforts to experimenting with a variety of power conditioners that can address all parts of your system. I am a retired 65 year old with absolutely no industry affiliation of any kind. I have found a used Equitech 2Q to be an item I recommend you evaluate along with any others that interest you. Very best wishes and I'm happy to answer specific questions. Peter
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