Rate my Rack


this is a stereo I have put together from used pieces, as I do not wish to jerk around I am looking for advice on what my next upgrade should be, I will probably buy used but I am not totally oppsed to buying new, my system------> Sony 7700 (as transport), Illuminations D60, CAL Alpha, Kimber select 1010, Audio Research LS-9, Kimber Hero, Golden Tube SE40, Kimber BiFocal L, Castle Severn 2-----> any recommendations helpful, if you have found that some of these components do not work well togehter let me know as I do not have the experience to know better, I just figured this system would sound better for the money than buying a system for retail.
mkaes
Upgrade the tubes in the DAC if you have not done so already. Do a search on the AA site for specifics for your unit, or perhaps someone will pitch in here.
I'm with Plato on this one. I had GT se40's running as monoblocks and upgraded to Rogue m-120's . No comparison. The se40s have a loose flabby bass and the top end lacks detail. The Rogues made the flaws in the se40s very apparent. I've heard a lot of good things about the 88's also. The other thing about Rogue is their excellent customer support. Can't get any support from Golden Tube anymore.
Dudes- Golden Tube has a nice little secret. Its their 300B monoblocks. Once (highly) modified, they are 7 watts of bliss. Mated with a good bass amp in a bi-amping situation, tough to beat. However, having said that, I agree, forget about support. You gotta know someone who can fix 'em...
Do YOU like how your system sounds? If you think the bass is flabby, then you could add a powered sub, and remedy that. If you think it needs to be more transparent, then upgrade the tubes, in both the preamp, and the DAC. You have a system, capable of producing fine sound, with proper setup. So if it sounds fine to YOU, then it is fine.