2. amps-preamps
  3. 1137641862

Two Channel System Development Suggestions

I presently have the following gear:

Sim Audio Equinox CD Player
Arcam C30 Preamplifier
Proceed Amp 3
Paradigm Studio 60s

The electronics were purchased used here on Audiogon. The speakers are approximately one year old.

I am looking to upgrade my system one piece per year with an annual budget of $3,000 to $5,000. System is primarily used for two channel audio (I also have a Denon 2900 Universal player and Paradigm center channel and surrounds). I primarily listen to female vocals, jazz, folk and rock.

I welcome any suggestions as to what piece of equipment I should replace first. I would also like some input regarding recommended replacement pieces. I'm obviously not opposed to buying quality used equipment and strongly believe you can get your best value in used amplifiers given their long life expectancy and the lack of annual amplifier product enhancements (just my opinion).

I've learned a lot from Audiogon members over the last few years. Thanks in advance for your time and attention.
randal05
bryanhod
211 posts
 
I would stop before you have $80,000 invested in a stereo that you have to have in a $14,000 mobile home.

On a serious note, I would start with great speakers. My personal choice now, and we listen to similar music is Avalon. I had B & W for years and liked them as well and they keep their value. Bryston is another product that is great used. For amps and preamps, Jeff Rowland is a great product. Wadia CD players and transports are also great.
litespeedaudio
15 posts
 
I would also start with the speakers first. One can never spend enough on good speakers, although there is a point of diminishing return. I have been very pleased with my Veritas V2.4i speakers made by Energy. The B & W’s would be a good choice as well. Next I would go with a pair of Arcam P1 Mono Block Amp’s. They would be a good up grade for your system and should work well with your Arcam C30 pre-amp.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Your system is all solid state. Ever consider a nice tubed preamp like BAT, ARC, CJ or VTL with HT pass through?
In general, I think the speakers and the preamp are the pieces that most determine how a system sounds - speakers the most and preamp second, although you'll find differing opinions here on Audiogon about this. I've been doing what you're doing (upgrading a component every year or so) and this has held true in my upgrades. Good luck
randal05 OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for the responses thus far. There are so many options out there that it's hard to determine where to start. I have really considered adding a tube pre amp first such as the Modwright SWL 9.0SE or the Aesthetix Calypso. Then again I also really like the new Evolution Series from Sim Audio.

I can see why people have a hard time jumping off the upgrade band wagon. I'm constantly finding better and more pricey toys. I think I would be very satisfied if I could get 95% of the top performance level at a reasonable price.

My problem is that I haven't done a lot of listening comparisons. It would be nice if you could go to one location and pick up four or five high quality items and bring them home for a shootout in your own system.

warnerwh
539 posts
 
The most important thing to do before you upgrade is to get some room treatment. Room acoustics are critical in getting good sound. Please read up on them. The improvement per dollar spent is also excellent. Speakers and the room are the two most important things that affect the sound.

You want to treat first reflection points and add bass traps first. I've been in this hobby since the early 70's and wished I would have learned more about room acoustics long ago.

Another thing that is free is speaker placement. Like real estate the three most important things in speakers is location,location and location. Experiment with different distances between speakers,sidewalls and rear walls. Also experiment with listener position and the angle your speakers are toed in.

Then worry about upgrades. Call Ethan Winer at Realtraps after you read about acoustics. He has good deals on quality treatment. If you're handy you can make your own. Do a google on Jon Risch bass traps and acoustic treatment.
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