lyngdorf tdai 1120
Upgrade path question with $2k to spend
I'd like to make my next upgrade in my 2 channel signal path. Right now it goes
Ortofon 2M Bronze (cart) -> Pro-Ject Debut Carbon SB (table) -> Pro-Ject Phonobox DS+ (Pre-amp) -> Yamaha Avantage RX-2070 (amp) -> Focal Aria 936 (fronts) + HSU ULS-15 MK2 (sub)
I understand room treatment can give the best bang but lets count that out for now. From a purely component perspective what do you think I should upgrade? Im leaning towards the turntable. It was my first table and altough I upgraded the cart, its only a $500 table. I was thinking of maybe buying the Rega Planar 6 w/ Aria MC cart.
Suggestions welcome thanks!
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- 57 posts total
This is hard. I would immediately look to a phono stage… $2K will get you a much better one. The Phonostage is far up in the signal chain… But, first thing has to be the Yamaha. Surround processors sound terrible for two channel audio. I would trade it in and apply all your cash. I would buy a used integrated Luxman or NAD (only preamp and amp)… reach as high as possible. If you can actually get a used audiphile piece it will raise the performance level so much, it will allow you many years to get a better phono stage… which will then make a huge difference. Then TT and cartridge. |
I'm with @russ69 on this. You have a mixed starter system now. The mix is the Yammy HT receiver in with 2 channel.. I like the Yammy's quality and sound And they make decent integrated also which is what you need . There are different priorities between the 2 channel and HT. BTW, A 2 channel HT is fine for me and many others who have used it. .If you are adventurous a tube integrated may sound better to you also. But expect a little maintenance IE tube changing when bad. But many will last 5-10 yrs so its not an extraordinary amount to maintain. Then after the amp, the turntable needs upgrade. Then the phono preamp. Cartridge is alright for the time,have fun |
How is the TT mounted, there is room to improve the presentation from it and not too much money will be required if a DIY approach is tried. Trialling a Few Platter Mat Materials will usually have a cost attached if a few loaned ones are not able to be arranged. Exchanges of Mats a can also produce one that can have a real impact in uplifting the SQ. A Phonostage can be considered, a shop demonstration and home trial is worth trying to arrange, I don't suspect this will cost much money to achieve. |
I really don't see how my $2,000 Yamaha running in pure direct mode with 200wpc is affecting the sound quality. Who cares if it can do 13.2 I'm running it in 2.1 or 2.0. I was thinking going emotiva xpa 3 for a power Amp for my fronts and then I'd be able to run a Dirac Live setup. Still feel like my TT and cart are the weakest links |
- 57 posts total