Enjoy the journey
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
@jerryg123 I echo on the used hi-end amp like Hegel around $2k. The Hegel h160 you were referring to though has one catch. The midrange could sound lean particularly at low volume according to Tarun @ A British Audiophile. The newer Hegel h190 replacement model corrects it but is more expensive. Otherwise the used h160 presents itself a rather good value since its internal DAC is also very good. You got a almost $1k DAC with an 2015 integrated amp wholistic package for under $2k. |
Probably the OP doesn’t have room or budget, but my advice would be to keep the Home theater gear as a separate system, and add a dedicated 2 Chanel rig. They can share the same subs in some cases. I run 2 separate system in one room. The Home theater speakers are stuck in corners, etc as it’s not my priority and the 2 Chanel speakers are placed further into the room. Since I have a tube preamp and tube input section on my amps, I don’t want to run tubes while watching movies. |
Definitely, definitely take out the Yamaha. Doesn't matter how expensive it is or good it is for multichannel listening. You want a 2 channel amp with some toroids. Either an integrated or a preamp/amp combo which has home theater bypass. Then you can still use the whole system. At $2000 budget, look used. |
- 57 posts total