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Ups and downs of audio

Have you ever “upgraded” your system with a highly touted component, only to realize after a while that the sound is not as good as it was previously.  This has happened to me several times during the years.  After I finally figure out the “truth” I correct the problem by compensating for the imbalance with a new component.
Eventually I’ll get a brainstorm again to try something new, and the process starts all over again.
Right now, I’m in the phase of having corrected the problem created by new interconnects with changing the brand of tubes in a section of my preamp. I’m deliriously happy. Everything sounds great.
But I’m  beginning to wonder if it sounds better now than it did before the upgrade.
128x128rvpiano
sgordon1
419 posts
 
Instead of spending big money on components that come and go,
why not focus on the smaller, less expensive (or "no cost")
things you can do to get better sound?

Keep what you have. Challenge yourself to improve
the way they sound!  This is how you will appreciate
how good those pieces really are.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,653 posts
 
Al,
What happened is, I replaced one interconnect, between DAC and preamp and the sound improved greatly.  (which is what you’re referencing.). Then, I replaced the interconnect between the amp and preamp with a duplicate of that same exact cable, and the sound got duller.  That’s when I changed tubes, and the sound is now, I think, better than ever.
Its a crazy hobby!
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,653 posts
 
oregonpapa,
Theoretically, I completely agree with you.
But the nature of this hobby is to look for improvements.
And this change I’ve made has caused me to re-listen to CDs and get more enjoyment out of the music.
The last sentence of my post was somewhat tongue-in-cheek.
I really do think I’ve made a big improvement.




 
browndt
97 posts
 
Certain components will have more impact than others. So I look at these key components.  Preamps, cartridges and speakers and isolation of components are at the top of my list.  Most of the other stuff, wires etc
are really not important after you have reached a certain level.

Just my opinion. 
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