2. misc-audio
  3. 191276-97139

What's my best upgrade options

Hello Audiogon forum,

I have an opportunity to upgrade something, but I'm unsure what the best option would be.  I just got a pair of Magico A5s, and they were a huge upgrade to my system.  I think what I'm looking for is more clarity, more crystal clear detail, maybe lower noise floor, if that makes sense.  I have an ARC Ref 150, PS audio BHK pre and stellar phono pre.  My sources are a Rega P3 with an older Ortofon MC 30 and a Cary audio CD500 cd player.  My cables are a mix of whatever I got from a dealer buying complete systems a long time ago, and some i've bought since.  I also have a surge protector I run everything thru, except the amp, I run it directly into the wall.

My options are a PS audio power conditioner, a rega P6 with newer ortofon MC cartridge, maybe a PS audio CD player or jay's audio CD player.  I could also get better speaker cable, and / or XLRs.

Thanks y'all.  1st post!

dothebluecolts
dothebluecolts OP
1 posts
 

Thanks everyone. 

I plan to pursue the TT upgrade route.  Not sure what I'll get, doing the research now.  My rub is I have a pair of speakers I'm trying to sell, and I'm thinking about trading to TMR, but I feel their available products is a bit thin.

Streaming isn't really an option, we don't have high speed internet available where I live.  I do have an acrylic S10 and when I tried to set up wifi and qobuz it struggled to buffer.  could be something I can work around.  it may also be my distance to the wifi signal.

I have a huge collection of LPs and CDs.  My father passed about 10 years ago, I have all of his LPs, there's some real gems in there.

I've also thought about doing an overhaul of cables.  And, I do plan to re-tube the ARC when it gets closer to 2K hours (at about 1100 or so now), and I'll probably put different pre amp tubes in the BHK at the same time.  

Thanks again!

dr-boop
85 posts
 

DAC!

willy-t
155 posts
 

Honestly all your  components are capable of crystal clear spud

i would recommend looking at vibration control

This has a great impact on clarity

vibration control takes the fuzz off the sound and your left 

clear music 

Good luck Willy-T

bbarten
65 posts
 

I'd say a good digital source or power conditioning depending on how your utilities are.  A new source is a little more fun, right?  But power conditioning would give your system a good foundation.

dayglow
1,907 posts
 

The Magico A5 is the strength of your current system build around them. The cartridge and CD player appear to be the weak link, as for cables keep the speaker cables/IC’s from the same brand. IMO Nordost cables adjust to the component to bring out the strengths while adding very little coloration. Finally find out what electronics have the best synergy with the A5.

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