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Advice on going from mid level to high end

There are a bunch of advice threads focused on how to assemble your first system. I'm hoping to get some advice on making the move from an established but still affordable system to something that's more high end.

Like most people on this site I've always been interested in music/audio. I assembled my first more serious system about 7 years ago, buying much of my equipment used over several years. I have a dedicated room and my current set up is:

Polk LSi15
McCormack DNA-1
TAD-150 sig preamp
VPI scoutmaster
Cambridge Audio 840C
Cables include a mix of Shunyata, Harmonic Technology, and Analysis Plus

I think it's a great setup but I've been fortunate to hear a number of very high end systems and would love to move up over the next few years.

For those of you who've made the transition from a $5-6K system to a $15-20K system, what advice do you have for the uninitiated?

Many thanks.
e
ethos
steveaudio
331 posts
 
Whadaya want? Whadaya tryin' to do? (I just watched some John Wayne movies). I could relate my own experience over the last 15 years, upgrading 2 systems 4-5 times each, buying and selling used, if I had enough time.

I pretty much made each decision based either on lust for some components I read about, or dis-satisfaction with my then-current system. So I went thru several diff. systems, with diff. combinations of Krell, Cary, VTL, b&w, Merlins, Totems, ARC, you name it. Loved or liked many of those, & have some good memories.

But I always had a purpose: upgrading this pre-amp, or this cable, or speaker, etc. because I wanted a diff. or "better" sound.

What do you want, pre-amp-wise, or speaker-wise? You have a very good power amp....w/o knowing your pre-amp or speakers I might suggest focusing on those.
chadlesko
94 posts
 
The best move I made was to listen to as many systems as possible to learn what I needed. Then go to an audio show to hear 100's of speakers over the course of a weekend. You'll at least come away with 3 brands to investigate further...and eliminate others no matter how popular they are in audio circles.

To me the speakers will determine the right amp...then the amp will lead you to the right pre amp and so on. To start with amp or pre amp would then dictate the speakers you can choose from and that is putting the cart before the horse.
loomisjohnson
1,941 posts
 
consistent with the previous posters, i'd look first and foremost to upgrading your speakers. you have excellent amp/preamp/sources; my sense is the polks are your weakest link. there are numerous threads regarding the best speakers in the $3-5k range and beyond; i personally like psb, vmps, revel, proac and von schweikert, but go out and hear what moves you.
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
Agree with previous posters: time to go listen to some speakers. Good luck and have fun.
beavis
272 posts
 
Get the room acoustics right. You might discover you don't as much change.
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