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Where do I go from here, keep it clean

I have made a number of changes in the last year or so, and I am very happy with my system. If I was informed that I would never be able to change anything in the system, I would not lose much sleep over it. So far, I have not received this message, although I think my wife is getting close to issuing it.

Anyway I am curious what other think would be a good upgrade of what I own now.

The entire system is run off of two dedicated circuits and employs PS Audio outlets, whatever they're called. I know Porter Ports are better but I've had these longer than I've known Albert. Actually I moved them out of my old house.

My cables are all Purist. One pair of ICs are Museaus, the rest are Venustus. The speaker cables are single terminated but bi-wire runs (or two sets of cable) in a single jacket. Don't ask!

My TT is a Sota Star w/ Rega RB 900 and Benz Glider cartridge. The CDP is a Sony SCD 777es. Pre-amp is a new/upgraded to the latest release 7 LX 357, the phono is an upgraded Pass Labs Ono, that is now close to the Xono but still a single chassis. My amp is the Krell FPB 700cx, and the speakers are Kharma Ceramique 1.0.

The room has been moderately treated with a number of things to prevent unwanted reflections, but could still be better.

If a fuller look at the system would be helpful use this link. http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/vs_user.pl?vstrt&1026696824&viewmine&publ

My own inclination would be to upgrade the front end. IMO the Sony is the weakest link, but it is a lower priority than the TT/arm/cartridge. I appreciate any good advice.
128x128nrchy
mejames
986 posts
 
send the Sony for some mods I would try the absolute truth tube modification by Dan Wright
trelja
3,223 posts
 
Looks like an excellent system, Nrchy.

I think that the best way of answering the question is to find out what areas of improvement, if any, you are looking for. Asking us is fine, but without a compass to lead us, you could get a lot of information that does not take you in a direction you are looking to move towards.

Just guessing, I would presume you like a dynamic, fast, clean, and detailed sound. Is this at all correct? Like many audiophiles who have built their systems in the correct way, you have arrived at a destination that looks pretty clear on paper. It's generally the best way, as I always believe that knowing what a person wants, then building towards that is the only way to go.

The questions you should ask yourself are:
1) Does my system synergy provide me the sound I am looking for?
2) Is this the direction, in terms of sound, that I truly desire

I believe that once you have the answers to these questions, you can then go about taking your system however further you are looking to go from here.
boss302
110 posts
 
Nrchy, haven't heard the system since all the changes you went through but if it got better than it was all I can say is WOW!. Looking forward to hearing it. A good friend of mine who will remain nameless told me after I did some changes to listen to it before I did anything else. Might be an idea. If you want to change something I go along with Mejames. Get the ModWright done on the Sony. That way you can tell me what you think since that's the direction I'm thinking about going for my Sony. If I can convince you to do the upgrade then I get to hear it before I try it. I like that idea. Be up to GB in a little while.
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
A very nice system, one that you must enjoy a lot! While I think the TT/cartridge could well be upgraded, the older SOTAs had a liveliness to them that the more expensive TTs lose a little of, so I'd resist that change except perhaps to go further up in the Benz line of cartridges and upgrade the Rega wiring, as Jfrech suggests. I also agree with Mejames, a mod for your Sony would be a fairly cost-effective upgrade--my Sony was upgraded by both Jerry Ozment (unfortunately, not available anymore) and Richard Kern, I can attest that a properly modified Sony SCD777ES is a top rung digital player in both CD and SACD modes. The Modwright mod that is suggested above would be an excellent choice, as you'll need to upgrade the analog stage of the Sony to hear what it is truly capable of doing, and a little tube magic in your system might prove interesting. But in the meantime, just sit back and enjoy your system!
elinor's avatar
elinor
275 posts
 
The weakest part of your system is the Benz Glider Cartridge. Benz has really terrific trade-in trade-up offers which would make getting a Ruby III the way to go. The Glider is nice, but with you Pass Phono Pre, you are not even coming close to what it and your TT are capable of doing.
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