Best upgradable system components for under $6K
I hear you, Al, about the Ayre preamps. However, their lowest priced preamp, from what I could see on their website, is right at his stated budget, leaving no money for an amplifier. But I may be wrong about the pricing, please educate me if I am. Maybe a modded Oppo BDP-105 (usually around $2500) mated to a $3,500 amp gets him where he needs to be.... -RW- |
"You might consider active speakers since at least one of the components (the amp) comes along for the ride. Bob_reynolds (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)" Given the OP's budget, he probably won't be able to get both pieces at once. The amp is the more expensive piece so it would probably be best to get the big purchase out of the way. Also, the OP's current speakers would probably benefit a great deal the extra power. I don't think had enough power to drive them to potential. |
Thanks so much for this great feedback- I have a LOT to consider. A couple clarifications: right now to my ears my Legacy's are very nice but I think I'm running flat on the component side of my system (the good news is because of my limited experience I don't think I know any better so I'm not disappointed yet lol). My thought was to beef up my components to get the most out of my Legacy's using equipment that will also be a great match for my next set of speakers. The $6K budget would only be for components. Down the line I want to allocate about $10K for a GREAT set of speakers (possibly the Vandy's or the AZ Cresendos as those are the two that seem to have the best reviews from the research I've done in the $10-15K price range). I run most of my music from my Laptop using a NAD 1050 DAC so that might also have to be a consideration as well. I honestly don't know how much focus to put on the DAC... Like ZD put it I do want to do it right the first time with minimal "Swapping" so to speak so if I spend $10K over the course of 2 years I would rather do that than spend $6K now and have to swap out things again to get the RIGHT system. My goal is to have the right setup (speakers included) within 3 years at a budget of around $16K total. |
"03-26-15: Onhwy61 A well designed active system will out perform an equivalent passive system every time. Actives allow for better implementation of crossovers and improved synergy between the amp and the crossover/drivers. Examples are JBL, ATC, Pass and Gradient." The amp and the speakers still have to be designed as well as the separates in order for that to be true. And that's usually not the case. Can you show me 1 active speaker, at any price, that has a fully balanced, 0 feedback amp that sounds as good as an Ayre V-5, in the same box as a time and phase correct speaker that performs on par with a Vandersteen Trio? An active speaker like that doesn't exist. |
03-26-15: RlwainwrightRLW, I don't know what the current pricing is, but based on many ads I've seen for used pieces (which the OP indicated he would be receptive to), current versions of the -5 series amp (the V-5xe) and preamp (K-5xeMP) should be findable used for a total of around $6K, and perhaps less. And I'm sure that earlier versions of the V-5 and K-5 can be found for considerably less than that. I don't doubt that your suggestions are all excellent in their price range, but given the calibre of the speakers the OP ultimately envisions going with, and given his budget, I would expect Ayre to be a better choice. 03-26-15: XerotraceThe DAC is certainly important, of course. But the rapid evolution of digital technology these days, and with it the likelihood of continuing improvement in performance per dollar, would seem to suggest that upgrading your integrated amp should take priority. Also, although I have no specific knowledge of the D1050, FWIW its use of asynchronous USB, its claimed 24/192 capability, and the fully balanced analog signal path it apparently has would seem to be encouraging with respect to its use in the near term. As are this review and this one. Regards, -- Al |
