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Upgrade Path

15 years ago I bought a system that includes 802 Series III Matrix along with Audio Research electronics (100.2 amp and LS-15 pre). I later upgraded to a Linn Ikemi cd and have enjoyed the results very much. Recently it was suggested that the B&Ws are outdated and that this would be the best way to upgrade. I've been considering an upgrade and know speakers have changed a lot over the last 15 years. Are my trusty old speakers outdated or does it make more sense to look elsewhere, like the cd player, amps or maybe adding a phono stage and turntable instead?
tonyp54
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,308 posts
 
I think that your speakers and electronics are very nice! Why the urge to upgrade? If it sounds good to you...you're the only one that counts.

I'm not a fan of the Linn CD player, but still, you have nice gear.
lars
90 posts
 
I'm assuming your AR gear is tubed, and if so, are all tubes properly functioning or within acceptable parameters.? If not, I'd most likely be dissatisfied. -Lars-
cleaneduphippy
323 posts
 
Tony,

If your system still sounds good to you "keep it" as is. There's a lot of people on the 'Gon who are basically into "upgrading" just for the sake of upgrading. As for your speakers being "outdated", who makes/made that determination? The biggest change to speakers IMHO has been in area of "voicing". Before you get another set of speakers you may want to consider, are you going for better or just different? Quite often, different is what you're really getting, and that may or may not be better. Many people have gotten rid of some great speakers, to get something supposely better, only to find out "down the road" that they would been happier keeping what they had orginally.
buff's avatar
buff
210 posts
 
what kind of cables are you using?
tonyp54 OP
130 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far, I appreciate your opinions. My ARC amp is SS but the pre is a hybrid tubed. The cables are Tara interconnects and Audioquest silver speaker cables. I do like the sound of my system but I know it can get better. The question is how much better and at what cost?

I once heard a Duke Ellington recording at a Joseph's Audio demo that blew me away. The retail value of that system was about $75k. I remember they used Manley electronics, Chord cd player and a very expensive turntable along with the Pearl speakers. The digital tracks sounded great as well, but the vinyl Ellington the the most memorable.
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