2. analog
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if you had my system and $2,000 budgeted for an upgrade, where would you spend it?

This post may go a bit beyond analog, as it could encompass other parts of the system, but I am not interested in adding to the digital side of things, so here it is.

As far as I can tell, it seems like the places to spend that $2K would be on a better tonearm or perhaps a preamplifier upgrade.  I may be able to sell my Audio Research LS-25 and upgrade to ARC Ref 3.  As for the tonearm, I could sell the RB202 and get a Michell Tecnoarm, or step it up to an arm for about $1600 (are the Clearaudio arms nice?) and still have a little left over.

Can a tonearm upgrade make a significant sonic improvement?

I am not dying to spend money on an upgrade, and if the benefit of that $2K will be minuscule, I am happy to stay as I am for a while, my system sounds excellent.  But I am curious to know what the experienced people on this site would do the the $2K if they were in my shoes.

Where is the most improvement possible?
Thanks!
Mark

System Gear List:

Amplifier:  Audio Research VT-100 mkII
Preamplifier:  Audio Research LS-25
Phono Stage:  Whest Audio PS.30R
Cartridge:  Lyra Delos
Table:  Michell Engineering Tecnodec with standard RB202 tonearm
DAC:  PS Audio PerfectWave DAC mkII
Power Conditioner:  Shunyata Research Talos
Speakers:  Rockport Technologies Mira Monitors
Subwoofer:  Wisdom Audio SCS
Speaker Cable:  Cardas Audio Cross
Interconnect:  Cardas Audio 300B Microtwin XLR
Digital Music Storage & Player:  Apple Mac Mini + ROON + Hard Drive
Power Cables:  Shunyata Research Venom HC (amp, sub, conditioner)
Power Cables:  Shunyata Research Sidewinder VTX (sources)

My system can be seen here:  https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/5421
marktomaras
marktomaras OP
544 posts
 
Thank you all for the thoughtful comments... Keep ’em coming! I am inspired to try 2 things, one at a time of course. First, room correction. I am looking into a diy sound panel. As I am a photographer, I was delighted to discover there is a printable acoustic fabric that can cover an insulation material and simple wood frame. This sounds perfect for 3 panels: one behind each speaker and one big one on the wall behind the listening position. I believe I will be starting there. Do you guys who know about room treatments think this is a reasonable starting point?

the fuses are also interesting. A rep from the cable company told me to research to see if there is a fuse between the output transformers and speaker taps in each channel in my power amp. He advised, if so, to start with those points with two high quality fuses and listen. If the results are good, continue to replace all of the fuses in the system. Does this forum agree?

thanks again,
Mark
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,665 posts
 
Marktomaras;
I'd ask the "fuse question" on the Audiogon Forum I mentioned in earlier posts regarding the SR Red fuse. Those individuals have already been there and done that. They could give you some very good hands on advice.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Check the archives using the key words “acoustic panels” and you will find advise, and many "do's" and "don'ts" in treating a listening room. For instance, I would not place absorption panels directly behind speakers; you want the speaker cabinet resonances to reflect freely back toward the wall.
 
If needed, treatment is used toward the middle of the wall to prevent standing waves from reflecting back toward the listener. Also, if needed, treatment is used in corners behind speakers (bass traps).
You are correct that absorption panels behind the listening position can help reduce extraneous mid to high frequencies.

Most people make the mistake of over-dampening their room on the first try.
Here's some good reading...
http://www.gikacoustics.com/acoustic-advice/

surge's avatar
surge
30 posts
 
Room treatment first
next on the DAC, upgrade to the PS Audio DSD
then on a record cleaning machine. 
Will be much more than $2K, but you'll have something to look forward to as funds allow!
roger_paul
291 posts
 
Mark,

Nice system you have - and so organized! I have seen so many systems that look like rats nests in the back (and front).

Years ago I worked for a stereo retailer who sold Revox tape decks.
The customer was ready to buy when the wife says "what is that crack in the front"? She was referring to the handy tape splice block (with the diagonal slit) that covered the tape heads. She "could not have that in their living room" because it looks cracked...  No sale.

Roger
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