2. digital
  3. 119790-75075

After Several Years, Time to Upgrade: Your Suggestions

My Audio System for the last few Years:

-  Peachtree iDecco 1 (as digital dac/preamp only)
-  Paradigm Reference Active/40 Speakers
-  Harmonic Technology Truth Link Interconnect
-  Vandersteen V2W Subwoofer with Velodyne Sub-crossover
-  Lenovo T410 Laptop Server (Win7 Pro, Samsung SSD, 8gb RAM, JRiver 21, Halide USB/SPDIF Bridge)
- Music: jazz, classic r&r, folk

I'd like to upgrade and am thinking I'll start with the DAC/Pre and simplify subwoofer set-up. Have about $3k to spend.  I have not kept up with the latest and greatest in audio and really appreciate the very knowledgeable folks on this forum. Would love to get your input and recommendations. Thanks very much for your time.

Matt

pirius
2psyop's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
2psyop
1,505 posts
 
I would sell the Peachtree and the Paradigm speakers.
I would replace them with a high quality integrated ss amp, a Bifrost DAC and Magnepan 1.7 speakers or Vandersteen 2CE Sigs. I would keep the Vandy sub and crossover.

The 1.7's would really sound great with Jazz. But the 2CE's would match up with the sub very well and can be driven more easily. Also good wit jazz.
2psyop's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
2psyop
1,505 posts
 
The Parasound integrated would be an excellent choice. But there are others too....
mesch
3,419 posts
 
First things first.  What are you looking to accomplish with an upgrade?


jafant
18,984 posts
 
Matt-

the pre-amp is the "heart" of any system. Choose the best that you can afford. Happy Listening!
pirius OP
20 posts
 
What am I trying to accomplish?

Most important, on jazz recordings:  (1) truer tonality on piano, reed, brass, vocal; (2) better definition/pace on subtler dynamic shadings -- especially cymbals and snare; increased sense of instrumental space/ambience.
More to discover