2. amps-preamps
  3. 123816-10404

Best Way to Spend ~ $2000 for System Improvement

Hi fellow music lovers! I have about $2000 right now to improve my system. It can be for any component, but I'm thinking amplification first, power, pre, or integrated. SS or tube.

To begin, right now I have a Mccormack 0.5 Deluxe power amp with "A" revisions, an Eva 2 passive preamp, Metrum Octave v1 DAC, Dell laptop for music files. Sometimes I use a Teac H750 as a transport and GMA Pico Executive speakers. The room is small, about 14x18x10ft. I listen to about 50/50 rock and classical, mostly full orchestral. As far as just sound goes, I would like the bass to be "fast". No delay or overhang, not exaggerated, but detailed. Detail is important at any frequency, the more the better, but not at the expense of musicality. I realize at this price point, compromise is necessary, and treble would be the best place for that. No harshness allowed, but I'm in my later 50s now and don't hear treble like I once did.

I hope I've given enough info to get some good suggestions. I like the sound now, but think it could be better, maybe a slightly lower noise floor and a little more pace and rhythm while retaining it's sweetness and smoothness. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. BTW, if any existing question answers any part of this question, feel free to link it.
xrayz
asp307
159 posts
 
@xrayz @lowrider57 provided good advice however, I am trying to understand what a dedicated 20A line, 10-2AWG wire and Furutech GTX-D Rhodium outlets mean to my system. Thus, I am still using the stock 15A power cables that came with my Rogue Cronus Magnum and VPI Scout 1.1.

If you do go the route of upgrading your wall outlets, keep in mind that different outlets will need different amounts of burn-in time. For the Furutechs, some have suggested a breakthrough at 500 hours and then again at 1000-1500 hours. 

When they were first installed, there was a sibilance and a gritty layer on top of what I could tell were serious improvements. As the listening hours pass, that layer is becoming less and less and the sound is improving.

I have been in the market for an external phono-pre as I am using the built in phono-pre on my integrated. Considering the improvements from the dedicated line and outlets do I really need to upgrade now to another phono-pre? No....however, I probably will because I am crazy and this is how I like to spend my discretionary time.   
elem79's avatar
elem79
65 posts
 
I'd also have to say an active preamp is the way to go. Wall outlets will make minimal differences in the scheme of things. Power conditioning is fundamental as well as cords, but oh my that can get expensive. If it was my 2k I would look for a nice active preamp. Are you looking to go with solid state or tubes?
adg101
1,063 posts
 
Maybe buy a nice vinyl set up and spend weekends looking through used records; hopefully you have a used vinyl shop near by. Rediscover or discover music you never knew existed. Might be a lot more fun than buying a power cable. Just a thought.
xrayz OP
105 posts
 
@lowrider57  Would you have a ballpark figure as to how much what you suggest would cost using good components? And thanks for the tip about Pangea Audio power cords. I used to put a great deal of stock into high end power cords, but got away from them as their price kept rising. @asp307  Haha, this hobby makes us all crazy!  @devilboy  I have often thought of downsizing to an integrated amp. I've never heard any Job gear though. How would you describe yours? @elem79  I think maybe SS this time. Every time I've had an active pre, it's been a tube one. I wasn't even especially looking for tubes, it just happened that way. Maybe an old Rowland Capri or a W4S. Or even a Mccormack one. ANY preamp suggestions are welcome!  @adg101 I have been telling myself for years I'm going back to vinyl. And I still may, but it's not looking too good for that right now. As always thanks for your ideas everyone!                                    
srosenberg's avatar
srosenberg
209 posts
 
a tube preamp with a SS power amp is a very nice way to go!  in tubes, the Modwright SWL 9.0SE is fantastic and should be well within your price range.  Atmasphere preamps would be another to look into - great gear and peerless customer service.  If you're only considering solid state, the two you mentioned are nice, as well as the Pass Labs X1.
More to discover