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First "audiophile" system, now what? Suggestions for best "bang for the buck" upgrade?

After being beguiled with mp3s and the TV AVR, I finally realized I missed having a dedicated stereo system. With a budget of $2400, here is what I put together:
  ProJect Carbon 1 w/TizoAcrylic platter and Ortofon Red cartridge,
  Hagerman Bugle2 preamp,
  Vincent V-60 tube amp,
  Martin Logan 12 speakers.
 No special wires or cables. My room is 14x19 that is open to the kitchen. Compared to what I had been hearing, this system sounds fabulous. But now I want more fabulous. So I am writing to seek help on making short term/long term plans to upgrade. Short term means the biggest improvement in sound that costs $500 or less. The long term plan could cost maybe $2-3k or more. I have read that going from Ortofon Red to Blue might be a an inexpensive but very noticeable improvement? If speakers are my weak link, then maybe Martin Logan electrostatics would be good (when my ship comes in)?
I welcome any suggestions.
128x128etwilley
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
First, congrats on realizing AVR's and mp3's are great for sound effects and convenience, but for pure music reproduction, dedicated stereo systems are the best way to go.  So, nice system you have put together to start enjoy music the way it's meant to be heard.

WRT the next upgrade, the transducers (cartridge at the front end and speakers at the back end) in a system will always give the biggest impact on how a system sounds.   So you have probably answered your own question in your initial post - upgrading the cartridge from a 2M Red to a 2M Blue should provide the best bang for your buck that's within your current budget.  A nude elliptical is a big step up in performance from a bonded.  Next would be the speakers and that would strengthen the two so very
important transducers in the chain.

Good luck.

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stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,456 posts
 
Before I would spend any money, I would contact John Rutan at AudioConnnection in Verona, New Jersey.  He's extremely knowledgeable, and willing to help all us audiophiles that don't know how things interact, what the next step should be, etc.  Its worth a phone call...he loves to schmooze, and you will certainly benefit.
infection's avatar
infection
808 posts
 
@phil9624 - WTF are you talking about...?!?!
gdnrbob
4,442 posts
 
I second stringreen. Johnny R is a good man to talk to. His Agon name is 'audioconnection'. PM him.
The comments about interconnects are also another way to change the sound of your system, though you will need to research and trial many in order to come to some understanding regarding their appeal/detraction in your system. Johnny R could also help in this matter.
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