2. amps-preamps
  3. 136782-115370

Possible Upgrade

Hi-

A buddy of mine recommended your site. I'm possibly looking to upgrade my system and wanted to get some thoughts. The current system consists of a Carver TFM-45 amp with a Carver C-5 Pre-amp/tuner. I listen to some vinyl on my old Harmon Kardon straight line turntable. Just about everythi9ng else is Pandora or FLAC tracks using my Sonos .Speakers are Definitive Technology RLSII's. I have a Paradigm subwoofer also in the mix.  Speakers are non negotiable - I'm married and the wife won't go for anything else. Would I notice much of a difference if I were to say swap out the Carver to a McIntosh 6300 -6500? I'm looking for something mainstream that won't break the bank. Thoughts or suggestions would be welcome!


Thanks

malibupacific
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
For digital sources such as streaming from Tidal, Spotify, etc., I think you’ll get that extra “pop” if you add something like a Bluesound Node2 ($500) and a subscription to Tidal HiFi service ($20/month). Start there and see if that meets your needs. It’s hard (and not wise) to try to compensate for a poor source by adding better electronics downstream in the system. My experience.
malibupacific OP
14 posts
 

I wish I could change out the speakers - but I'll have to get a divorce first... Talk to me about a DAC. That seems like an improvement that won't cost an arm and a leg. I saw a Wyred 4 Sound one for sale on the site for $475. I've also read some good things about a Schitt Bitfrost. Both are within the budget. I do have a Sony Hi- Res. Walkman loaded with FLAC files on it... This it will make a noticeable
difference?

Thanks!

malibupacific OP
14 posts
 
This is getting interesting... Should I ditch the Sonos and get a music server that will connect to my FLAC files as well as music services? Any reasonable recommendations? Something with a decent DAC built in?
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,411 posts
 
Agree that you should get a new source first. Your Carver TFM is a monster of an amp; if it's in good condition then keep it.
Swapping out components can lead to an endless quest to find sonics that please you, but you'll still have the poor quality source files.

Since you're already into streaming, I second checking out the Bluesound Node2 with Dac.
You could research the possibility that the Sony Walkman can input to the Node2, or go analogue into your preamp.

timlub
2,039 posts
 
In my mind, this is a no brainer that the preamp is the wink link, then as mentioned, a decent dac will do wonders. 
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