2. amps-preamps
  3. 142193-89892

Thinking about upgrading, but wondering about diminishing returns

Hi folks,

I have mostly Conrad Johnson Gear-- LP260M SE mono blocks, with 8 kt120 tubes each.  These are SET amps that put out 270 wpc.  I have the Conrad Johnson  ET5 preamp, with a Telefunken 6922 tube, and a pair of EgglestonWorks Viginti speakers (their new take on the Andra's).  Phono stage is the Pass Labs XP-15.  For source material I have a Rega  RP10 with the Apheta2 cartridge, and the Oppo BDP105 (Modwright upgrades) CD player.  I have Audioquest Colorado interconnects (go easy here :) ) and Audioquest Oaks for speaker cable.  My listening room is 13 x 19, carpeted floor, drywall walls and ceiling (well insulated).  I set up with the equipment on the long wall, with me listening from the 13' side (with speakers in about 2 feet and about 8.5 feet apart).

I listen to a mix of vinyl and cd's; vinyl when I have several hours to listen quietly (and clean the records on the Clear Audio Matrix Pro Record Cleaning Machine).  I listen to CD's when I have less than an hour, and for when I work out.

I am thinking about upgrading a single component, probably my preamplifier, to a Conrad Johnson GAT2 or a Pass Labs XS preamp (solid state). My thought was that this will likely make the most improvement in soundstage, imaging and overall musicality.  A used GAT2 will be at least $14K and the Pass XS used is about $19K.   I am interested in hearing from those who have had experience with upgrades like this.  I am also wondering (as a middle class guy)  how close does this come to the law of diminishing returns?  Finally, is this the component you would upgrade, and if so, if you had a wide range of musical tastes-- mostly classical/full orchestra in vinyl and rock on CD's, which preamp would you select?

Please feel free to take a swipe at these questions, and also feel free to point out if you feel I should be asking different questions that will help increase my knowledge and advance the cause for others.

I am likely to go to an audio show sometime, but please don't suggest that I go and listen to the gear, as that's at least 200 - 400 miles, and I don't feel right about going to a brick and mortar store knowing that I will almost surely buy used.

Thanks in advance for whatever assistance you can provide.


Ag insider logo xs@2xliamowen
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orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Going to a really good brick and mortar store might be even better than going to a show because you can swap equipment in and out; that way you can hear what each piece is adding, not adding, or even detracting from the whole.

There is so much you can hear and learn at a good brick and mortar store because of the professional service; that in the long run is worth every penny that it costs. I really miss them.
oopwah's avatar
oopwah
20 posts
 
You have a nice setup already! I would take a walk down the path  of upgrading your power without ANY doubt first dedicated line/lines! You may want to look into one of the audiophile  inwall cables available and receptacles. Then move on to power cords. There are many brands available, where to start? Find a dealer near you if available and ask for in home demo. If no close  (60 miles) , find an on line dealer with years of experience give them a call and discuss your situation. I recommend David at  Weinhart Design. A vary knowledgeable owner/ operator , who takes his business seriously! Try one or two used power cords (source first, then preamp). In the system you have I would say $1000.00 to $1300.00 each budget. Audition them for a couple of weeks and decide if you like the results, and then call David again. If you do not like them David will likely allow you to return them for better new or refund/credit towards a component which the two of you agree upon. He as helped me a lot over a several year period!! This will help you find out what your next weakest link is! Take your time an enjoy your music as you go.
tomcarr
1,500 posts
 
Before you spend any more money on gear, buy Jim Smith's book Get Better Sound. Arrange your system per his recommendations, then do acoustic treatment per his recommendations. You will be amazed how much better your system will sound.
The setup and  the room will contribute at least 50% to the sound you will hear.
Get the basics right first.

Tom
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liamowen OP
193 posts
 
Thanks everybody.  You know, when I posted this, I really wasn't sure what to expect.  Safe to say that your collective responses have far exceeded by best hope for info.  I have a lot of specific suggestions to work from now, and that's really great.  Thanks again, everybody.

Bill
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