2. member-reviews
  3. 155968-118164

audiophiles who are just getting the itch to upgrade

Hello, I am reaching out to the community of those audiophiles who are looking at this unprecedented time in our history to upgrade their components. Why? because we are now spending so much more time with our gear and looking for ways to improve it, because we can :-) My questions is this; if there was one component you could upgrade in my system, what would it be and why?
  • Linn Sonedek  LP 12 with Hercules board, Ittok II tonearm and Koetsu Black Cartridge
  •  Fritz Carbon 7 SE Speakers - http://www.fritzspeakers.com/DreamWeaverFritzCarbon7Mk2SpecPage.asp
  • Audio Mirror Tubadour III NOS DAC with   Miflex KPUC caps(courtesy of Don Sachs) and the Z foil resistors
  • Cary Audio SL80- Signature 1 with VH audio Reference V-Cap CuTF output caps plus Cary volume IR upgrade and mains cap upgrades. Running Gold Lions KT88 matched tubes, Shuguang Treasure CV181Z - 6SN7 Pre-Driver/Phase Inverter tubes,  Sovtek NOS 6922 Input Buffer Preamp tubes and  WINGED "C" (SED) 5U4-G GREY PLATE tube
  • Manley Labs Chinook phono pre-amp
  • Cullen crossover series speaker cables and power cords
Well that's it and I know that are a lot of you in this community who have far more experience with matching systems and upgrades than I do. Thank you for your assistance and happy listening ! 
128x128phill55
phill55's avatar
phill55 OP
142 posts
 
Ok. So in order; I do have definitive tech supercube 2000 with paradigm x30 high filter subwoofer control unit. Fits the bill. Love to consider GIK room treatment but system is in living room (wife doesn't want me living in my office / man cave) so that option is a resounding no. Agree Fritz speakers are a winner! But don't take my word for it ask Fritz...he is the real deal passionate about his craft and will lend you speakers for 30 days no strings attached. Masi, thanks for the insights on Linn upgrades. Millercarbon, can't compete with you on your journey. Thank you everyone. Anymore input always appreciate...Enjoy the WFH new normal in this new world.
phill55's avatar
phill55 OP
142 posts
 
oh and geoffkait, thanks for making me laugh. Well said. Some of us will justify the cost by cutting back on all those dinners and movies our significant others keep trying to take us out to.
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,764 posts
 
I'm down with mapman with active xovers...go active room eq as well with a 'frosting' of GIK....
A sub 'cherry' for the 'bottom' and that'll do'er. ;)
The rest seems pretty smooth to me....a new TT can't hurt...*S*

Any 'significant' restaurant is shuttered around here.  Spouse is hooked on 'food porn' ....

"Chopped"....Seared....Wok'ed....Ironic Chef....you name it, she's game to go.  'Smoothie' breakfast, optional lunch, but dinner...?  

"Indo/Norwegian Salmon with watermelon puree' with a side of marble potatoe....  Sounded good to me....."(she smiles...)

Be enthusiastic, or risk a dessert of iced ground glass...👀🤪

(Honestly, I can't complain...the shows give me something to parody....)

"Chopped; Off-World Delicacies"
"OK, chefs!  Open your baskets!"
(Chef #2 hardly has time to react as the tentacles seize him by the head and neck, dragging him into the basket....)
"Well, it looks like Chef Floyd will Be his entree' for this round..."
sc53
722 posts
 
I still have my LP12 after 30 yrs, and the single biggest upgrade I did was the Keel subchassis. Sounded like a new TT. Recently I had the Karousel installed as well. Still using Ekos II and Akita cart. Karousel is a noticeable improvement but not like the Keel. I have the Lingo 2 and my dealer says the Radikal is what I should do next. Maybe once the stock market recovers. 
bluorion
479 posts
 
I'm looking to going back to an integrated amp---tired of separates. Staying at home has given me time to do some research. So far I've narrowed it down to the Yamaha A-S2100 and the Luxman 505uxii. Maybe the McIntosh MA5300? But the Yamaha looks like a winner at its price point. If anyone has any input, I'd greatly appreciate it. I can't leave the house here in VA until 6/10. 
More to discover