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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
brskie
68 posts
 
I added a Keel and Chris Harban plinth and Radikal motor to my Cirkus bearing table. Previous to this new Karousel, the consensus on the Linn forums were that the Radikal made the most difference followed by the Keel. Since I added all three simultaneously I can't confirm this myself. However, my table plays extremely well on a variety of components that I have tried it on. Very Quiet too!!  Linn upgrades are not cheep, but they do produce some very sweet music. I don't know how the Harban plinth compares to a Green St. Audio, but I do know keeping resonances controlled is paramount. The Tangerine Stiletto Plinth is another CNC plinth/top plate which you may want to consider. Just make sure that the table is set up correctly by someone with a good track record. Mine was assembled in my home by a real pro. I ended up moving a short distance 2 yrs. later and it still runs great. I am thrilled with my upgrades.
Best of luck, and stay home and healthy.
Bruce
erik_squires
16,395 posts
 
OP:

I'm on team L, but never had the chance to listen to the Yammies or any Mc gear in ages.

I'm very happy by the extension on the bottom and top, and a liquid, tube like midrange to treble, no noise, and excellent tone controls.

If you don't already have a dealer, send me an instant message and I may be able to connect you to one who may help. :)

Best,


E
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,935 posts
 
I would suggest a front end upgrade first. As has been mentioned, the new Karousel bearing would be a nice start. If funds allow, a Radikal, Keel or Kore and then a new tonearm. Front end is where you typically get your biggest bang for the $.
schwantner
42 posts
 
In a mind to notch it up a bit myself.  A lower price range likely than many but the goal of improving is always the same. 

Speakers are Paradigm Prestige 75 or KEF R100 on quiet days

Parasound P3 pre-amp

Arcam FMJ P35 amps

Mac computer for source most of the time

Arcam tunner T61 secondary source 10 percent of the time when wife is using or I am working 

Cambridge Audio Azur 540C CD player third source 5 percent of the time 

Yamaha YP 211 tt 5 percent when feeling nostalgic 

Room is main living room so acoustic treatment is limited. 


phd
1,324 posts
 
I think as audiophiles we will always have the urge to upgrade some part of our system regardless of external circumstances, that never changes. I also think that given the current threat you will see some extraordinary deals come up because some one lost their job and will need the cash. Then some of us work at home where there is no significant loss. I hope this virus gets under control asap as it is destroying the economy.
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