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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
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.
phill55's avatar
phill55 OP
142 posts
 
I hope for everyone's sake or we may all be selling our gear. Thanks for all the responses. So for final question, because funds are limited what TT upgrade to the Linn Sonedek lp12 would make the greatest positive difference; karousel, keel chassis or Lingo 2 power supply. Thank you 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,933 posts
 
@phill55 You are asking about upgrades to the Linn that have quite varied price points. A Lingo 2 power supply used is about the same price as the Karousel bearing, whereas the Keel chassis is about three times the price of those two ( if new). 
Since you already have a power supply upgrade ( the Herc board) although not that great, it is better than the stock power supply. Therefore, to my mind the most potential for better SQ comes with the bearing...and that is the Karousel upgrade. A lot less $$ than the Keel and a major part of any LP12. I am going to look into the Karousel myself, and i just updated my LP12 with a brand new Cirkus a couple of years ago! The Cirkus upgrade was very easily heard and a BIG uptick in SQ. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,933 posts
 
@phill55 Just noticed that the new Karousel bearing probably will not work with your Herc power supply. It certainly won’t work with Valhalla and I strongly suspect that the same issue will apply with your Hercules!
Before making a purchase commitment to Karousel, I would check this out with your vendor. If the new bearing won’t work with Hercules ( now pretty sure it will not!), then the next step would be to look at a power supply upgrade...meaning take a look at Lingo 4...or Lingo 3 and then go to Karousel.
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