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Where’s My Weakest Link?

Hi All,

I often find myself wondering where to put resources (money) to take my system to the next level. Over the years I have slowly acquired equipment and sometimes I am impressed with the “upgrade”, others I am disappointed with the change/cost ratio. I recently purchased Jim Smiths book, Get Better Sound and was blown away with the changes I was able to make with what I have but I am now back at crossroads of , whats next?

I am running a Bluesound Node 2i> Carver C-16 pre> Conrad Johnson Sonographe SA250> Thiel 1.2.

So what do you think the weakest link is / whats the smartest upgrade?

Thanks in advance!
otterbein
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
@almarg has presented some very relevant facts. The OP has aging components that should be addressed first. Plus, I doubt that his amp and preamp are revealing enough to warrant adding tweaks such as aftermarket outlets and power. 
Building the foundation of the system should come first. As stated earlier, an integrated amp would be a good way to go.


jetter
3,033 posts
 
Don’t replace the Node 2i, it is very nice little streamer that would cost three times its cost to exceed. If anything, in the future you might consider adding a stand alone DAC, but again, multiples of its cost for any real benefit.

There are other things to consider first.  After any basic (and needed) hardware changes, I would buy Canare 4s11 speaker cables and Canare L-4E6S interconnects from a vendor such as Markertek or Redco.  The total for the above very nice cables would be very reasonable cost.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Between your ears. Seriously! Put yourself in a better mood and your system will sound better. Otherwise, get two subwoofers and a 2 way crossover.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
You simply aren't using the right fuse - it's the only thing holding your system back from it's full potential.

Honestly, pound for pound putting effort into room acoustic treatment will likely make the biggest difference. I wouldn't start making gear changes before getting the room right first.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I think you should replace your wire with at least one step up the quality ladder. Something like Blue Jean Cable would make a noticeable improvement. 
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