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Remarkably better sound possible with just 1 system component change?

I could have posted this discussion to a few other categories but chose this one because discussions related to 2 of the 4 components in question belong here.

So it's been ~2.5 yrs since I purchased my current system. I did a lot of research at the time here on audiogon, but no auditioning, and put together a system that sounds very, very good to me.

While I have no complaints, the itch to upgrade has surfaced recently.

I am curious as to whether you guys think it will be possible for me to replace just 1 of my primary 4 components and obtain significantly better sound as a result. The more discernible and obvious the sound improvement, the better obviously. I am not looking for a marginal upgrade - I want dramatically better sound. And I am not looking to replace more than 1 component at this time. I am hoping to get a few ideas/candidates and then may decide to audition some of the recommendations before making a decision. Hopefully some of the upgrade paths are such no-brainers that I may even be able to take a leap of faith without auditioning. Note also that acoustic room treatments are not viable in my current listening location.
 
My current 4 part system:

1. Lumin D2 - 100% of my listening is streaming via Tidal
2. Mcintosh C2600 preamp
3. Mcintosh MC452 amp
4. Focal Kanta 2 speakers

Cables are Cardas Golden presence RCAs from the Lumin to C2600, Cardas Clear Cygnus XLRs from the C2600 to the MC452, and Kimber 8TC speaker cables to the Kantas.

Soundstaging, dynamics, imaging and overall clarity are all great. I have to say I love the Be tweeters. And the bass is punchy, tight, fast and certainly sufficient for my needs. Vocals and overall sound are warm, liquid smooth and analog-like, just the way I like it. (Forgive me if I've botched some of the characterizations - I'm no expert at this). The only thing I can think of that could use some improvement is the sound quality at lower volume levels, although that is not terribly important to me since most of my listening is in the 90+ Db range. Would be nice, though.

So while I do love the overall sound, surely dramatically better sound can be obtained via a 1 component swap? Budget is ~10k. Or will I need to spend more, or upgrade more than 1 component to achieve the desired result?

Thanks in advance for your time and thoughts.

chandybe
soix
9,582 posts
 
I am not looking for a marginal upgrade - I want dramatically better sound. And I am not looking to replace more than 1 component at this time. 
That really narrows it down to speakers IMO.  I’ve got two suggestions that would be total no-brainer, wholesale upgrades:

  1. There’s a pair of Joseph Audio Pearl 3s for sale here for $18,200, and if you sell the Focals you won’t be very far over your budget but will be in another league sonically.
  2. If that’s too rich for your blood you can get many of the same benefits with a pair of Usher BE 20 DMDs available on US AudioMart for only $8250.  
I frankly don’t care that much about your room because substituting either of these will up your listening experience significantly regardless.  As an added bonus I think they’re both considerable aesthetic upgrades too, and as we all know man caves are all about aesthetics.  Heh heh.  Go for it!  Best of luck. 
smodtactical
979 posts
 
Dude end the merry go round. Go straight up to scala, maestro or stella, non evo to save money and end it.
richtruss
163 posts
 
Agree with Tecknik, but in addition the Network Acoustics ENO Ethernet filter will do the business.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

speakermaster45 posts01-21-2021 8:06pm

Speakers first upgrade then the amplifier then the preamplifier changing the speakers will make the biggest difference and if you go with a used or vintage pair 10k will get you way more sound than you currently have.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I like your answer, change ALL the equipment.. WOW.. Surely you jest.. No, and don’t call me Shirley.. LOL

Speakermaster... You need to get to 101 in sound reproduction.. the rule of 1/3s. Equipment, acoustics, and grid. There is a tweak portion that overlaps all three.

BUT you can’t leave a full 1/3 of what makes sound OUT of the equation and wonder what is missing.. ADD what it needs not what you want.. makes NO sense..

Add all new equipment. Man oh man.. LOOSE the crap on the walls and fix it right.. Good lord.. Heck treat the walls and hang your STUFF back over the top of it..

Not treat the room? It’s not an option if you want better sound.. You can change the sound, but it will never get better, just change... If that works for you.. Change the record... lot less expensive too..

Regards..


clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 
Miller once again proves he is a danger to newbies and everyone else by recommending a $10k spend on snake oil.
Not much danger though for this wise OP who sees right through this transparent nonsense.

It is time we all agree $1 spent on passive tweeks can never improve SQ nearly as much as $1 spent on active system components.
If at all.
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