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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
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.
tk21
238 posts
 
You already have excellent components.
If you still want to make a significant difference in SQ, for far less than $10K, consider a BACCH4Mac package. It's about $1K for the basic software  (and set-up consultation(s)), plus the cost of a Mac (Mini/other) if you don't already have one.  This product minimizes/eliminates crosstalk to improve the soundstage/imaging.  The effects vary depending on the recording, but on some content can be rather dramatic. 
jaulbrich's avatar
jaulbrich
22 posts
 
Sounds like a great system.  I would add a Audioquest Niagara 5000 or one of the power conditioners.  Definitely gave me more umph at lower volume and improved overall dynamics/transients.
utopiamodwright
4 posts
 
Get the matching Cardas Clear Cygnus speaker wire, It has been my direct experience (I own both interconnects and speaker wire), that the Matched Propagation technology from Cardas needs to have both interconnects and speaker wire of the same design to let the listener here what that technology can do.   I know because I started with just the interconnects and when I added the speaker wire it was everything Cardas described, more 3D holographic sound with excellent imaging and detail retrieval.      
elliottbnewcombjr
5,480 posts
 
I would love to hear your system. anywhere near Plainfield, NJ?

Your Focals are 91db sensitivity, there is no way you need that monster SS amp.

My suggestion is to get a tube amp to pair with that tube preamp you have. Maybe 45 wpc enough, others with Focals could say more. Perhaps consider 75 wpc, say McIntosh MC275, or Carver version of that amp.

My Cayin, like Carver's was designed to sound like McIntosh 275, I love my Cayin's sound, fed by McIntosh tube preamp.

If you buy used on eBay ..., buy 'returns accepted'. Love them, sell the SS monster, no love, return it.


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