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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
chandybe OP
30 posts
 
@dave_b 

Never my man - the affliction is terminal and runs deep. I best stop before this thread quickly digresses and devolves into anything but audio related banter..

http://imgur.com/a/TeAJ5aG
allears4u
151 posts
 
Simple, relatively inexpensive...swap out your power cords with good ones. (Stay Under $500) What could you lose? In my system changing power cords to source components was transforming. I couldn't believe the difference. After spending much more on interconnects the power cords were just as transformative or maybe more so. I was shocked. Still don't why they make such a difference. 
diamonddupree's avatar
diamonddupree
75 posts
 
Without a doubt powered subwoofers, ideally with room correction. I use a JL Audio F110. You could probably use two of those, or even two F112s in your room and hear a huge improvement. Also room treatments. 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,131 posts
 
For those suggesting wire, interconnect, power cords or AC tweaks -- given his room (he gave us a picture) -- do you think this would result in a 'remarkable' improvement, which is what he's after? Given the room's situation, I cannot see how these would even hold a candle to suggestions involving room acoustics.
airmanmike54
14 posts
 
I have a very difficult room since it is over the garage. I have Focal Kanta 3 floor standing speakers and added a Simaudio 680D streamer dac to my system and it made a huge difference in sound clarity and overall sonics. I am using a Anthem Str-Integrated Amp with Arc room correction. I have listened to a lot of the same music on CD as well as Streaming on Tidal Quboz as well as using Roon and found that certain songs are better depending on witch source I use. If you only stream a better Dac and Streamer might help.
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