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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
 

Thank you all for your thoughts so far - keep the ideas coming please. All of you have presented me with a bewildering yet cogent array of first class options to consider - that's for sure.

To aid in the analysis of the myriad options laid out thus far, and to help whittle them down and converge on the optimal game plan, I will be implementing one of the oft cited recommendations this weekend, as illustrated below. I find this helps to achieve a much enhanced clarity of thought, and makes my system sound much, much more expensive and remarkable than it is in actuality. Totally obviates the need for acoustic treatments, upgrades, et al. Perhaps this is the road out of the never ending rabbit hole and which leads to salvation of the wallet and soul for all audiophiles.

I wish! If only it were that easy..

http://imgur.com/a/djCNR2i

TGIF


djones51
4,947 posts
 
Well if no room treatments are in order I agree with the suggestion above on getting JBL speakers to let it RIP but I wouldn’t bother with the 4329 go with the S4700 or say to hell with it and go all out with the K2 S9900.
chandybe OP
30 posts
 
@djones - I am adequately inventoried to let things rip when the need arises..

This thread is all about enhancing the 2 channel audiophile experience..without room treatments :)


djones51
4,947 posts
 
Then get the Everest DD67000. They will enhance no room treatments needed.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,699 posts
 
I second, or third, the subwoofer suggestions. It's not just the bass, but the improvement in soundstage (especially depth) and imaging is quite noticeable. One is better than none, and two are better than one.
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