Assuming that there is decent tube equipment to start with, here's what I would do ...
1. Get the room under control. A good start would be a ten or fifteen pack of SR HFTs.
2. Start working on reducing micro-vibrations throughout the system. Herbie's tube dampeners, good footers, a decent rack ... items like that make a big difference.
3. Work on cleaning up the AC power coming into the system. A good place to start would be to check the used market for a PPT "Gate." Expensive, but it will transform your listening experience.
There's a lot more that can be done. I'm convinced at this point that tweaking is the way to go in this hobby. There is no reason to jump on the equipment merry-go-round. Work to get the best out of what you already have. Just sit back, and enjoy the music.
Frank
1. Get the room under control. A good start would be a ten or fifteen pack of SR HFTs.
2. Start working on reducing micro-vibrations throughout the system. Herbie's tube dampeners, good footers, a decent rack ... items like that make a big difference.
3. Work on cleaning up the AC power coming into the system. A good place to start would be to check the used market for a PPT "Gate." Expensive, but it will transform your listening experience.
There's a lot more that can be done. I'm convinced at this point that tweaking is the way to go in this hobby. There is no reason to jump on the equipment merry-go-round. Work to get the best out of what you already have. Just sit back, and enjoy the music.
Frank