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How do you decide what your next upgrade will be?

As "audiophiles" or "audio enthusiasts", I think most of us are constantly on the hunt for our next upgrade to take their system to the "next level". How do you prioritize what your next upgrade will be?

I typically focus on what my weakest link in my system at the time is and choose my next upgrade based on that. But I know some people may upgrade based on "best bang for buck" or maybe other ways. How do you decide?

I have found myself at a crossroads trying to figure out my next upgrade. Right now I believe my DAC is my weakest link (by a long shot). I currently stream from my computer through tidal into a dragonfly cobalt into a Raven nighthawk. My phono preamp is also lacking. I have a VPI scout Aries with a Soundsmith MIMC star going into a Vincent pho-701. I recently purchased two Rythmik f12se subwoofers and I have no speaker isolation at all (isolation could be a potential upgrade). I have also thought about how fun it would be to roll some tubes through my Raven Nighthawk. There are so many possibilities. 
 

With all the upgrades we have to choose from how do you decide what would be most beneficial to your system?

james1911
jerrybj
862 posts
 

Although when looking at big changes?

Dac first, then speakers, then power cables, then interconnects.

 

It came down to what changes woud make the most improvements to my system.

oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 

Instead of thinking about upgrading equipment, think in terms of how to improve what you already have. Think in terms of room treatments, reducing micro-vibrations, and cleaning up your AC power. Done right, these things will get you off of the equipment merry-go-round.

Frank

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,504 posts
 

My best advice is to make big changes not incremental steps. Stretch the budget and jump up another step from just one level up. 

knotscott
921 posts
 

It can be tough to know which way to head. One way is to get really familiar with your gear, then try to isolating parts of the chain and compare/experiment with it. Not always an easy task, but it can help. Otherwise, it’s often a shot in the dark.

Joining up with some other audio buffs can help gain access to other gear you don't own.

 

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,198 posts
 

That's a tough one.  No easy answer. 

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