How to identify my weakest link?


I really love my Hi-Fi system. It makes me real happy. It sounds so good but lately I’ve been feeling like I’d like to try something new. But what would I upgrade? How do I identify the weakest link? My gut tells me I should be looking at upgrading my amp but maybe not? If I do upgrade the amp I’d like to stay with an integrated amp due to space constraints. Any recommendations? Here’s where I’m currently at. I’m only interested in playing records on this system so no digital. 

Hana SL Moving Coil cartridge

Clearaudio Ovation w/ Magnify tonearm

Herron Audio VTPH-2A Phono Preamp

Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II integrated - tubes rolled from stock JJs to Gold Lion 12AX7 and 12AU7s with a Brimer 12AU7 in the center position. 

Speakers are B&W 805d3 stand mounts with a pair of REL S/510 subs.

Kimber Kable speaker, power cables and interconnects. 

 

I should also mention that I’ve been seriously considering pulling the trigger on a Kiseki Purple Heart cartridge, although $3500 is a lot for a cartridge. Would definitely take the leap if I could find one for a little less. Any ideas where I might find a “deal”? LOL

Thanks in advance for any ideas provided here. Love reading AG threads!
 

 

paulgardner

@mulveling thanks for the Benz cart idea. Very interested. Oven been hoping to find a good wood option to consider. After doing some surface research the Benz Zebr L looks like a damn fine cart based on reviews. Thanks again. Appreciate the suggestion

...at the risk of being the Pretty Hate Machine for commenting that the weakest link can be seen in a mirror.

We Are the weak link, lo-fi through SOTA.

Age robs you of your hearing, whether one admits and accepts the finality of it.

Have yours tested.

I can almost guarantee you’ll hate the results, and hate me for pointing it out.

Happy mid-Holidaze. ;)

Your Basic Beast ’Bot

@paulgardner  *L*  That is one of the drawbacks of forums in general, age of posters is a variable unknown. ;)
Unless we post 'name, rank, serial #, etc.' we're kinda left to our own devices....as well as our audio gear....

That being 'said', it still can't hurt to know ones' 'baseline hearing response'.
We all have our limitations, as Harry once suggested. *G*  And knowing them is a Good Thing....to channel 'The Martha'. 

If you start Now, you'll have an insight over your decades as to what's 'going South onboard' and have that in mind.  Once every 5 yrs. ought to allow you to have an insight as to the impact of 'UAR' (Unavoidable Age Rot') on you. *L*

Loud machinery and concerts ground my mid-range 'response' to 'meh' levels; the application of aids selected for their ability to correct the issue helped immensely.
That in itself helped to make sense of what the apps and programs that I employ to measure and monitor what 'I ought to be able to hear' make sense....

Anyway....Thanks for responding to my comment in a 'light-hearted' fashion as opposed to 'well, cross-thread You, snotty chit!' *L*
Just acting up as the canary in the coal mine....or mind... ;)

Yrs, Jerry

 

'Bots don't dis...yet....

Ears are attached to a brain. It’s been shown many times that hearing acuity is only part of the way in which we perceive live music or an audio system SQ. Prior experience and self training count for a lot. Albeit deaf is deaf. Just ask. Beethoven.