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What should I upgrade next?

I am wondering what others think is my "weakest link" in my system.... Here's what I have:
Ayre C5xe CD Player
Pass Labs X-1 preamp
Pass Labs X350.5 amp
B&W 802N (original generation)
transparent ultra XL xlr from CD player to preamp
transparent reference w/XL xlr from preamp to amp
transparent ultra bi-wire speaker cables.
128x128smatsumu
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,257 posts
 
Nice system. Get a computer based music server and download hi-rez files. You'll a separate D/A converter so budget at least $2.5k. It really would be nice if the Ayre had a digital input.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I am not a huge fan of B and W so now you know what I would change. Realistically speakers are so subjective that it might the least sense to you. You could always do the smart thing and save your money nfor a future need/desire.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Wow, nice system. Maybe you should spend some time/money on tweaking the room...

-RW-
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,377 posts
 
I don't like those speakers either so I would change those out. Plus they do seem the most dated of everything you have. If you love B&W then maybe the new diamond version which I have not heard.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
I heard the 802ds in a system where they replaced the 802s and I thought it was a significant upgrade (in the high end, of course). Otherwise, have not heard any of the other components. I AM a fan of computer audio, so you might explore in that direction.
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