Must agree with the subs as an addition, 2 are better than 1. Your main speakers are extremely unlikely to be placed for maximum bass effectiveness, subs let you do that. I have a Vincent tube hybrid pre / power combination and use DSP to reduce the bass to the main speakers and thus demand from the tube power amp. I have severe bass room nodes and DSP removes this too.
finding the weak link
I have been debating whether to post this and decided that the experience and insights of you all would be very helpful.
I am using primarily an Aurender A10 and Dr Feickert turntable as my sources with a Prima Luna Dialogue premium integrated amp (mostly using KT150's) and Vienna Acoustics Liszt speakers. To upgrade my system further my thought was the the Prima Luna is the weak link. Any thoughts? If you agree, what are your thoughts for a replacement?
Thank you!!
- ...
- 28 posts total
Addendum I rarely disagree with @ghdprentice but will do so somewhat this time. I will agree that the PrimaLuna is not the last word in high end audio and integrateds may have some compromises that aren't made in separates. At some point, you will want to go up the ladder to separates. But I'd also note that the PL is the Dialogue Premium which is their top tier with better parts. This is why I would not switch out the PL just yet.. IIRC, the phono preamp he has now pulls double duty and costs around $500. Price doesn't tell the whole story but it tells a lot of it. This is a starter phono preamp IMO and the reason I put it as second in the list of upgrades just behind the subs. I am partial to Rel because they integrate very well and bring a lot to the mains as well.. But, if you have the means, then certainly upgrading the PL is a worthy consideration. But it is my preference to only upgrade one thing at a time. That way there is little or no confusion as to what caused any sound difference |
I'm with artemus_5 on all that he describes. I believe that you have a very nice system, one that provides a great foundation. For making improvements my personal recommendation is to focus on your phono source first. The turntable and tonearm are fine, but the phono stage and cartridge have significant room for improvement. You will be amazed at what a higher-level cartridge can provide, and especially when paired with a better phono stage. A Gold Note PH 10 or a Manley Labs Chinook are two very good choices. If you remain in the Hana family then stepping up to the ML would provide very significant sonic rewards. These are just a few examples, but the bottom line is to focus on the phono stage and cartridge. From there, the upward journey begins. Enjoy it! |
Sounds like you’re asking three separate questions. Change digital, change analog, of change the PL. With digital, you could add a dac. I’d look at RTR dacs as they are generally warmer. For analog, an upgrade of you cartridge would bring a Big Bang for your money and then a phono preamp. As far as the PL amp, depending on your budget, separates might be a good avenue for you to check out. BTW, what is you budget for any and all changes? All the best. JD |
- 28 posts total