I suppose you play “House” music on that system @zimmer266 ?
😎
Changes to older system
My system is the following, electronics and speakers bought from the store where I worked through college and grad school in the late 80s and early 90s:
- Cambridge Audio CXN v1
- NAD 1600 preamp
- NAD 2200PE amp
- B&W Matrix 3 Series 2 speakers
- Monster Cable interconnects and speaker cable
Overall I still enjoy the sound, but I’ve always thought it was bright and bass shy.
Where should I start to upgrade this rig?
- First and most obvious choice is cabling, but what?
- Second, Quirk Audio can upgrade the amp and preamp, but is it better to do that or buy new?
I’d like to stay in the $2k range per component - used or new.
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- 26 posts total
I would not do any upgrades to the current preamp and amp. It’s unlikely to make a significant difference and you will never recoup that investment. I wouldn’t worry about cables. Monster cables are not great but they’re not your problem. Also consider adding some room treatment. GIK Acoustics make good panels and they’re not expensive. You can upgrade speakers and get few panels and stay within your $2,000 budget. Good luck! |
@ideal8592 You state that you have a budget of 2K per component. I assume that you are planning on replacing the entire system. If this is not true please advise. Given my assumption is correct, I would 1st find a pair of speakers that meet your criterion regarding tonal balance and plays well in your room. I would then consider the purchase of an integrated amplifier that mates well with said speakers. Your budget would support 4K for speakers and 3K for the integrated. If I am not mistaken your Cambridge CNX is a streamer/DAC. You might research AG threads on Streamers and DACs then post another AG thread under Digital regarding an up grade to your source. It is a process. Take your time and enjoy the journey.
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@ghdprentice I also thought a tube preamp may help, and I’m currently looking at an Audio Research SP-8. Unfortunately I’m only using digital sources, so the phono stage would be wasted, but I always loved that preamp nonetheless. Thoughts on that anyone, or any other tube preamp recommendations? |
- 26 posts total