Best Stereo Upgrade Value

In the past two weeks I’ve had the opportunity to compare the Aries Cerat Incito preamp to my Jeff Rowland Corus. In addition, I compared Odin One speaker cables to my Clarus Crimson speaker cables. Although there were differences between the preamps and speaker cables, the most impactful upgrade wasn’t a component. 3ma Audio (Luis) took about four hours to setup my speakers. After selling my subwoofers, I moved my speakers around and I knew something was wrong with the setup. Luis used a combination of computer measurements, lasers, and his ears to setup my speakers. I ended up removing four GIK absorbers, moving the listening position four feet forward, and moved the speakers 11 feet apart, measuring from tweeter to tweeter. Overall a more significant positive impact compared to the differences between the preamps and speaker cables.

Every time I have done a component upgrade the sound improves.  It also costs a lot more money with diminishing returns.  So pick you weakest link and have fun.

By far for me new amps.   Upgrading from what I thought was an awesome and venerable Classe stereo amp (CA 2300)_ to Audionet Max monoblocks was eye and ear opening!

For me, the biggest upgrade to my system is well....WHISKEY!

A good point. The way you hear is critical.

Much like vision. Do you see the forest, the trees or the leaves?

Are you seeing the details, or missing the finer points?

Are you hearing the details, or missing the finer points?

I'm sure some will agree while others will be bemused.

It's like those who declare digital is 0/s and 1's. Totally superficial and oblivious of the details.