Which component to upgrade 1st ?


Hey folks here is my dilemma I have a budget of about 6K for a new component. I currently have Martin Logan Vantage speakers, Audio Research Ref75 amp, Audio Research LS17SE preamp, Rega P6 turntable, and a bluesound node (makes my ears hurt but you have to start somewhere) and a Chord Qutest dac. My wishlist includes Lumin T2, (sell Qutest and node), Audio Research Ref 5 used ( sell LS17SE), used Phono tube dac (currently have Mofi), or used Weiss 502 dac with either a Lumin U2 mini or Bricasti M5. I know start with source first but I can’t wrap my head around which toy first. Thoughts and be kind.

milo0812

lwin, ty! I admit currently I listen to mostly digital, and the node is definitely the weak link in my system. I find I'm torn though I keep thinking about how much better my phono could sound with a better phono amp. Then again these are first world problems I am lucky to have.

mwinkc I made the mistake of previewing a the Aurender A10 and N100 streamers in my system, ever since then my ears protest when listening to the node.

lwin, ty! I admit currently I listen to mostly digital, and the node is definitely the weak link in my system. I find I'm torn though I keep thinking about how much better my phono could sound with a better phono amp. Then again these are first world problems I am lucky to have.

Sort of wondering if you should even keep the TT? Or just move it on…

I am the other way around, and just moved from the 5 disc 90’s CD player to a DAC this year… but only use that when I am not run the TT. (Like podcasts and doing the kitchen work.)

The node is definitely the weak link. I replaced mine with a U-1 mini and it was a nice upgrade. Both were using an outboard DAC.

Instead of opting for the T-2, I suggest bringing in the U2-mini and a good NOS DAC of your choice.

For very little money, replace the power board in the bluesound with another from PD Creative and get an external power supply. For a few hundred dollars, it ups the game of the Bluesound by a lot.