2. misc-audio
  3. 178960-172630

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
tweak1
3,681 posts
 

@carlsbad

 

Were you referring to a specific dac/pre (Chord Hugo?) when you said basically ’avoid...’

I have an Audio Alchemy DDP-1, a dac/pre, and it is excellent. A side benefit is only one power cord needed, plus clears space in a rack

ghdprentice
7,476 posts
 

OP,

Thanks for your kind words about my system. All I can say is, it sounds better than that… 50 years putting it together… it sounds better than I had imagined possible.

 

I have owned a Audio Research PH 2, PH2SE, PH3, PH3SE, PH8, and now the REF3. Each was better than the former. But honestly a really sweet spot was the PH8… I really felt it was incredibly cost effective. Of course you could not pull my REF3 away from me… I can’t help but think about upgrading it to the REF3se.

milo0812 OP
44 posts
 

ghdprentice,

ah ha! I was thinking PH8 when I get around to it. Thanks for the shout back on that!

milo0812 OP
44 posts
 

@laltik totally agree on the (any really) Aurender vs BS Node. The Aurender's I've auditioned do not disappoint. I do prefer the idea of having a separate dac from streamer vs bundled.

milo0812 OP
44 posts
 

thanks so much to everyone, you've shared some great ideas!! I will update when my next purchase is made. meanwhile keep the beat.

More to discover