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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
milo0812 OP
43 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.

milo0812 OP
43 posts
 

@Charles1Dad. Indeed I think it's a toss up Weiss or Ref5 first. Will likely go for the  one I can find that fits the budget first. Can't lose either way.

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

A change of speakers will always have a greater positive effect than any electronics. Check out Devore

The TT/cart is also a transducer system… 

inna
7,232 posts
 

I would upgrade the digital source, yeah, if you listen to mostly digital. Otherwise I would upgrade the analogue front end, all of it including phono stage.

facten
2,774 posts
 

Agree with addressing your digital source first. Not sure I follow how changing from a very good preamp to another preamp is going to address the "ear hurt" that the Node will be feeding it

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