Hi , you have at least 3 different directions I can go here, I’ll address the front end. I’m a Mid Fi guy, searching for cost effective upgrades. My chosen path is a Project Stream Box Ultra II with an Sbooster linear power supply, Shitt Yiggy, Cardas Clear usb cable, Morrow 5 interconnects to a tube pre. In your position I’d upgrade the Node power supply and get a stand alone DAC. There have been 4-5 great ones in the sub $2K range listed by some very wise members. If you do this , get it dialed in, then search for a sub, you’ll be able to see your amp/ speaker limitations. Then find the speakers that really catch your ear, followed by the amp that brings them alive. For my journey considering what I’ve spent, a $5-6 K DAC/ Pre combo feeing a power amp would be a step up. But we don’t know what we don’t know. But more importantly it’s the journey , not just the destination. So you’re right where you’re supposed to be. Happy Hunting my friend, Mike B.
Weak Link in chain as I upgrade from mid-fi?
This is a long post but want to be thorough in giving my setup and thoughts on it. Any feedback or thoughts welcome:
I finally caved and started to invest in a stereo setup after years dedicated to head-fi. Currently it's a 'starter' 2 way system focused entirely on digital and I'm pretty happy with it but want to sort of map out a good upgrade path, and am curious what if any 'obvious' weaker links I have in my chain...if theres something I could make a singular upgrade for and notice improvements without having to change a whole lot at once
Currently:
SF Sonetto i
Arcam SA-20 for amp + dac
Bluesound Node 2i for streaming/Roon
Marantz CD-5005 for transport
I love the SF...maybe Id endgame at Olympica Nova or Electa amator standmounts or Sonetto V floors. I generally subscribe to the thought of affording the most full range in a 2.0 possible before getting standalone subs but if theres a sub that would blend well with my current Sonetto i's musically id be interested to know about it.
The Arcam is a purchase Im also very happy with for now. I do want a bit more convenience of the sort the Sa30 would provide, Roon endpoint, wireless etc, but when I do upgrade amp might opt for standalone dac/streamer and better analog int amp.
The CD5005 I like enough but curious how much more Id need to spend to get noticeable improvement, especially given the other gear I have. I only use it as transport currently. I can't even tell what Im missing...beyond knowing just how much better a system could be overall from my local hifishop listening.
If it matters, I want to stick with integrated as I upgrade, and maybe endgame with a Luxman 505 or something all analog, which would mean a proper dac as well (maybe replace blue sound as well to get a nice dac/streamer?)
I will not anytime in the foreseeable future have a 'listening room'...it will for a long time be combined living room/tv/stereo setup.
Open to any feedback or thoughts!
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A solution for my system that is in a small room with exceedingly terrible bass problems was 2 subwoofers. The Arcam has pre amp out so an easy connection. I must say I absolutely hated the next suggestion however I tried it and it changes everything (for the better). I use a MiniDSP cut bass at 60Hz to the main speakers, this means your 80 watts will drive better probably never using more than 6 or 7 watts, this lack of amp stress will improve it. The Sonus Fabers are not trying too hard to produce bass which is beyond them, they will improve. Dial in the room bass nodes in my case all around 70 Khz and remove them from the equation, the room will sound better. |
@zander024 Here's my journey, which is all over the place until I got serious about a two channel system. I unfortunately don't have any dealers of anything local that seem willing to allow at home demos (I did in store demos when possible) so I've relied on countless hours of research. My biggest tip is to decide on what kind of sound you like and what you're ideally seeking as an end result.
1. Denon AVR, two Klipsch subs, and old KEF Q75 towers. 2. Denon AVR, PA240, old KEF Q75 towers. 3. Denon AVR, PA240, KEF R5. 4. Arcam AV40, PA240, KEF R5, added Bluesound Node 130 and shortly after did the PD Creative power supply mod. 5. Same as 4, but added Denafrips Venus 2. Major improvement but hampered by the AV40 since there's no way to eliminate everything going through the internal DACs. 6. Pass Labs XP22 added, Arcam goes through the XP22 pass-thru function. First separate venture which made a tremendous difference, Bluesound and Venus now are routed into XP22 which then goes to the PA240. 7. Same as 6 but added Focal Kanta 3s, again massive improvement. 8. Same as 7 but added the Terminator Plus because I was already familiar with Denafrips and wanted more of that. It's an excellent, balanced DAC, detailed yet smooth, huge soundstage, great separation. 9. Added Lumin U1, along with the X1 upgraded power supply. BIG improvement over the Bluesound, night and day.
That's a wrap. My final upgrade will be the PA240 amp, which is actually a good pairing with everything but is by far the weakest link in the setup. |
@christianb5s4 What an excellent progression! One of my biggest “aha” moments in audio was when I upgraded from a pre pro to a dedicated stereo preamp and sounds like you experienced something similar. It truly is the heart of a truly good audio system. Maybe a nice Pass amp next to go with your pre? Gotta be on your radar, no? Although I gotta say I’d make it a point to hear the GaN amps from AGD and Atma-Sphere before making any final decisions as they seem to be pretty groundbreaking amps that people are already putting in the “end-game” category, if there even is such a thing. Best of luck in finding THE amp that ties all your other excellent equipment together. |
Well just my thoughts when you are looking around you have to hear different systems and get to understand what is making eCh systems sound as it does. Get to know as many audio files that live around you. People always up grade and you have to know a deal when you see it and when you see it you need to be able to jump on it. That is how you will get the best sound for the least money. Be nice to everyone and you will get offered many items.
Regards |
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