What should I upgrade first on my budget system?


Will Vincent Baldwin tube amp--25wpc

Coinciden Dynomites speaker 90db

Rotel CD player

Cheap PS Audio 5.6  preamp. 

Project Carbon turntable 

Thanks a lot, Cory in Montana

coryb

op’s speakers

http://www.coincidentspeaker.com/dynamite-loudspeaker.html

The Preamp has very desirable features. I might consider it great value, inexpensive, but not cheap.

 

the tube amp appears well built, evidently maker has good reputation

 

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I’ll presume the speakers perform well in the space.

I would go for more power, to deal with instantaneous needs.

 

this is why using stereo amps that can be bridged as mono can be a good choice. Of course from a brand likely to be readily available.

Turntable: I do not like ANY of these turntables with tonearms that lack removable headshells. However, who knows, for some a single darn good cartridge, especially factory aligned might be best.

@coryb

Room treatments are pretty boring. They just hang on the wall and not much fun to play with. But, as other’s suggested, I’d make these the #1 priority in your upgrade plan to improve sound quality.

I’d hang a better cartridge on the end of the tonearm.

IF the Rotel has digital output(s), a good DAC will add rocket fuel to your physical media.

You mentioned you’re in Montana. Sorry, just couldn’t help myself and added this link.

Frank Zappa:  Moving to Montana

I would not call it a budget system.

Biggest bang for the buck? The turntable?

I know nothing about your speakers but they look very serious. Not the best match to your amp though, depending on your space/room size  (very broad generalization: if you are in Montana, your room may be big :) )