The room is 50% of the sound, treat your room first. Black Lion Audio PG2 is a nice power conditioner for $499. If you are going to upgrade your DAC iFi seems to get plenty of praise for reasonable prices.
Help me upgrade my beginner system!
So I’ve been an entry-level audiophile for a while - I’ve never spent a large amount of money to put together a truly impressive system. Currently, I have the following gear:
- Elac Discovery Music Server
- Technics SL-1700 Turntable w/Pickering XSV300 cartridge
- Peachtree Nova 300 Integrated Amp
- GoldenEar BRX Bookshelf speakers
- NHT SW2P Subwoofer (w/MA-1 amp)
I also have a bunch of gear I inherited from my brother (all from the 1990s) that I will be trading in to a local stereo shop. That’s where I need help. What should I add/replace to improve on my setup? I’m not sure what I’ll get for the traded-in gear, but I suspect I’ll be able to purchase around $2 - $2.5K in new gear.
I’m personally leaning towards a DAC to improve upon the one built into the Peachtree, and maybe a good power conditioner (although I’m currently using my brother’s old Tice Elite AC Conditioner). I’m very hesitant to replace the Elac Discovery because it comes with Roon and works with both Tidal and Qobuz. Anyway, would love to get your thoughts on this!
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- 47 posts total
If the budget is limited, I wouldn’t blow any of it on a Power Conditioner. That is a frill component that if it does anything will enhance the last .05% of performance from a mega bucks system. I would look at the speakers as the biggest bang for the Buck, assuming that you have optimized the room. Consider floorstanders, |
I would put it all in new speakers. Go for high sensitivity (less power needed) so you can more easily try tubes someday. My preference: no passive radiators, no ports, IF port front facing. I would try to not need a subwoofer, if sub make it a stereo pair of self-powered subs, located adjacent to the FL and FR. Some low bass starts mono, however the overtones progressively/quickly become directional Used speakers can get you more: IF you are careful, and if close to you to listen, avoid shipping. I would sell everything first (while saving other money). Then, when you know how much you have, see what available speakers appeal to you, ask here about them. Your TT and Cartridge are darn good. Replacement stereohedron stylus/mono stylus/78 stylus all fit that cartridge body, nice optional duster ... https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/is-a-ortofon-black-a-step-down-from-a-pickering-xsv-3000 amp powerful, MM phono built in, |
- 47 posts total