Upgrade thoughts


I'm considering an upgrade-not committed to it and not sure which component would be best to upgrade. System= Sonus Faber Serafino; Michi s5 amp; Simaudio 390 preamp; DCS Bartok DAC streamer (currently being upgraded to Apex); Clearaudio DC Performance TT; Simaudio 610LP phono pre; Ortofon Cadenza Bronze Cart; Roon Nucleus; Nordost Heimdall II speaker cables and interconnects; Shunyata PC; Room is approximately 36x24 with an area opening to a different room. 

I enjoy different kinds of music-jazz-60s, 70s rock, country, accoustical. No classical or electronic- not a lot of really bass heavy stuff. Mostly stream from Qobuz-really enjoy my vinyl rig but too old and lazy to get up every 20 minutes. 

I'm pretty satisfied with my system-spend a couple of hours with it every night- and maybe should leave well enough alone. If I had to identify what I would like more of, maybe a wider soundstage and a bit more detail. Or, maybe I just have a recurring case of upgraditis because that seems to go with this hobby. 

Have toyed with going to Boulder 1160 amp. The Michi S5 might seem the logical weak spot, but I think its pretty good. Auditioned against McIntosh and Classe and I liked the Michi better. Boulder is obviously in a different price category-wondering how much improvement i might get for the money. 

Also considered going to Magico S5 MkII speakers. The SFs are fine speakers-would this be more of a lateral move?

Might be able to audition these in a showroom-probably not with my setup. 

Would appreciate any helpful thoughts-particularly about the Boulder and/or Magico.

Budget is 15-20 plus trade-in-obviously would be happy to spend less.

 I don't post that often but look at the forum everyday and have learned a lot. Things like never debate raven vs. prima luna, but helpful stuff as well. 

Thanks!

kerrybh

Oops, in my comment I intended to say upgrade the preamp… for some reason I said amp in the second paragraph. Hope that was not too confusing.

 

Preamps with tubes should not at all be difficult. The analysis is exactly the same as any other component. Any angst about tubes comes from amplifiers which need big high power tubes. Preamps do not have high power tubes and are pretty much just like solid state, although they tend to be more natural and musical. If you want your system to really capture the magic of music this is where to concentrate.

 

grislybutter

well, the left foot is concealed. Since then: Bad Infection in Big Toe Bone, 3 surgeries later, as my friend Nick just said:

"I guess your foot modeling days are done".

@elliottbnewcombjr I am no footie but you definitely are gifted. As a swimmer, I usually just look at the width, but your feet are like George Costanza's hands!

We had dinner a few tables away from Larry David. (we had tickets to see him later at a nearby comedy club).

How brilliant is he, George's hands, phobias, .... It was both interesting and distracting to see him rearrange the salt/pepper/ketchup OVER and OVER again.

I watch re-runs, never gets old.