I am looking to upgrade - looking for advice


So I am the guy who recently asked if a Rotel 1572 preamp would work with a Parasound A21+ amp. So I was asking because I was thinking of upgrading my current amp which is a Rotel 1552. The rest of my system is Yamaha CD player and project turntable (both approx $400 each), Bluesound Node, and B&W 705 S2 speakers. Right now I primarily stream my music through the node. So I was interested in the next step to improvement and I thought it would be what the amplifier. After reading some of the posts on my original question (would the A21 work well with my Rotel preamp I am now thinking that I need to look at both the preamp and amp. Of course that is you agree with my assessment. Here are a few of the amps I was looking at: A21, Vincent  SP-332, and Bryson 3b3. The preamps that were suggested all look outstanding: Benchmark LA4, Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 and the Audionet Pre 1 G3. It looks like with these I would need to also get a DAC, not sure about the phono stage. Any advice is appreciated. I am knee to this.

tjraubacher

As previously mentioned, consider purchasing used equipment in exceptional condition. You can find high quality audio components on this site and US Audiomart. This approach may afford you the opportunity to upgrade your system beyond what you originally planned. Unfortunately, you will need to figure out which components meet or exceed your expectations before purchasing them online. Most individuals selling used equipment will not accept returns. You may also get lucky and find a local sale. The Music Room routinely receives used equipment and cycles through a lot of inventory. They test and certify every item. The only negative, their prices on used equipment tend to be higher. However, they usually accept returns. Just make sure you verify they will accept a return on the item you’re interested in purchasing. Take your time and don’t rush into anything before you know exactly what you want etc. 

IMHO, I think you would see a more significant improvement by upgrading to a really good dac. Then use the digital out on the Node. Then if you want to go further, get a linear power supply for the Node; you will be surprised at how much improvement that will make. I did that with my Node and am very happy that I did. I know that there are much more expensive, and probably better streamers out there, but most do not support the streaming services that I use (especially Idagio.) and 

I also had good results with what kmcong suggested, Node, power supply upgrade, tube DAC, good cables etc, details in my profile. Moot if you decided on the Hegel route.

Lot's of good advice here, but if you are wedded to vinyl get rid of the project TT. If not, go all in on digital. Really good analogue can be quite expensive.   

OP, you are getting a lot of great advice.  Some a little contrary or advice being made based off assumptions, budget, assuming you don’t like your speakers.

The advice on speakers having the biggest influence is great advice, the place to start is speakers, if you are happy with your speakers, start the upgrade journey with your electronics, if you aren’t, do your speakers first. Synergy is key on anyone’s set up and you want your gear to have the right synergy with your speakers, if they are mismatched, doesn’t matter how good the gear is, you won’t be able to take advantage of what the gear can truly do. 
 

The second question to answer is are you looking to upgrade in the most economical way, best bang for your buck?  If you are, the recommendations on Integrated units is a great one.  But, there is a big but, some want the flexibility of separates, especially when it comes to the digital chain, the ability to change DAC’s and streamers or both.  With an integrated you are locked into the all in one solution, sure you can get a separate streamer / DAC but you’ll end up paying twice then as integrated units that are true all in 1 solutions for streaming build that into the cost.  If I went with an integrated, I’d likely skip the DAC unless it was a great deal and you still planned on having an external DAC.  
 

If streaming is your “go to” for listening, it is mine, previous advice given on upgrading the DAC, Streamer and then the Amp / Pre is really good advice, as you move up the chain, upgrading, the quality of the Streamer and DAC becomes much more important, the flaws in your digital chain become more noticeable with Pre and Amps that are more capable.  Meaning, if you upgrade your digital chain your current Pre / Amp combo should allow you to hear the difference, if you then upgrade those components, things will get even better.  Each upgrade will bring you excitement and satisfaction.  Upgrade the Pre / Amp and you may find it really highlights the weak link which is the Node, you’ll then be jonesing to upgrade the Node, like yesterday because things might sound worse to you with the upgraded pre / amp.  Stinks when you upgrade and you find yourself thinking the old set up sounded better.
 

Going used is also a great way to go, saves you  quite a bit of $$, allows you to get into better gear, if you are smart about what you buy used, low risk, if you don’t like what you bought, you can sell with little to no loss.  
 

And… don’t forget about synergy is absolutely key, with the BW’s I’d be cautious around some of the brands recommended, especially Benchmark, they make great gear, but the Pre is known for being analytical, very revealing vs say Mac which imparts a warmth, can tame the BW’s.  If you go the integrated route and or pre / amp upgrade path, be sure to start with your speakers and look at gear that can drive the speakers to their full potential and have the sound signature you prefer.  If you think you might upgrade speakers again, also consider an amp that can drive most speakers to their fulll potential, if you don’t, you’ll be pigeon holed into certain speakers because of your amp and or you’ll need to upgrade both your Amp and speakers at the same time. If you really like your BW’s and if you did upgrade your speakers staying in the B&W family, I’d be looking at solid state amplification known for having a warmer, tubey vibe that is known to have great control over speakers throughout the impedance range. Think Pass, Krell, Coda, Mac, Parasound, also think class A.  I’d then look at a Tubed Pre you can get this in separates or some Integrated’s. 
 

Good Luck, enjoy the research and planning out your upgrade path, it’s all apart of the fun.