2. amps-preamps
  3. 188487-184037

What next?

I have restored a Marantz PM94 and have recently purchased a pair of Von Schweikert VR4.5 speakers, am using Apple Music through my iPhone. What would be recommended to improve the sounds? Also have a restored Sansui 9090DB with stacked Advent speakers. Just read on the forum about the value of preamps and wondering if I should be looking at a tube preamp to add to my systems? Am retired so not looking to spend big bucks. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

daveoman
ghdprentice
6,428 posts
 

The next step would be a streamer and DAC. Sounds like you are talking a very low budget. Have a look at a BlueSound Node X. This should be a huge jump in performance. 
 

The more you spend (assuming careful choosing) the better sound you will get up to the limit of your amplification / speakers. If I was in your situation I would go as far as a Schiit Yggdrasil (no I am not joking) DAC, and a used Aurrender N100 (or better yet N150) Streamer. That is my guess about where you would be enjoying the best sound  quality from your system. Which should be far far better than what you get now. Using an iPhone as a source is pretty much the lowest level.

 

soix
8,750 posts
 

Agree your next move should be a streamer and DAC.  Not sure what your budget is, but you could get a highly-regarded iFi Zen Stream and Musician Draco DAC for about $1000 and be at an entirely higher performance level.  I started streaming with my iPhone, but when I added the Zen Stream my streaming sound quality went to another level entirely — not even close.  Best of luck.

daveoman OP
2 posts
 

Thanks for the replies, will be researching them.

soix
8,750 posts
 

BTW, what is your budget and would you want new or used?

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