SEEKING ADVICE: Which component would you upgrade first?
This is my first post, so take it easy on me!
I have a modest analog system and would like to get recommendations on which component you would upgrade first for the biggest impact. Please use the existing components as a gauge for my budget (+/- a few hundo).
About me: I'm music lover. I'm a musician and recording engineer. I have a decent collection of old and new records, CDs, and tapes, which I listen to regularly. I appreciate good sounding recordings and have the experience to identify good and bad, but I'm not interested in mortgaging my home to upgrade my system.
THE RIG
Receiver: Pioneer SX-680
Turntable: Pioneer PL-112D
Speakers: Yamaha NS-1 and Pioneer HPM-100
Welcome to Audiogon! Sounds to me like you have a nice (albeit) Vintage system. If it still sounds good I would change a thing. One suggestion is maybe adding an inexpensive Steamer / Dac and trying out Tidal or Qobuz to stream a plethora of New Music! Wiim Pro Plus is currently $219 and is getting good reviews. Doug |
sideways upgrades are good to avoid and from a few 100 bucks, that's what you would get. I would put the receiver and speakers up for sale and see what gets any offers. You can get a lot of incredible speakers that are better than what you have for under $1000 as in: |
If the cartridge is original, maybe something like the Audio Technica AT95e at $60. I assume you are not running 2 pairs of speakers at the same time. Ensure the one pair you are using (NS-1) are on stands and out from the wall. Ultimately, the receiver is best changed out for an integrated amp. Receivers generally sound crap. |
"lot of incredible speakers that are better than what you have for under $1000" So just wondering are you familiar with either of the speakers the OP mentioned. Seems like they are both highly regarded just doing a quick google search for curiosity. Apparently in your opinion that is that is not the case? What under $1,000 speakers are you referring to? Again just curious.
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some prefer vintage gear, but my experience is that most do not. An alternative is to have your gear refurbished, old caps replaced etc...my budget conscious friends have been very happy with current Cambridge electronics and Elac (Andrew Jones) speakers, at various prices...vintage gear is selling at very high prices these days... |
