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Upgrade Interconnects/Cables or…?

At 71 years of age, I have two possible upgrades I’d like to perform. After that I’m done, except for the usual tweaks (i.e., tubes, isolation, etc.). I’m very happy with the system I’ve built over the years, and it fits my room (medium), and the sound I’ve been after has been realized. I am guilty of concentrating on the main components of my system, and not paying much attention to what connects them. And, I’m in the hunt to upgrade my line stage…Maybe? So, what to do first, and perhaps I can hold off on the second option entirely? My budget is under $6,000 for either one.

I’m still an analog guy, even though I do have a DAC, Streamer, and NAS. My concentration here is for my phono playback. My interconnects and cables are old, but even so, each time I’ve upgraded a main component I have heard definite and sometimes significant improvement. Whenever I purchased interconnects/cables in the past, they were always decent ones at the time.

Option 1 - I’m looking at replacing the following interconnects/cables for my phono playback…

Turntable, Arm, Cartridge: Upgraded TW Acustic Raven, Ortofon RS 309D, Ortofon Verismo

               Current Phono Cable: Cardas Cross

Phono Stage: Tron Seven with the Reference caps

               Current Interconnect to Line Stage: Cardas Cross Reference

Line Stage: Boulder L3AE and recently upgraded the caps by Boulder

               Current Interconnect to Amps: Crystal Piccolo

Amps: TW Acustic 300B Monoblocks

               Current Speaker Cable: WireWorld Silver (original)

Option 2 - My system is fully unbalanced, so when considering a line stage, I don’t want to pay extra for designs that benefit from using the balanced side when I won’t be using that. One consideration for replacing my Boulder, is the Audible Illusions L3B.

So, which option might you choose if you could only choose one? And, what might you go with?

Thanks,

Kenny

kennythekey
soix
9,456 posts
 

Maybe, do the cables?

Yeah, when I tried the Cross in my system they sounded veiled so I’d think moving to something more transparent would better reveal a sense of openness and space that you’re looking for without necessarily having to give up anything in tonality or musicality. Can’t comment on your other cables as I’m not familiar with them, but I’d think even just replacing the Cross alone could be very beneficial and maybe all you need. What’s your budget, and would you look for new or used?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,892 posts
 

Sure why not…try cables. Something less warm than Cardas. Nordost, DH Labs, Kimber are some that come to mind. 

ghdprentice
6,950 posts
 

In dealing with your wife. I recommend a grand jester before she sees them. A trip to the Caribbean or a diamond bracelet whatever she likes. Then let her see it and say how wonderful it sounds.

kennythekey OP
593 posts
 

First, I'm going to zero in my speakers.

soix - Yeah, the Cross are older than many of the members here, but they must be broken in by now! LOL. I'm looking at a total budget of under $6K.

audphile1 - Now that cables at least feel the way to go, I think I'll run this by Jeff. I mean, he sold me everything but the Boulder, so should know what works best. He does have a habit of trying to blow my budget on just one thing, so invest in the best you can get with your money on-hand. I'm sure I can get him to suggest what to use for the whole package and maybe this might be a loom of cables.

ghdprentice - Ha..Ha..Ha! If I do any or all that you suggest for my wife, then I can't afford my cables. indecision

tablejockey - I wanted to ask you if you're after an original MR71 case or if you're looking for one of those custom wood jobs like I have?

Kenny

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,892 posts
 

Kenny…just checked High Water Sounds and they’re Audience dealer. I highly recommend Audience cables but they’re kind of pricey.

My recommendation, especially if you’re going to tackle one cable upgrade, is to start the upgrade process with speaker cables and work your way up the audio chain. I owned Audience AU24SX (you can find them used at a good price) and just recently upgraded to FrontRow speaker cables. The AU24SX is awesome. Detailed, extended and natural sounding.
However, if buying new from the dealer, they’re not cheap. See if you can borrow these cables to try in your system.

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