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what is my system's weakest link?

Hi,
I have put together and entry level system, and have been enjoying it for a while now and feel it might be time to step it up and upgrade.

My system consists of:
Thiel cs 1.5 speakers
rega brio-r integrated amp
pro ject debut III Turntable

I use my system for playing records almost exclusively

What component should I switch out/upgrade first?

I have been looking into Mcintosh c28 preamps as an option to switch my integrated with, had a chance to listen to a system with that c28 preamp and it sounded great , warm and very detailed, and it seems to be quite affordable

Any way any advice or tips on what my next move should be regarding new equipment that is relatively affordable ($600-$1300 price range) would be appreciated

thanks
Morey
moreytalmor
krell_man
827 posts
 

My thought is your amp. Thiel speakers are known to need high quality, high power/current amps. I may easily be wrong, but I believe that you need something better than what you have now to achieve the best sound out of the CS 1.5 speakers.

Chuck
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I agree with Chuck. The Rega is a nice little amp. Thiels like a beast to drive them, even at low levels. Not sure on the phono stage in the Rega either?
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
It seems that your speakers and amp get great reviews so you might post more information on your turntable for people to comment on. Something like a new cartridge, vibration control devices, or a tone arm cable might make a nice difference. Turntables are touchy beasts which is a big reason that I plan to stick with a digital source. A different phono pre might also be something to consider.

I have not heard your Rega, but just picked up a Yaqin MC-30L that I am very impressed with. One would be under $650 to your door with the upgraded tubes. You might read some reviews and see what you think. It doesn't have a phono pre so you would need to factor that in.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,172 posts
 
I agree with Krell_man. I have not checked you items specs specifically, but I suspect most any Thiels will not be driven to full potential except by perhaps the very best, biggest, and powerful integrated amps out there. A 50 w/ch SS amp may sound nice, but is almost certainly not up to the task of pushing any Thiels to their max, which is what you want to do to get the best sound out of ANY speakers.
moreytalmor OP
7 posts
 
Thanks guys this is very helpful,
I will definitely look into substituting my amp and perhaps enhancing my TT a bit via mat/platter/stylus upgrades.. any thoughts on what to get to spruce up the TT and any thoughts on my interest in getting that c-28 mcintosh + power amp as my new amplifiers? is it just a random obsession of mine or is this a good idea? :)
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