2. cables
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Recommendations for 5k upgrade

As winter approaches more time is spent listening so I have allocated this budget for system changes and/or improvement. Planned changes are marked between brackets.

Source:
PC based music server / SB Touch (ext. power supply upgrade, maybe Bolder?) fed into Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC with Dexa opamps. Alternative source: Sony DVP 9000ES CD/SACD via optical.

Amplification:
Conrad Johnson CT-5 with 6H30DR tubes, CJ LP140 mono blocks (tube rolling planned, which 6922?)

Speaker/sub:
Dunlavy SC-IV modded, Velodyne DD-12 or REL R305 (haven't decided which one to keep)

Power Conditioning:
Audience AdeptResponse 12 with e PowerChord (AU24e PC planned, dedicated 20A lines planned with the next room renovation)

Cabling:
IC: NordOst Valkyrja throughout (maybe Valhalla, looking for alternatives with better price/performance), NordOst Silver Shadow for S/PDIF
SC: NordOst Heimdall (probably the weakest link here, upgrade to Tyr2 ? Alternatives?)
PC: NordOst Vishnu to preamp and power amps, stock PCs on other devices (waiting for the final direction for PCs, not sure to stick to the loom theory, having all PCs of the same brand)

Isolation: mostly Black Diamond Racing cones/pucks and one BDR shelf under the preamp, some Stillpoints (planning to experiment with alternatives like Aurio, Symposium, etc, under the devices, maybe some for under the speakers)

Room treatment: just acoustic panels behind the speakers, need high WAF suggestions for my 21' x 30' room which has a half sloping cathedral ceiling and an open staircase. (looking for bass traps that can blend in with the interior for the corners)

I am not unhappy with the current setup but like to have more details without being too lean/bright.

What is my weakest link?

Of course YMMV but appreciate any suggestion to take this system to the next level without a second mortgage (or divorce) and/or improve the synergy between components. TIA!
polyglot
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Nice system...in looking at it, the CJ and the Dunlavy are very, very good. If it is detail you seek, i can only think of Valhalla s/hand or perhaps focusing on your source...not necessarily DAC but could be...i also wonder about PC and Sony transport.

Some suggestions:
- IC/SC: Sablon Audio ICs, 2nd hand Valhalla
- Digital: 2nd hand Accustic Arts, ARC CD7 ($4K) or ARC CD8 (available on AGon for just over your current budget)

If you are looking for detail, decay, nuance but maintain what i suspect your DAC sound is like...i think these might do it for you...world class stuff.
bander's avatar
bander
504 posts
 
I would definately upgrade your PC's. Sell off the Vishnu's and replace your stock cords. Lots to choose from but do check out some other products. Search Triode Wire Labs here and elsewhere for information/reviews. I'm a big fan. Pete offers money back on 30 day in home auditions.
sufentanil's avatar
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sufentanil
782 posts
 
I agree with Lloydelee21, I think your source is your weak link. He gives some very good suggestions for good sources with detail. Maybe even a Bel Canto DAC or something in the couple thousand dollar range would be good.

I would address the source before messing with cables and such.

Michael
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Earlier this year I had the Nordost Series 2 Norse demo case less the Heimdall's. The Series 2 have much more 'weight' in the bottom end. My ic's were the original Frey and sc were also the original Frey. I couldn't (and still can't) afford 4m Tyr2 sc so I went with the Try2 ic. With the original Frey sc and the Tyr2 ic sounded very very close to the Frey2 sc and original Frey ic. The Tyr2 sc is in it's own class. If you have a local Nordost dealer see if they have a demo case for the Norse Series 2 that you could borrow.

Just my opinion regarding the new series 2.
sonic_genius
528 posts
 
For PC consider the Cabledyne coppers. I replaced my entire HT with these and they are very good not only for audio but video. For $140-$200 they are the real deal. I plan to write a review soon.
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