Recommendations for 5k upgrade

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

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.

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.

If you like what you have, but want to refine it, I suggest upgrading to the Audience 12T with the Teflon caps. The regular 12 is a great piece, but the T upgrade is really significant. Then again, your DAC is good, but I would consider a better DAC before spending significant money on accessories. In the 5K range, you could check out the EAR DAC or even the new Acute, which will give you a transport for CDs. The Acute is VERY good. I've also heard very good things about the Berkley Dac, but haven't heard it myself.

Thanks all for the great suggestions and nice comments!

Source: Since I am focusing on playing FLAC files (still have to restrain myself from getting a TT -not talking about an Audi- as I know the total cost will soon exceed the cost of a new sub/compact car), and rather using the SACD/CD player occasionally (therefore I don't see the need for urgent upgrade; except maybe to a bit higher level like the Sony 777ES series).
I will look certainly into a better DAC and digital cable.

ICs: just bought the first pair of Valhalla ICs so will soon experience the difference.

SC: thanks for the confirmation of the Tyr2 that I was trending to. Glad to hear that this is not my weakest link.

PCs (your advise needed): In a forum they mentioned that Lars, the NordOst rep, demoed a system with (just) one Valhalla PC between the wall and conditioner, the rest of the system just had their entry level PCs. Lars stated that this setup is better than, say, all Brahmas throughout the system. The audience (no pun intended) concurred after the demo. If one follows this strategy, I would upgrade the AdeptResponse PC to AU24e first (it is what I put in my plan).
I would appreciate if anyone can confirm this strategy/philosophy in getting the very best PC upstream and leave the rest on entry level (or maybe stock cords?) to achieve the best price/performance. (I really wish not to need to end up with Valhalla -or equally priced, even used- PCs- for every device in the system.

Also, I will keep looking for the review on game changers in this area. Just looked very briefly at Cabledyne's website, the PCs looks decent.

Pconditioning: Even though I had great experience passing from a NordOst Thor to AdeptResponse 12, I will not likely upgrade to the newer T series before the source and speaker and power cables are upgraded. Rationale: if I shell out another 10k (or 5k for the upgrade) from the 12 to 12T, I might as well contemplate replacing the big Dunlavy SC-IVs to something at least good sounding but more appealing to look at.

As mentioned before, I will upgrade to at least one dedicated 20A line and ask the electrician to put more than enough earth poles to ensure I have the best ground possible, which I believe will eliminate potential ground issues.