Upgrading the Source.


I've slowly built a two channel system from the time I was 16. First starting with a simple Yamaha/psb combo till now...some 10years later to a SimAudio Moon i-5080, Polk Audio LSi 9 speakers and NAD 541i CDP. The Moon was the last upgrade and thus the NAD 541i, even only a year old, is the weakest link. I've come to the conclusion that small upgrades will cost me more down the road.

I'm an avid reader of UHF magazine and I relate to the importance of source first. What I need is some opinions on possible upgrades. Arcam, Musical Fidelity, Naim, NAD silver, Rotel, Shanling, Linn the list seems endless.

What I can tell you is that I could see myself one day, getting that final Intergrated amp like the SimAudio i-5. Possibly 3 years from now, no earlier then 2. The CDP I need should come up to the standards of the associated gear I'm using now, and also allow for further growth with speakers. I DO however feel this will be my last CD player, untill a higher res formatt like SACD takes off. Perhaps the Shanling S200 with the Chris Johnson upgrade?

I even wonder if higher priced players then the one I have now like the Rotel 1070 are even worth the bother. Again, I'm very happy with the Polk Audio LSi 9 speakers (some of the most underrated speakers on the market, and rightly so from a big market speaker company) I want the jump UP to count. Please help steer me into a narrower path.
lush
Warrenh

I got your email. I'm sorry I hadn't responded yet, I was on travel and didn't get to read your email until tuesday. To make matters worse my computer at home has been acting up big time, freezing on me, which is weird because I've never seen that happen with Windows XP. I believe is my video card(cause ever since I installed it, I've been having trouble with it). Anyway I'll try fixing it tonight and responding to your email.

I'll tell you though, first I don't take any of these discussions too seriously, so don't think by any chance I was offended or bothered, or anything like that by you disagreeing with me. Hell, I enjoy a spirited, respectful discussion as much as the next guy.

My whole point about this hobby, is that there is a certain level of performance, where taste starts to become more important than whether or not a piece of gear is "better or worse" than anotherone. I believe the LSi9s approach that level of performance. Like I said, this hobby is about enjoying the music, and the choice of gear is a matter of preference...and there is no arguing preference.

I agree with you on some of the things you mentioned on the email, specially the speakers stands issue. Oh...and no I don't own the LSi9s, but I've auditioned them extensively. I do own the LSi15s which are floorstanding speakers.

Anyway have a good day. I'll try emailing you back later today.
I found this thread I started a long long time ago. Well Ffontan I still use the LSi9's althought they might be replaced with LSi15's or I might upgrade to a better Monitor Dynaudio 1.3SE's or Reference 3A MM De Capos...

Oh and Warrenh, I upgraded my source. I use a Museatex DAC/Transport Combo modded by John Wright now. The Transport was actually John's who sold me his personal one. The impact this change made was not slight or small. It was only a month after I auditioned it I found out that it was one of the best DAC/transport combo's money could buy. At anyrate I have a first rate digital end that has made great strides in making all discs musical in ways I really can't describe. The Moray James power and digital cables really improved things as well.

On to new speakers or perhaps a better intergrated.