2. amps-preamps
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Got the upgrade bug

I am a novice audiophile and looking to take the next step in this hobby, which I understand can be a slippery slope.

Bought my 1st system year ago. Pair of B&W CM-1's + ASW 300 + Rotel-1520 + Peachtree DAC-it. Basically a rotel/b&w starter kit. I run sonos most of time but thinking of getting into vinyl.

1st upgrade was a power supply for the dac-it, which made a huge difference. Welborn Labs I believe. Worth the money. Then the folks that sold me the unit last year suggested that I purchase a new power cable for the amp, wow...made the background completely black. I get it now. And want to do something else now.

Two reasons for upgrade, I thought I would move my listening situation from our den/family room to my upstairs office. My wife prefers "background music". I prefer Dylan and Coltrane, and want to hear every instrument, and at a pleasurable level to my ear.

So, I'm gonna move the system upstairs, which is getting me thinking about an upgrade. Or a reason for an upgrade. Just like when my kid spills his paint set on our carpet all of a sudden my wife thinks we need new hardwoods in the playroom.

Anyways, I've got $6 to play with, including trade up value of above components.

Would like a tube component, maybe an integrated. Or a tube pre and solid state comb or solid pre tube amp. But with phono stage for table. I have Listened to some mcintosh and audio research tube set ups, love that "tube" sound. Warm...out of my price range though.

Definitely a full range pair of speakers. 2 channel set up. System is for music only. Love B&W's, so maybe a set of CM-8's. But open to other brands.

DAC separate standalone. Keep my ASW. Add a table, entry level rega or like alternative. VPI seems to have a good brand/company, so if I can get some extra $$ together, that will be the splurge.

Or should I keep my CM-1 book shelf setup and just upgrade DAC and amp, then add table? Room is about 250 sq ft. I listen to lots of folk, jazz, classic rock, jam bands,contemporary blue grass, Musical pieces.

Assuming New Prices:

Thinking 3k for an integrated
1k for a DAC
2K for speakers
1k for table (stretch)

Thanks for advice and suggestions on my new system. Any opinion is appreciated. So many options out there and not many local shops to kick tires.

Side note/different topic, what is the opinion of the forum on used gear? Specifically speakers? How old is ok. And how do you tell if the speakers are working in factory specs?

kernalsanders
zkzpb8
212 posts
 
I'm a big Harbeth fan - I have a pair of the P3ESR's - highly recommended!
egoben
56 posts
 
I agree that you definately should try your exisiting gear in your new listening area. And keep in mind that if you're are satisfied with the sound as it is, you might end up chasing the same sound you started with, but with a lot less money in your pocket in the end. But if you continue and do it wisely, you might score gold.

If you really like your speakers and the sound from them, keep them. If you want to try something else, compare with your current speakers in your own room. If you feel like it, buy used (I have no problem buying used speakers, in fact I prefer it as I don't have to worry about scratches on new wood veneer by the cats) and compare with your current speakers, keep the ones you like most. Or of course, borrow from any hifi store.

I have owned one McIntosh tube amp, the big integrated MA2275, a wonderful amp, but lacked a bit of bass control, like many tube amps tend to do. The sound is generally very nice, smooth and easy to listen to. I've heard the MC275 and the sound is similar, nice piece of gear. Personally I would prefer Audio Resarch as you can choose more freely when it comes to speakers, the bass is better I think. I haven't heard their smallest integrated amps but I'm pretty sure they sound great, look for the ARC VSi55 or VSi60, you should easily be able to get any of these for under 3k when they come up on the used market. And if you have the time and money to spare, sell for the same price if you don't like it.

Another tube option is Jadis, especielly for the kind of music you listen too (same as myself!). I own different Jadis equipment and the other day I bought their integrated Jadis Orchestra Reference, around 3k new. It's a wonderfu sounding 2x40 watt great looking amplifier, and it has tone controls too which I like a lot! The sound is very "real" and has surprisingly good bass control too.

If I would go solid state, I probably would have chosen the Musical Fidelity M6i, I think it sounds terrific, I could have owned one myself and lived with it forever probably. Of course there are hundreds of other amps out there, these are just my initial recommendations. Please keep us posted, very interesting to follow and see what you come up with! Good luck.
mesch
3,476 posts
 
You have been provided with much thoughtful advice and I will try to avoid redundancy while reinforcing some of it.

Move into new room prior to replacing existing gear.

I believe the Rotel 1520 has a phono stage, therefore it would not be too costly to satisfy your vinyl itch, given the provided reasons for it. Purchase a ProJect Debut Carbon or Rega turntable for under $500 and enjoy. Music Direct sells both online.

I believe in purchasing used gear. Have bought used from dealers and here on AG with great return on investment. Can't recommend buying a used turntable except as a pickup only. Amplification is a mature technology, ~5 year old amplifiers should be had for 50% of original retail and have most of their viable years left. I would stick to an integrated for cost reasons.

Save your digital upgrade for last. DACs have been around for a long time with the most recent development being there use with computer. The Async USB interface most recent. There are many high quality DACs on the market today that will be available used at great savings. Digital products suffer depreciation to a greater extent than other audio products. Your digital front end can be improved after you have explored and satisfied your speaker and amplification needs.

I have gone the computer route, via MAC Mini with Pure Music, a USB to SPDIF converter, and DAC. I also have a vinyl system though it is much the same as when purchased in 1982. One thing about turntables, they last and have held value.

After your move get back to us. Also please provide more on size of the office room. Good luck!
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
Audition a lot of speakers, go from there. Vinyl is great fun but ultimately expensive.
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
I've found that $1000 of vinyl is still much better than the same priced digital. I am selling off my TT/cart and albums as I don't have room for them and with MS, it's just easier using digital, but I LOVE analog best still and I've heard some 10k plus DACs. The irony is that the Krell Stealth DAC still sounds pretty awesome after all these years and the bass is much better than most DACs I've heard recently. Ironic how some of the vintage products can still sound great for the price.

I still think that upgrading should be very carefully done. Too often we hear of folks just getting new products to get new products (used or new) and then they turn around around go through it all again within 6 months. I never understood that unless THAT'S the real hobby ;)
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