2. amps-preamps
  3. 1407575554

How big a change would this upgrade make?

I'm considering some upgrades to my system, and I wanted to ask if it will make a really transformational difference, or if it will be only a marginal step up. Not that I am unhappy with the sound of my setup, but like so many of us, I'm always looking for more if I can get it.

Right now, I have Joseph Audio Pulsar speakers, with computer audio as my source.

Suppose I made these upgrades (my current components on the left, new ones on the right):

Preamp: Arc LS26 --> ARC Ref 5SE
Amp: Pass XA30.5 --> ARC Ref 75
DAC: PS Audio MKii --> PS Audio DirectStream

At the not-small cost of ~$11k, would this upgrade chain be like night-and-day relative to my current stuff, or something much smaller?

Maybe one more question: if you could only make one of these upgrades, which would it be?
rrolack
chayro
3,011 posts
 
Get a record player. I have nothing against digital and I play plenty of CDs. But IMO,if you respond to vinyl, it will bring you more enjoyment than more expensive amps. Look into it. My suggestion is - instead of buying 11 grand worth of stuff, buy a Music Hall MMF7 for $1400 or so and try it. If you don't like it, you can sell it for $800 or so and move on with your life. It's a lot smaller gamble than what you're thinking about. Yes, you'll need a phono preamp, so add $400 or so, but you're still under 2 grand for the whole thing.
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jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
unless you are loving something that tubes add to the sound of your system, going direct from either PS Audio piece to the Pass would seem a logical step to try. You might end up being completely satisfied with your current DAC and be able to SELL the ARC 26 ... then you will have $$$ in your pocket rather than an $11k expenditure
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Hi Rrolack,

Setting aside equipment for a second, what KIND of improvements would you ideally like to have? Are there areas of your system you wish to improve? Dynamics? Attack? Detail? Noise floor? Midrange?

Just curious...sometimes, if you like your existing system, then instead of changing out major components, you might find great improvements in helping the existing equipment perform better. Surprisingly, isolation, good grounding, sometimes mass damping can have shockingly good effect on already good equipment (which you have).
fingerpaws
51 posts
 
I have a PS Audio Premiere Power Plant and replaced all the power cords with their cords. That made a wonderful improvement, not too subtile and very satisfying. I have vibration dampers under every component, and I could hear the improvement with each one! I also use a Qol, and I really love it. So, here are some more ways to play with sound...enjoy!
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