Replace the Supratek Chardonnay with Accuphase?

What are the sonic faults that you hear with the Chardonnay?

One thing's for sure -- the sound will be totally different, and you may like some things betters and others not as much! Maybe you just need a different tube preamp if the Chardonnay has things you don't like about it...

I personally like the concept of a tube preamp feeding a solid-state power amp. And different tube preamps give different presentations. So depending on your personal listening bias, you might just be looking for a different kind of tube sound...

That said, I am also curious about what you feel are the Chardonnay's short falls?

Instead of mixed salad, whose end-taste is really depend on your ability to mix and match the different tastes of each ingredients, you would have a salad dominated by the taste of one major ingredient. Now, an all accuphase system likely would have a very company specific coloration of sound - which would most resemble to the silky and joyful picture of Watteau, like this http://www.music.indiana.edu/som/courses/m653/ - but whether you will like it or not, that one you really should decide.

Thanks. Don't get me wrong the Chardonnay is a very nice pre, having said that I do feel the bass is not tight & could be a bit bloated (to my ears). I must admit I do like a tight bass with a bit of slam & with the A-60 being on the warm side does not help.

I m no expert but in general tube amps compared to a SS *lack* bass. Hence the thought of change.

Any comments on the AN DAC/ Marantz CD-17 vs the DP-500?

Thanks for your insight.

My speakers are B&W 802 S3