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Upgrade Quandry - Who's on first?

Here is the current system:

Snell Type C V Speakers
NAD 2700 thx times 2 Amplifiers
Rotel RCC 1055 CD Player
Basis 1400 Turntable
Simaudio Moon LP 3 phono pre
Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 tube Tube preamp
Straightwire virtuoso Speaker cable
Sumiko Bluepoint Special No 2 Cartridge
Signal Cable Magic Power Power Cord Tweak
APC Power Conditioner H 10 Tweak
DIY BASS TRAPS/PANELS

What is next for a $1200 upgrade? I was thinking a new cdp or perhaps more powerful amps. As to the cdp the Sony XA 5400 es has been highly touted in some circles.
CLueless on the amp situation but I know the solid state is good for me and that with my current bi amped setup I am only geting 150 watts per channel and the Snells can take a lot more than that.
I listen to cds 70% ,classic rock, bluegrass some classical and jazz to.
Suggestions?
128x128blueskiespbd
bigkidz
3,386 posts
 
Assuming that your speaekers do everything you want them to do, always upgrade the source first IMO. I have recently tried new sources and was amazed at what I heard. Second the preamp to one that is more open with better details that lets the music flow out.

Happy Listening.
blueskiespbd's avatar
blueskiespbd OP
161 posts
 
0n the analogue side is it smarter to replace the Rega 250 with a better arm or have it rewired? I have been happy with the Sumiko cart but am unsure about the prospects of replacing it. So many choices on the cart side it seems a daunting task when I don't know what they will sound like.
Some are suggesting replacing the preamp----I trust you are talking about the Moon not the Sonic.
I am happy with the speakers until I can get a pair of Soundlabs.
I have thought that biamping would be the preferred way to go so I don't know about buying a single better amp especially when I would then later have to try and find a matching amp if later I decided to go back to biamping.
Ahhh, the plot thickens.
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drrsutliff
860 posts
 
If you like the Bluepoint Special you would love the Blackbird. IF it is set up carefully it could be an amazing step up IMO. I started using mine on an RB300 that had been rewired by Discovery cable and it was a very good pairing. I have since moved up to an Origin Live Silver arm, and still run the Blackbird.
sgunther
187 posts
 
Look into a TransFi Terminator linear tracking air bearing arm. There are some reviews here on agon and if you google you will find their website. I moved from a fully upgraded RB 300 (incognito wire, michell counter weight) about a year ago and have been completely satisfied. It is out of the box but maybe of interest to you.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Re preamp: no, not talking about the Moon--talking about the Sonic!

Re biamping: IME one great amp beats two lesser ones, especially, especially,
when the two lesser ones are biamped passively.
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