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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
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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.
blueskiespbd's avatar
blueskiespbd OP
161 posts
 
Tobias:
Why are you down on the Sonic? recently retubed with some vintage nos and it is a big improvement over the Linn Kolecktor I had previously.
As to a single amp... I am going to test drive an Aragon my friend wants me to hear in my system.
That Sumiko Blackbird is available with a trade-in on the Blue point at the record Doctor
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Blueskiespbd, I know the Moon LP3. I think it is terrific value and would sound even better with a battery PS. So I wouldn't consider changing that at this point if your very nice system were mine.

I do know that a preamp makes a huge difference in a system and I know other SF gear. I think that you would be pleased with the difference if you tried a preamp worth $1200 more than the SF in your system. (Actually a Klyne SK-5A like mine would probably cost about the same as the SF.) I do believe that the SF, especially retubed, is a big improvement over the Linn Kolektor.

I'm hoping you'll post your impressions of the Aragon.
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