2. misc-audio
  3. 1143564116

HELP NEED UPGRADE ADVICE

Hi,

Sorry to be so vague in the heading, but I would really appreciate help from the Audiogon experts. Anyway, I can only make one upgrade at this time and would like opinions. Right now my system consists of the following:

VTL MB185 Mono Amplifiers
Counterpoint 5.1 preamplifier
Sony C555ES SACD Player
B&W 801 Matrix 3 speakers.
Cardas Golden Cross Speaker Cables
Various Audioquest and Siltech interconnects.

Now, I only have about $1800.00 or so to spend on the next upgrade and was wondering if anyone could tell me which of the following they think would give me the most improvement (until my next upgrade in a couple of months)

1. Sony C555ES cd upgrade by SACDMODS. about $800.00

2. VTL 5.5 preamp. (to replace unmodified Counterpoint)about $800.00 final cost, because I'll be welling my old preamp.

3. Northcreek B&W 801 crossovers. $1600.00 final cost

I could do the first two upgrades for the same final cost, but I'd really like to keep the Counterpoint for a week or so to compare to the VTL before I sell it. Either way, I really could use some advice.

Thanks.
kensetsu
ecruz
402 posts
 
For your Sony, check out Tube Research Labs(TRL) mods. Must be heard to believed, $550 plus shipping.

I am in no way affiliated, just an extremely satisfied customer.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
I would upgrade the Sony...everything else looks pretty darn good to me unless there is something you don't like about another component in the chain.

I had the Sony XA-777es for around a year...very good sacd player, but only a fair cd player.

Dave
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
unless you are unhappy, i don't see a need to upgrade for the sake of an upgrade. i would think this is one fine system.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
I would attack the source first. Either get the player modded or get a DAC(this depends on how much you listen to just SACD as well).... The rest will follow as you feel the need to change or upgrade.
kensetsu OP
60 posts
 
Wow! Actually that does make sense. Attacking the source first is probably the most logical approach. Any suggestions on the next step. Preamp or speakers? I hear that the Northcreek mod is outstanding, but if the source isn't up to it then I might not be hearing everything that I could. However, Northcreek will be phasing out the crossover upgrade very soon.
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