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.
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.
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.
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- 13 posts total
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. |
I would follow the source upgrade or addition with the Preamp. If you play your cards right..you can come out with extra cash to go towards the speakers or the preamp....your choice. Honestly before I paid to mod the Sony. I would just add a DAC.It is the safest way to go. You could always return it if it doesn't work out. Use the analog outputs of the player for SACD.Use the digital out for your redbook thru the DAC. I came across a fellow(dcbingaman)on audiocircle with your cd player. Here's his comments regarding the stock Lite Audio DAC 60 compared to the Sony SCD-C555ES. Never heard this DAC but it does look like a viable move. You may want to check return policies with the companies you deal with. GR Research sales this line of DACs and they also modify some of the units. |
- 13 posts total