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Hierarchy of upgrade path

Dear members. Recently I have upgrated my system and I am happily rediscovering my music collection. A new search is beginning as I am planing to optimize this system over the next 1-2 years and here is where your input and experiance is requested. I have placed dedicated ac lines, PS Audio ac outlets, PS Audio Lab Cable II to the amp and mini Lab Cable to the CDP straight from the wall. Audio Physics Virgo II are driven by Vac 30/30 MK II with golden dragon tubes, Wadia 860x is the source and JPS Ultraconductor interconnects and speaker cables complete this system. Based on reading past forums I have put together a list of improvements and would like your input on qualitative and quantitative gains one might expect in this system from one or all of them. I enjoy all kinds of music but listen most often to single female and male vocalists, jazz and classical. Any suggestions are welcome however I prefer to keep it simple and not get into vinyl at this time.
1. Nirvana s-x or Audience Au-24 interconnects
2. Audience Au-24 speaker cable
3. Vac factory upgrade to MK III SE level.
4. Great Nothern Sound top upgrade for the Wadia
5. W.E. 300B/other tubes (generaly not recomendet by vac)
6. PS Audio 600 series ac regeneration for the amp
7. REL Storm or Stadium
Thanks in advance for your input and taking the time on this forum
endoit

Showing 1 response by twl

twl
3,251 posts
 
My personal belief is that the upgrade hierarchy follows the signal path. Upgrades at the earliest part of the chain give best results for the money spent. If you are already at the maximum level you intend to go with the source, then the preamp would be next, then the amp, then the speakers. In cabling, the earliest cables in the path will be first, then follow to the next ones, and finally speaker cables. If you feel that you are balanced with all your components and cables, but have one "sore thumb" that is holding everything else back, then you can attend to that first.

To address your specifics, if you feel that your AC power is still not good, then the power upgrade would come first. Then, I would go for the mod on the Wadia. Then mod your VAC. Then the cables. Then the Subwoofer.

My 2 cents.
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