2. amps-preamps
  3. 1243526709

next step for my setup? advice appreciated

Hello,

I've been on an audiophile quest for the last 2 years and I'm at a standstill and would like advice as to my next piece of equipment. Here is a summary of my journey so far:

I started with a Yamaha Surround receiver through Boston Acoustics bookshelf speakers (CR77) with a Sony multi DVD player.

I've ended with older Rotel separates (RB980bx amp, RSP980 processor running 2.1 channel analog.) Oppo 980 dvd player for cds and movies, also itunes into airport express. Speakers are GR Research DIY kit (AV2) and a 10" canadian sub, the brand name escaping me currently.

I'm very happy with the sound and with the bang for the buck, but you know, grass is greener etc, so here are my questions:

-- would a tube buffer between pre and amp help? I see the Yaqin is fairly inexpensive, but also read diverse opinions.

-- how about a tube DAC? Would this vastly improve the Oppo and Itunes? Both are currently analog into the Rotel.

down the road, I'd like to explore tube amplification, but for now I'm considering building my own DAC or trying a tube buffer.

any thoughts appreciated

thanks

Steve Cuss

Obviously, the sound quality is up several notches now and I'm very happy
stevecuss

Showing 3 responses by stevecuss

stevecuss OP
38 posts
 
Hi Guys,

thanks very much for the input. As a guitarist, I'm very interested in going tube somehow, but don't have the budget for it.

My budget is sub $500 and I'm a DIYer, so I'm happy to build my own DAC or even attempt a preamp.

Jylee: so you're suggesting I can add a tube pre to the pro and run them separately? I assume I'd have to reconfigure how my sub is setup. (My processor sends out an LFE signal just to the sub.)

As for the GR Research speakers, I'm very happy with them and would only upgrade them to a higher end GR Research. People make very bold claims about this kit, but having built them and compared them to paradigm studios and B&W Cms, I think the claims are valid. All that to say, I'm very happy with them.

Thanks again for the input. I'll explore building a Tube DAC or researching tube pre or power amp

thanks

Steve
stevecuss OP
38 posts
 
Hi Folks,

This is great feedback:

I'll likely start by adding a DAC to the system seeing as how it will improve two components - the itunes/airport and the oppo. New power cords and footers for the oppo and rotel sound like a simple improvement to make.

After that I'll start digging into tube preamps and see what I can do with a DIY kit.

As for GR Research and DIY speaker kits, I'm hooked on DIY. The Murphyblaster is on my long term list, as is the GR Research Neo2x.

I'm in Broomfield, CO by the way.

thanks folks for all your guidance. It is a fun and addicting journey

Steve
stevecuss OP
38 posts
 
Hi Folks,

just a quick update as I have greatly appreciated everyone's feedback. I bought a Valab DAC and it offers a definite improvement over the analog inputs.

I since found a Rotel RSP985 on a'gon which is a digital pre/pro and I'll sell the Valab and my rotel analog pre/pro.

The tube bug is biting, so I'll either pursue a tube preamp or possible keep the rotel and try a tube power amp. I have also since discovered the Peachtree Nova which is above my price range, but looks like a great integrated tube amp/DAC. Maybe one day.

Meanwhile GR Research sent me their Neo2x speakers to try and they are incredible. This whole hobby can be deadly.

thanks again for all the helpful feedback.
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