2. amps-preamps
  3. 142193-89892

Thinking about upgrading, but wondering about diminishing returns

Hi folks,

I have mostly Conrad Johnson Gear-- LP260M SE mono blocks, with 8 kt120 tubes each.  These are SET amps that put out 270 wpc.  I have the Conrad Johnson  ET5 preamp, with a Telefunken 6922 tube, and a pair of EgglestonWorks Viginti speakers (their new take on the Andra's).  Phono stage is the Pass Labs XP-15.  For source material I have a Rega  RP10 with the Apheta2 cartridge, and the Oppo BDP105 (Modwright upgrades) CD player.  I have Audioquest Colorado interconnects (go easy here :) ) and Audioquest Oaks for speaker cable.  My listening room is 13 x 19, carpeted floor, drywall walls and ceiling (well insulated).  I set up with the equipment on the long wall, with me listening from the 13' side (with speakers in about 2 feet and about 8.5 feet apart).

I listen to a mix of vinyl and cd's; vinyl when I have several hours to listen quietly (and clean the records on the Clear Audio Matrix Pro Record Cleaning Machine).  I listen to CD's when I have less than an hour, and for when I work out.

I am thinking about upgrading a single component, probably my preamplifier, to a Conrad Johnson GAT2 or a Pass Labs XS preamp (solid state). My thought was that this will likely make the most improvement in soundstage, imaging and overall musicality.  A used GAT2 will be at least $14K and the Pass XS used is about $19K.   I am interested in hearing from those who have had experience with upgrades like this.  I am also wondering (as a middle class guy)  how close does this come to the law of diminishing returns?  Finally, is this the component you would upgrade, and if so, if you had a wide range of musical tastes-- mostly classical/full orchestra in vinyl and rock on CD's, which preamp would you select?

Please feel free to take a swipe at these questions, and also feel free to point out if you feel I should be asking different questions that will help increase my knowledge and advance the cause for others.

I am likely to go to an audio show sometime, but please don't suggest that I go and listen to the gear, as that's at least 200 - 400 miles, and I don't feel right about going to a brick and mortar store knowing that I will almost surely buy used.

Thanks in advance for whatever assistance you can provide.


Ag insider logo xs@2xliamowen

Showing 5 responses by liamowen

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liamowen OP
193 posts
 
Thanks David.  I understand that it's my decision, but being middle class makes $15,000 A LOT of money for me, as I suspect it is for at least some others.  Maybe I can rephrase this as "what's the best bang for the buck" if I want to get a better soundstage (depth and instrument separation/definition) given the equipment that I have.

LAK-- I don't have a dedicated circuit, nor do I have upgraded outlets.  That would be easy to do, though, as my best friend is an electrician.  Is this upgrade generally viewed as helpful by the guys (and gals) with an electrical background?  Again, I have no experience in electricity, other than getting shocked as a kid, and making sure I have no static electricity in my system when playing.

Thanks all.
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liamowen OP
193 posts
 
Jim, your initial comments sounded fine to me, as do your others.  I appreciate your taking the time.  I thought about a Dr. Feickert before I got the Rega, and may explore that further.  Meanwhile, thanks so much for your VERY helpful comments.

Photon46-- Thanks for the room treatment suggestion.  I don't have any now, but certainly could add some, as this is a listening / home office / workout room (with a couch, ottoman, desk and cross trainer.  I must admit, though-- I have no knowledge of room treatments at all-- what is most likely to be the best bang for the buck improvement given the info I have provided so far?

Thanks everybody for the input so far.  Please continue to weigh in.  It is really helpful to me-- and thanks to George, who suggested that I put this on the forum in the first place.
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liamowen OP
193 posts
 
Wow!  Thank you all for your help on my original post.  Your responses have been very, very enlightening and helpful.

I am definitely going to go with a dedicated circuit breaker and some high quality outlets.  My electrician friend needs something to do this winter :)

I am also going to act on the room treatment suggestions, and the laser to make sure I have maximized my alignment on the speakers.

I will also do some testing with new interconnects.

Finally, I will check out a "better" turntable.  I am not sure what the rules are here about equipment, but if anybody has a lead on a turntable, or has one for sale, that will perform better than the Rega RP10, please PM me.

Sadly for the fellow selling the CJ GAT2, it looks like that's going to have to wait.

Thanks again for all of your help.  If anybody has anything else, please feel free to weigh in, either now or later.  I am still very much a novice at this endeavor.
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liamowen OP
193 posts
 
Thanks everybody.  You know, when I posted this, I really wasn't sure what to expect.  Safe to say that your collective responses have far exceeded by best hope for info.  I have a lot of specific suggestions to work from now, and that's really great.  Thanks again, everybody.

Bill
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liamowen OP
193 posts
 
Thanks everybody for the very helpful suggestions.

I have a call in to GIK and will see what they recommend and we can work out.

This process has been enlightening, fun and helpful.  

Thanks for all the insight and expertise.

Bill
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